How to Reset Your Windows PC Password When You're Locked Out

Reset Your Password From the Login Screen

If you remember your Microsoft account password but forgot your PIN or local account password, the fastest route is the login screen itself. Windows 10 and 11 both show a "Reset password" link below the password field — click it, and Windows will walk you through verification using your phone number or backup email address tied to your Microsoft account.

This method works only if you set up a recovery email or phone number when you created your account. If you did, you will receive a code to that address or number, enter it on the next screen, and then create a new password. The whole process takes about five minutes and you stay on the login screen the entire time.

If you do not see a "Reset password" link, your account is a local account (not connected to Microsoft), and you will need to use a different method.

Key Takeaways

The login screen "Reset password" link is the fastest option if you have a Microsoft account with a recovery email or phone number on file.
Local accounts without a recovery method require a password reset disk created before you were locked out, or access to another admin account on the same PC.
If you have no recovery method and no other admin account, you can use Windows installation media and the Command Prompt to reset the password.
Creating a password reset disk or recovery key now prevents lockouts later — you can make one in Settings under "Accounts" on any Windows PC.
Microsoft account passwords and local account passwords reset differently; know which type you have before you start.

Use a Password Reset Disk

A password reset disk is a USB drive or external storage device you create ahead of time, before you are locked out. If you made one when you set up your account, plug it in at the login screen, click "Reset password," and Windows will let you create a new password without needing to verify your identity through email or phone.

To create a reset disk now (so you have one for the future), open Settings, go to Accounts, then select "Security options" or "Password" depending on your Windows version. Look for "Create a password reset disk" or "Password reset disk" and follow the prompts. You will need a USB drive, and the process takes less than two minutes.

Keep the reset disk in a safe place — if someone else finds it, they can reset your password without your permission. Treat it like a physical key to your account.

Reset Password Using Another Admin Account

If another person on your household has an admin account on the same PC, they can reset your password without needing your recovery email or a reset disk. Have that person log in, open Settings, go to Accounts, select "Other people," find your account name, and click "Reset password." They will not need to know your old password.

This method works only if the other account has admin rights. A standard user account cannot reset another account's password. If you are not sure whether an account is admin, the person can check in Settings under Accounts — it will say "Administrator" or "Standard user" next to the account name.

Reset Password Using Windows Installation Media and Command Prompt

If you have no recovery email, no reset disk, and no other admin account, you can use a Windows installation USB or DVD and the Command Prompt to reset your password. This method is more involved but works on any Windows 10 or 11 PC.

First, you need Windows installation media. Go to microsoft.com/software-read on another computer, read the Windows 10 or 11 Media Creation Tool, and follow the steps to create a bootable USB drive. The tool is free and takes about 20 minutes.

Plug the USB drive into your locked PC, restart it, and press the key to enter the boot menu — usually F12, Esc, or Del, depending on your PC maker. Select the USB drive from the menu. When the Windows Setup screen appears, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt. Type the command net user [your account name] [new password], replacing the brackets with your actual account name and the password you want. Press Enter, and your password resets when ready.

If you do not know your account name, type net user alone and press Enter — it will list all accounts on the PC. Then run the reset command with the correct name.

Verify Your Account Type Before You Start

Windows accounts come in two types: Microsoft accounts (connected to your Microsoft email and password) and local accounts (password stored only on your PC). The reset method you use depends on which type you have.

To check, go to Settings, select Accounts, then look at the top of the page. If it shows your email address, you have a Microsoft account. If it shows only a username, you have a local account. Knowing this before you are locked out saves time — if you have a Microsoft account, the login screen reset is your fastest option; if you have a local account, you need a reset disk or another admin account.

Prevent Lockouts by Setting Up Recovery Options Now

The easiest way to handle a forgotten password is to never need to reset it. Windows gives you two ways to prepare: add a recovery email or phone number to your Microsoft account, or create a password reset disk for a local account.

For a Microsoft account, go to Settings, select Accounts, then "Security options." Add a phone number or backup email address. Windows will use these to verify your identity if you forget your password. For a local account, create a password reset disk using the method described above and store it safely.

If you use a PIN instead of a password, you can reset it the same way — the login screen will offer a "Reset PIN" option alongside the password reset link.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not have a USB drive to create installation media?

You can use a DVD instead if your PC has a DVD drive. The Media Creation Tool lets you choose between USB and DVD when you start. If you have neither, borrow one from someone else — the tool is free and you only need it once to create the media.

Will resetting my password delete my files?

No. Resetting your password does not touch your files, programs, or settings. Everything on your PC stays exactly as it was. You will be able to log in and access everything once the new password is set.

Can I reset my password if I do not remember my account name?

Yes. If you use the Command Prompt method with installation media, type net user to see a list of all account names on the PC. Once you find your account name, use the reset command with that name. For Microsoft accounts, the login screen will show your account name or email address.

What if the login screen does not show a "Reset password" link?

That means your account is a local account without a recovery email or phone number set up. Use a password reset disk if you created one, ask another admin to reset it, or use the Command Prompt method with Windows installation media.

Is it safe to use Command Prompt to reset my password?

Yes, as long as you are using official Windows installation media from Microsoft. The Command Prompt method is a standard Windows recovery tool. Do not read installation media from any source other than microsoft.com.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.