Forgot Administrator Password Windows 10? Here’s How to Fix It
28 June 2024 Senior Program Developer
Summary
If you've forgotten your administrator password on Windows 10, don't worry. This comprehensive guide covers multiple methods to regain access, from using another admin account to third-party tools. Learn the steps and secure your system quickly.
Table of contents
Forgetting your administrator password in Windows 10 can be a frustrating experience, locking you out of essential settings and features. Fortunately, there are several methods available to regain access. One effective approach involves leveraging another administrator account to reset the forgotten password. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this seamlessly.
Does Windows Administrator account has default password? Find out more in this article [Windows Server Default Administrator Password] .
If you have access to another admin account on the system, you can easily reset the forgotten administrator password. This method involves utilizing the administrative privileges from another account to change the password of the locked-out account.
Tips:Consider using the system’s built-in Administrator account to reset the password. In some PC brands, this account may still be active, with its password left blank.
Steps to Reset the Password:
1. Open the Windows Search Bar by clicking on the magnifying glass icon in the lower-left corner of your screen. Type “Control Panel” and hit enter.
2. Navigate to “Change account type” under “User Accounts”. If you don’t see this option, click “View by” in the top right corner of the window and select “Category”.
3. Select the user profile for which you want to reset the password.
4. Click on “Change password”. Note that this option is only available for local accounts.
5. Enter the new password twice, add a password hint, and then click on “Change password”.
Finally, restart your computer to sign in with the new password.
Tips:If you have a pre-created Windows password reset disk or know the answers to the security questions, please follow these methods to reset your administrator account password.
Another effective way to reset or remove your forgotten Windows 10 administrator password is by using third-party tools such as Renee PassNow. This method is particularly useful if you don’t have access to another administrator account or if other methods have failed. Renee PassNow is a popular choice due to its user-friendly interface and reliability.
Tips:If your administrator 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.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reset the Password Using Renee PassNow:
Step 1: Download Renee PassNow
First, you need to download and install [Renee PassNow] on a different computer. Visit the official Renee PassNow website and follow the instructions to download the software.
First, you need to download and install [Renee PassNow] on a different computer. Visit the official Renee PassNow website and follow the instructions to download the software.
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Step 2: Create a Bootable USB or CD/DVD
After installing the software, use it to create a bootable USB drive or CD/DVD.
After installing the software, use it to create a bootable USB drive or CD/DVD.
Insert a USB drive or CD/DVD into the computer and follow the on-screen instructions in Renee PassNow to prepare the bootable media. This will typically involve selecting the drive and clicking a button like Create Bootable Media.
Step 3: Boot from the USB or CD/DVD
Insert the bootable USB or CD/DVD into the locked Windows 10 computer. Restart the computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing the appropriate key during startup (commonly key F2, Del, or Esc). Change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive or CD/DVD as the first boot device. Save the changes and exit to reboot the computer from the bootable media.
Insert the bootable USB or CD/DVD into the locked Windows 10 computer. Restart the computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing the appropriate key during startup (commonly key F2, Del, or Esc). Change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive or CD/DVD as the first boot device. Save the changes and exit to reboot the computer from 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 Brank | Esc, F9 for "Boot Menu", Esc, F10, Storage tab, Boot Order, Legacy Boot Sources |
| INTEL | F10 |
Step 4: Select “PassNow!” in startup menu
Once Renee PassNow loads, you will see several options. Select “PassNow!” by clicking Run on it. This option helps you to reset or remove the Windows administrator password.
Once Renee PassNow loads, you will see several options. Select “PassNow!” by clicking Run on it. This option helps you to reset or remove the Windows administrator password.
Step 5: Choose the Target Operating System
You will be prompted to select the operating system where the password needs to be reset. Choose Windows 10 from the list of available systems and proceed to the next step.
You will be prompted to select the operating system where the password needs to be reset. Choose Windows 10 from the list of available systems and proceed to the next step.
Step 6: Select the User Account
A list of user accounts on your Windows 10 system will appear. Select the administrator account for which you need to reset the password. Click on the account name to proceed.
A list of user accounts on your Windows 10 system will appear. Select the administrator account for which you need to reset the password. Click on the account name to proceed.
Step 7: Reset or Remove the Password
You will have the option to either reset the password or remove it entirely. If you select “Clear Password“, the password of the selected account will be clear.
You will have the option to either reset the password or remove it entirely. If you select “Clear Password“, the password of the selected account will be clear.
Step 8: Restart the Computer
Once the password has been reset or removed, close Renee PassNow and remove the bootable USB or CD/DVD from the computer. Restart the computer and log in using the new password (or without a password if you chose to remove it).
Once the password has been reset or removed, close Renee PassNow and remove the bootable USB or CD/DVD from the computer. Restart the computer and log in using the new password (or without a password if you chose to remove it).
Considerations and Tips
Always ensure that the new password is strong and secure. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Additionally, consider writing down the password in a secure place to avoid future lockouts.
Always ensure that the new password is strong and secure. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Additionally, consider writing down the password in a secure place to avoid future lockouts.
Tips:You may try to use “Create new account” to create a new Administrator account to regain access to your computer. (new account name will be “reneelab” and the password is “123456789“)
If your Windows 10 account is linked to a Microsoft Account, you can easily reset your administrator password online. This method is straightforward and doesn’t require you to log into the system or change any settings manually. Follow the steps below to reset your password through your Microsoft Account.
Step 1: On the sign-in screen, type your Microsoft account name if it’s not already displayed. If there are multiple accounts on the computer, choose the one you want to reset.
Step 2: Select I forgot my password link located below the password text box. This will take you to a series of prompts to reset your password.
