4 Easy Methods to Reset a Forgotten Admin Password in Windows 10
11 October 2023 Senior Program Developer
Summary
Struggling to remember your Windows 10 admin password? Don't worry, you're not alone. Check out these 4 easy methods to reset your forgotten admin password and regain access to your computer.
Table of contents
Have you ever found yourself locked out of your own Windows 10 computer because you simply forgot the administrative password? It can be a frustrating experience, especially if you have important work or files that need to be accessed urgently. But before you start panicking and considering drastic measures such as a system reset, there is a simple and convenient solution to reset your password. Method 1 involves using your Microsoft account online to reset your password, providing you with easy and accessible instructions to regain access to your computer. In this chapter, we will guide you through the steps of this method and highlight its convenience and availability.
If you have forgotten your admin password on Windows 10, there’s no need to panic. With the convenience and availability of resetting your password through a Microsoft account online, getting back into your computer will be a breeze. This method is especially useful for those who utilize a Microsoft account as their login for Windows 10.
Tips:Your local admin account must link to your Microsoft account beforehand to use this method.
Step 1: Log in to your Microsoft account online by going to
www.accounts.microsoft.com
on any web browser. Make sure to use the email address associated with your Windows 10 account.
Step 2: After logging in, click on the “Security” tab on the left side of the page. This will bring you to a page where you can manage the security settings for your Microsoft account.
Step 3: Scroll down until you see the option to change your password. Click on this option to proceed.
Step 4: You will be prompted to enter your current password for verification purposes. If you have forgotten your password, click on the “Forgot my password” link below the password field.
Step 5: Microsoft will then ask you to verify your identity by sending a security code to your registered email or phone number. Choose your preferred method and click “Send code.“
Step 6: Once you receive the security code, enter it in the designated field and click “Next.“
Step 7: You will now be allowed to create a new password. Make sure to choose a strong and secure password and enter it in the designated fields. Click “Next” to proceed.
Step 8: You will receive a confirmation that your password has been changed. You can now use this new password to log in to your Windows 10 account.
With this method, you can easily reset your admin password on Windows 10 without having to go through the hassle of reinstalling your operating system or losing any important data. Make sure to keep your Microsoft account login information updated to ensure that you can use this method in case you forget your password in the future.
In some cases, you may not have access to your Microsoft account or be unable to reset your Windows 10 admin password through it. In this situation, using a password reset tool like Renee PassNow can be a useful solution.
Tips:If your account is Microsoft Account, Renee PassNow will convert this account to Local account. After resetting login password, you need to connect your account to your Microsoft Account again.
To reset your Windows password using Renee PassNow, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download and Install Renee PassNow
Start by downloading Renee PassNow from the official website and install it on a different computer that you can access. You can choose the appropriate version based on your computer’s operating system.
Start by downloading Renee PassNow from the official website and install it on a different computer that you can access. You can choose the appropriate version based on your computer’s operating system.
Renee PassNow – Professional Windows System Rescue Tool
Remove Windows Login Password 3 steps for whole password remove process.
Recover the files Recover the deleted files without Windows system.
Transfer the data Transfer the important files of the computer with system.
Fix Windows startup error Fix various Windows startup failures or crashes.
Erase disk Completely erase disk files which will not be restored.
Remove Windows Login Password 3 steps for whole password remove process.
Recover the files Recover the deleted files without Windows system.
Transfer the data Transfer the important files of the computer with system.
Step 2: Create a Bootable USB or CD/DVD
Launch Renee PassNow and insert a USB flash drive or blank CD/DVD into the computer. Select the option to create a bootable media. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Launch Renee PassNow and insert a USB flash drive or blank CD/DVD into the computer. Select the option to create a bootable media. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Step 3: Boot the Locked Server from the Bootable Media
Insert the bootable USB or CD/DVD into the locked Windows computer. Restart the computer and enter the BIOS settings by pressing the appropriate key (usually F2 or Delete). Configure the boot order to prioritize the bootable media.
Insert the bootable USB or CD/DVD into the locked Windows computer. Restart the computer and enter the BIOS settings by pressing the appropriate key (usually F2 or Delete). Configure the boot order to prioritize the bootable media.
Common Server:
| Server Type | Enter boot menu method |
|---|---|
| DELL | Press the F12 key repeatedly before the Dell logo appears on the screen. |
| HP | Press the F9 key multiple times when the HP logo is displayed. |
Common Computers:
| BIOS Name | Enter boot menu method |
|---|---|
| ASRock | DEL or F2 |
| ASUS | DEL or F2 for PCs/ DEL or F2 for Motherboards |
| Acer | DEL or F2 |
| Dell | F12 or F2 |
| ECS | DEL |
| Gigabyte / Aorus | DEL or F2 |
| Lenovo (Consumer Laptops) | F2 or Fn + F2 |
| Lenovo (Desktops) | F1 |
| Lenovo (ThinkPads) | Enter then F1 |
| MSI | DEL |
| Microsoft Surface Tablets | Press and hold Power and Volume Up buttons |
| Origin PC | F2 |
| Samsung | F2 |
| Toshiba | F2 |
| Zotac | DEL |
| HP | Esc/ F9 for `Boot Menu`/ Esc/ F10/ Storage tab/ Boot Order/ Legacy Boot Sources |
| INTEL | F10 |
Step 4: Select password reset function
After successfully booting from the bootable media, Renee PassNow will load. Select “PassNow!” function after booting from the new created Windows password reset disk.
