Reset Your Password Using Another User Account

If you have access to a different administrator account on the same computer, you can reset a forgotten password without leaving your desk. Log in with the account that still works, then open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings." Go to Accounts, then select "Other people" from the left menu. Find the account you need to reset, click it, and select "Reset password." You'll be prompted to create a new password—type it twice to confirm, and optionally add a password hint that only you will understand.

This method works only if you remember at least one working password on the machine. If every account is locked, you'll need to use a different approach. The password hint you see on the login screen is not the same as recovery—it's just a reminder you created earlier, so it won't unlock the account by itself.

Key Takeaways

  • If you have another working account on the computer, you can reset a forgotten password through Settings without any special tools.
  • Microsoft accounts tied to your email let you reset your password online from any device, and the change syncs to your computer within minutes.
  • A local account password can only be reset from the computer itself using another admin account or a password reset disk you created beforehand.
  • If you have no other account and no reset disk, you will need to reinstall Windows 10, which erases all files on the drive.
  • Password reset disks must be created before you forget your password—they cannot be made after lockout.

Reset a Microsoft Account Password Online

If your Windows 10 login is connected to a Microsoft account (you sign in with an email address), you can reset the password from any other device with internet access. Go to account.microsoft.com on a phone, tablet, or another computer. Click "Sign in" and select "Can't access your account." Enter your email address and follow the prompts to verify your identity—Microsoft will ask you to confirm a recovery email, phone number, or answer a security question you set up earlier.

Once you've verified who you are, you'll create a new password. This new password syncs to your Windows 10 computer automatically, usually within a few minutes. The next time you restart your computer or return to the login screen, use your email address and the new password to sign in. This is the fastest route if you set up a recovery email or phone number when you created your Microsoft account.

If you don't remember which email address or phone number you used for recovery, Microsoft's account recovery process can take longer—sometimes several days—because they verify your identity through additional steps. Keep your recovery information up to date to avoid this delay.

Use a Password Reset Disk (If You Created One Earlier)

A password reset disk is a USB drive or external disk you create in advance, before you forget your password. It stores an encrypted key that lets you reset your password from the Windows 10 login screen without needing another account. To use one, insert the disk at the login screen, click "Reset password," and follow the wizard to create a new password.

The catch: you must create this disk before you're locked out. If you haven't done so yet, this option is not available to you now. If you did create one in the past and still have it, this is the simplest recovery method—it takes about two minutes and requires no internet or other accounts.

To create a reset disk for future use, log in normally, open Control Panel, search for "Create a password reset disk," and follow the wizard. You'll need a blank USB drive or external disk. Store it somewhere safe but accessible—a drawer at home, not a place you might lose it.

Reinstall Windows 10 as a Last Resort

If you have no other working account, no reset disk, and no access to your Microsoft account recovery information, the only remaining option is to reinstall Windows 10. This erases all files, programs, and settings on your computer's main drive. You'll need a USB drive with at least 8 GB of space and access to another computer to create the installation media.

Go to microsoft.com/software-read/windows10 on another computer and read the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool. Follow the prompts to create a bootable USB drive. Insert this drive into your locked computer, restart it, and boot from the USB (you may need to press a key like F12 or Esc during startup—your computer's manual will say which). Follow the Windows 10 installation wizard, and when prompted, select the drive where Windows is currently installed. The installer will wipe that drive and install a fresh copy of Windows.

After installation completes, you'll create a new account and password from scratch. All your old files will be gone unless you backed them up to an external drive or cloud storage beforehand. This is a significant step and should only be done if no other method is possible.

Prevent Lockout by Setting Up Recovery Options Now

The easiest way to avoid this situation is to prepare before you forget your password. If you use a Microsoft account, make sure your recovery email and phone number are current—go to account.microsoft.com, click "Security," and check "Recovery options." If you use a local account (one that doesn't use an email address), create a password reset disk right now and store it safely.

You can also add a second administrator account to your computer as a backup. If you ever forget your main password, you can log in with the second account and reset the first one. This takes five minutes to set up and costs nothing.

When to Call for Help

If you've tried the methods above and none of them work, or if you're unsure whether your account is a Microsoft account or a local account, contact Microsoft Support through support.microsoft.com or call their phone line. Have your computer's serial number and proof of ownership ready—they may ask for it.

If your computer is owned by an employer or school, contact your IT department or help desk instead. They have tools to reset passwords on managed devices and can often do it faster than the methods above.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a Microsoft account or a local account?

Look at the login screen. If you sign in with an email address, it's a Microsoft account. If you sign in with a username (like "John" or "JSmith"), it's a local account. You can also check by going to Settings > Accounts > Your info on a computer where you can still log in.

Can I reset my password without restarting my computer?

Yes, if you have another working administrator account on the same computer. Log in with that account, go to Settings > Accounts > Other people, find your account, and select "Reset password." No restart needed.

What if I forgot my Microsoft account password and my recovery email is old?

Go to account.microsoft.com, click "Sign in," then "Can't access your account." Microsoft will walk you through identity verification using your phone number, security questions, or other methods. This can take several days if your recovery information is outdated, so update it as soon as you regain access.

Is there a way to bypass the Windows 10 login screen without resetting?

No. Windows 10 is designed so that only the account owner or an administrator can access the computer. There is no legitimate bypass. Any tool claiming to do so is either a scam or malware.

Can I use someone else's password reset disk on my computer?

No. A password reset disk is tied to the specific account it was created for and only works on the computer where it was made. You cannot use another person's disk to reset your own password.