Step 3: You will be asked to verify your identity. Enter your email address or phone number associated with your Microsoft account and click Next. Follow the on-screen instructions to receive a verification code.
Step 4: Once you receive the verification code, enter it in the provided field and click Next.
Step 5: After verifying your identity, you can set a new password. Enter the new password and confirm it to reset your password. Make sure the new password is secure, using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Step 6: After resetting the password, go back to the sign-in screen and enter your new password to log in to your Windows 10 account.
Using your Microsoft Account to reset your Windows 10 administrator password is the easiest way to regain access to your account if you have forgotten your password. This method eliminates the need for any third-party tools or complicated procedures.
If this method does not suit your needs or fails to work, don’t worry. You can also reset your administrator password using other methods. Continue to the next chapter to learn about Method 4: Reset the Password via Precreated Password Reset Disk.
If you don’t want to download a third-party tool, you can use a Windows password reset disk created by Windows to change the password. This is also a favored method by numerous users for password reset. So, if you have created such a tool before, follow the steps below to perform a Windows 10 admin password reset.
Step 1: Insert the prepared password reset disk into your computer.
Step 2: On the log-in screen, type your password incorrectly. When you see the message indicating that the password is wrong, click “Reset password”.
Step 3: The Password Reset Wizard will open. Follow the instructions prompted on the screen. Select the password reset disk you inserted from the dropdown menu and click “Next”.
Step 4: Type a new password in the provided field, then confirm it by typing it again. Click “Next” to proceed.
Step 5: Wait for the process to complete and click “Finish” to exit the wizard.
To reset the admin password on Windows without logging in, the most effective way is to utilize a third-party unlock tool. There are many software options with similar functions on the market, but the most recommended and applicable program is AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. It has been downloaded millions of times for password reset, serving as a great helper when you forget your local admin password on Windows 10.
Follow the steps above to reset your Windows 10 admin password using a precreated password reset disk. This method is convenient if you have prepared the disk beforehand. Always remember to create a password reset disk whenever you set a new password for your account to avoid being locked out in the future.
If this method does not work for you or if you didn’t create a password reset disk in advance, don’t worry. You can learn about another method in the next chapter: Method 5: Utilize Ophcrack to Recover the Forgotten Admin Password.
Ophcrack is a reliable and efficient tool for recovering forgotten Windows admin passwords. It is a free, open-source password recovery tool that employs rainbow tables to crack passwords. The tool is particularly favored for its ability to recover complex passwords swiftly. Follow the steps below to use Ophcrack to recover your Windows 10 admin password:
Step 1: Download and Install Ophcrack
To use Ophcrack, you will first need to download and install it on another computer with internet access. Once installed, create a bootable USB or CD/DVD using Ophcrack to run it on your locked Windows 10 desktop.
To use Ophcrack, you will first need to download and install it on another computer with internet access. Once installed, create a bootable USB or CD/DVD using Ophcrack to run it on your locked Windows 10 desktop.
Step 2: Choose and download the Correct Tables
Ophcrack requires rainbow tables to crack passwords. These tables contain precomputed hashes for a wide range of possible passwords. Select the appropriate tables according to the Windows version you are using. In this case, select the tables for Windows XP.
Ophcrack requires rainbow tables to crack passwords. These tables contain precomputed hashes for a wide range of possible passwords. Select the appropriate tables according to the Windows version you are using. In this case, select the tables for Windows XP.
Step 3: Launch Ophcrack
Once you have prepared the bootable device, insert it into the ASUS laptop and restart the computer. As the laptop boots up, you will need to access the boot menu, which can typically be done by pressing a designated key (e.g., F2, F8, or F12) during the startup process. Select the bootable device from the menu, and the Ophcrack software will begin to load.
Step 4: Begin the Password Recovery Process
Once you have selected the correct tables, click on the “Load” button to load them into Ophcrack. Then, click on the “Crack” button to start the password recovery process. Ophcrack will begin analyzing the hashes and attempting to crack the password
Once you have selected the correct tables, click on the “Load” button to load them into Ophcrack. Then, click on the “Crack” button to start the password recovery process. Ophcrack will begin analyzing the hashes and attempting to crack the password
By using Ophcrack, you can effectively recover your forgotten admin password on Windows 10. This method is particularly useful when other methods, such as using another admin account or a password reset disk, are not available.
Before attempting any password recovery or reset method, it is crucial to back up your data. This ensures that your important files and documents remain safe in case something goes wrong during the recovery process. Losing data can be devastating, so taking a few moments to perform a backup can save you a lot of trouble later on.
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Use an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or cloud storage service to create copies of your essential files. Windows also has built-in tools to help you with the backup process. Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Backup to set up your backup. Additionally, ensure that you have robust anti-malware software running at all times on your PC.
Consider using a program like Auslogics Anti-Malware, which can run automatic scans of your entire system and locate even the rarest malicious items. With Auslogics Anti-Malware, you can carry out a Quick Scan, Deep Scan, or Custom Scan, and any detected malicious items will be safely removed from your PC without causing any damage. You can also schedule flexible automatic scans to ensure no malware sneaks onto your PC. This program is designed to run alongside your primary antivirus without compatibility issues, ensuring a robust defense for your system.
Tips:Ensure that you schedule regular automatic scans to keep your PC protected.
In summary, if you’ve forgotten your Windows 10 administrator password, you have multiple methods to regain access, from using another admin account to employing third-party tools, online Microsoft account resets, password reset disks, or tools like Ophcrack. Always ensure to back up your data before attempting any recovery or reset method to safeguard your important files. Now, you’re well-equipped to tackle this issue efficiently.
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