After successfully booting from the bootable media, Renee PassNow will load. Select “PassNow!” function after booting from the new created Windows password reset disk.
Step 5: Resetting the Password
Choose the user account for which you want to reset the password. Then, click on the “Clear Password” button. Renee PassNow will remove or reset the password for the selected user account.
Choose the user account for which you want to reset the password. Then, click on the “Clear Password” button. Renee PassNow will remove or reset the password for the selected user account.
Step 6: Reboot the PC
Once the password is reset, remove the bootable media from the PC and restart the computer. You will now be able to log in to Windows Account without a password.
Once the password is reset, remove the bootable media from the PC and restart the computer. You will now be able to log in to Windows Account without a password.
Using a password reset tool like Renee PassNow is a simple and effective way to reset your Windows 10 admin password when you have no access to your Microsoft account or are unable to reset the password through it. Keep in mind that this method is only recommended for personal use and should not be used for illegal purposes.
In our previous chapter, we discussed using a password reset tool to reset a Windows 10 admin password. However, if you were proactive enough to create a password reset disk beforehand, you can use it to easily reset your admin password. This method is also helpful if you have forgotten your password and are unable to access your computer.
Tips:Note: To create a password reset disk for your Windows account, you must be logged in and remember your current password. The password reset disk can only be used to reset the password for your account.
If you forget your password and have not created a password reset disk beforehand, you can use a third-party universal password reset disk, such as Renee PassNow, to reset your password.
Step 1: Turn on your computer and enter an incorrect password on the login screen.
Step 2: After a few failed attempts, a “Use a password reset disk instead” option will appear. Click on it.
Step 3: Follow the instructions on the screen, and when prompted, insert the password reset disk you created earlier.
Note: To reset the password of the current account, you must use a password reset disk created specifically for that account. Using a password reset disk created for another account will not work.
Note: To reset the password of the current account, you must use a password reset disk created specifically for that account. Using a password reset disk created for another account will not work.
Step 4: Select the password reset disk from the options provided and click “Next”.
Step 5: Enter your new password and confirm it. You can also provide a hint for your new password if desired.
Step 6: Click “Next” and then “Finish” to complete the password reset process.
Using a password reset disk is a quick and efficient way to reset your Windows 10 admin password. It is recommended to create one as a precautionary measure in case you ever forget your password in the future.
Introduction: If you have forgotten your Windows 10 local admin password and are locked out, using Command Prompt with a Windows Installation Media can help you regain access. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this.
Step 1: Prepare a Windows 10 Installation Disk or USB Drive
To reset the local admin password, you will need a Windows 10 installation disk or USB drive. If you don’t have one, you can create it by burning a Windows 10 ISO file to a USB or CD-ROM drive using another accessible computer.
If you do not have a Windows Installation media, you may download Windows Installation Creation Tools here:
| Windows Version | Download Link | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 7 | https://learn.microsoft.com/lifecycle/products/windows-7 | PC with a working Internet connection/ a blank USB flash drive or DVD with at least 8 GB of available storage space/ a product key |
| Windows 8/8.1 | https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows8 | Same to above |
| Windows 10 | https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10 | Same to above |
| Windows 11 | https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11 | Same to above |
Step 2: Boot the Locked Computer from the Installation Disk
Insert the Windows 10 installation disk or USB drive into the locked computer and restart it. Access the boot menu or change the boot order in the BIOS settings to ensure the computer boots from the installation media.
Step 3: Access Command Prompt from Windows Recovery Environment
After the computer restarts, the Windows Setup screen will appear. Click on “Next “ select “Repair your computer” at the bottom left corner, choose “Troubleshoot “ and then “Advanced options.” Finally, click on “Command Prompt” to open a Command Prompt window.
Step 4: Identify the Drive Letter of the Windows Installation
In the Command Prompt window, type
wmic logicaldisk get volumename,name
and press Enter. This command displays all available volumes on your computer. Identify the drive letter assigned to the Windows installation volume.
Step 5: Replace Utility Manager with Command Prompt
Once you have identified the drive letter of the Windows installation volume, execute the following commands:
copy C:\Windows\System32\utilman.exe C:\Windows\System32\utilman.exe.bak
copy C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe C:\Windows\System32\utilman.exe /y
These commands will replace the Utility Manager file on the Windows 10 sign-in screen with Command Prompt.
Step 6: Reset Windows 10 Local Admin Password
Remove the Windows installation disk or USB drive and restart the computer. Once the computer restarts and reaches the Windows 10 sign-in screen, click on the “Ease of Access” icon (represented by a wheelchair) in the lower-right corner. This will open a Command Prompt window.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command to reset the local admin password:
net user admin_account_name new_password
Replace admin_account_name with the name of your local admin account and new_password with the desired password. Press Enter to set the new password for your Windows 10 local admin account.
Once the password reset is complete, close the Command Prompt. You can now sign in to the admin account using the new password. Alternatively, you can add a new local admin account by executing the following commands:
net user new_admin_account_name new_password /add
net localgroup administrators new_admin_account_name /add
Step 7: Restore Utility Manager
To ensure system safety, it’s important to restore the Utility Manager to its original state. Reboot your computer from the Windows installation disk or USB drive again and open a Command Prompt window.
Execute the following command to restore the Utility Manager:
copy C:\Windows\System32\utilman.exe.bak C:\Windows\System32\utilman.exe
When prompted to overwrite the file, type “Yes” and press Enter to complete the process.
Finally, remove the Windows installation disk or USB drive, restart your computer, and your Windows 10 local admin account password has been successfully reset.
Convenience and Accessibility
One of the main benefits of using a Microsoft account to reset your admin password online is the convenience and accessibility it provides. By linking your Microsoft account to your Windows 10 computer, you can easily reset your admin password from any device as long as you have internet access. This eliminates the need for using a physical recovery disk or contacting technical support, saving you time and hassle.
One of the main benefits of using a Microsoft account to reset your admin password online is the convenience and accessibility it provides. By linking your Microsoft account to your Windows 10 computer, you can easily reset your admin password from any device as long as you have internet access. This eliminates the need for using a physical recovery disk or contacting technical support, saving you time and hassle.
Simplified Process
Another advantage of using a Microsoft account is the simplified process for resetting your admin password. Once you have linked your Microsoft account to your computer, all you need to do is go to the Windows 10 sign-in screen and click on the “I forgot my password” link. You will then be prompted to enter your email or phone number associated with your Microsoft account, and you will receive a code to reset your password. This makes the process much easier and user-friendly compared to other methods.
Another advantage of using a Microsoft account is the simplified process for resetting your admin password. Once you have linked your Microsoft account to your computer, all you need to do is go to the Windows 10 sign-in screen and click on the “I forgot my password” link. You will then be prompted to enter your email or phone number associated with your Microsoft account, and you will receive a code to reset your password. This makes the process much easier and user-friendly compared to other methods.
Increased Security
Using a Microsoft account for password recovery also provides increased security for your Windows 10 computer. By linking your account, you can set up two-factor authentication, which requires you to enter a code sent to your phone or email in addition to your password. This adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access to your admin account, giving you peace of mind.
Using a Microsoft account for password recovery also provides increased security for your Windows 10 computer. By linking your account, you can set up two-factor authentication, which requires you to enter a code sent to your phone or email in addition to your password. This adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access to your admin account, giving you peace of mind.
Seamless Integration
Microsoft accounts are integrated with various Microsoft services and products, making it easier for you to manage your devices and accounts. By using a Microsoft account to reset your admin password, you can also access other features such as syncing your settings and files across devices, accessing the Microsoft Store, and using OneDrive for cloud storage. This seamless integration makes it a convenient and efficient option for password recovery.
Microsoft accounts are integrated with various Microsoft services and products, making it easier for you to manage your devices and accounts. By using a Microsoft account to reset your admin password, you can also access other features such as syncing your settings and files across devices, accessing the Microsoft Store, and using OneDrive for cloud storage. This seamless integration makes it a convenient and efficient option for password recovery.
Alternative for Local Account Users
For users who prefer using a local account instead of a Microsoft account, this option provides an alternative for resetting their admin password online. By creating a Microsoft account and linking it to your computer, you can still use this method for password recovery without having to switch to a Microsoft account permanently.
For users who prefer using a local account instead of a Microsoft account, this option provides an alternative for resetting their admin password online. By creating a Microsoft account and linking it to your computer, you can still use this method for password recovery without having to switch to a Microsoft account permanently.
In Conclusion
Using a Microsoft account to reset your admin password online offers many benefits such as convenience, simplified process, increased security, seamless integration, and an alternative for local account users. This method is easy, efficient, and accessible, making it a preferred option for many Windows 10 users.
Using a Microsoft account to reset your admin password online offers many benefits such as convenience, simplified process, increased security, seamless integration, and an alternative for local account users. This method is easy, efficient, and accessible, making it a preferred option for many Windows 10 users.
In conclusion, forgetting your Windows 10 admin password can be a frustrating experience, but with these simple steps, you can quickly regain access to your account. Whether it’s through an online Microsoft account, a password reset tool like Renee PassNow, a password reset disk, or using Command Prompt, you have various options to recover your forgotten password. Each method has its own benefits, such as convenience with the Microsoft account, compatibility with different Windows versions with Renee PassNow, or accessibility with a password reset disk. It is always important to have a backup plan in case you forget your password, and these methods provide just that. So next time you find yourself locked out of your Windows 10 admin account, remember these steps and regain access in no time.
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