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2 June 2024  Amanda J. Brook  Senior Product Manager
 

Summary
Discover various methods to recover a forgotten Windows 10 local account password. This comprehensive guide covers easy to advanced solutions like security questions, command prompt, and third-party tools to help you regain access.



Table of contents

table iconMethod 1: Use Security Questions to Reset Your Local Account Password Easily
table iconMethod 2: Reset Windows 10 Local Account Password Using  Renee PassNow
table iconMethod 3: Employ the Command Prompt for a More Technical Approach to Resetting Your Password
table iconMethod 4: Utilize a Password Reset Disk as a Pre-Prepared Solution for Password Recovery
table iconMethod 5: Utilize Ophcrack as a Solution for Local Account Password Recovery
table iconMethod 6: Use Another Administrator Account on the Same Device
table iconUnderstanding Local vs. Microsoft Accounts
table iconConclusion
Forgetting your Windows 10 local account password can be a frustrating experience, but fortunately, there are several methods available to help you regain access to your account. One of the simplest ways to reset your password is by using security questions. In the next chapter, we’ll guide you through Method 1: Use Security Questions to reset your local account password easily.

Method 1: Use Security Questions to Reset Your Local Account Password Easily

Forgetting your Windows 10 local account password can be a frustrating experience, but fortunately, there are several methods available to help you regain access to your account. One of the simplest ways to reset your password is by using security questions. By setting up security questions, you can conveniently reset your password without needing any additional tools or devices.
Step 1: Access the Password Reset Option
To begin the password reset process using security questions, you first need to reach the password reset screen. When you are on the login screen, enter an incorrect password a few times until you see the “Reset password” option to reset your password.
reset password with Windows 10 password reset disk
Step 2: Answer the Security Questions
You will be prompted to answer the security questions that you previously set up when creating your local account. These questions might include queries like “What is your mother’s maiden name?” or “What was the name of your first pet?”. Carefully provide the correct answers to these questions.
answer Windows secure question to reset login password
Step 3: Create a New Password
Once you have successfully answered the security questions, you will be directed to a new screen where you can create a new password for your local account. Enter a strong and memorable password, confirm it, and then click “Next” or “Finish” to complete the process.
Step 4: Log Back In
After resetting your password, go back to the login screen and use your new password to log in to your account. Ensure you safely store your new password to prevent future lockouts.
Pros:
  • Convenient and user-friendly method
  • Does not require any external devices or software
  • Straightforward setup process

Cons:

  • Security questions and answers must be memorable and not easily guessable

In the next chapter, we’ll guide you through Method 2: Reset your password using third-party tools like Renee PassNow for a reliable recovery option. This method offers an alternative for those who may not have set up security questions or are looking for an additional way to recover their account.

Method 2: Reset Windows 10 Local Account Password Using Renee PassNow

Renee PassNow is a software tool designed to help users reset their Windows passwords when they are locked out of their accounts. It’s particularly useful for those who have forgotten their Windows 10 local password and need a quick way to regain access to their system.
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. Ensure to download the appropriate version based on your computer’s operating system.
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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 and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
use renee passnow to create usb to reset passnword
Step 3: Boot the Locked Computer 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. Here are some common methods to enter the boot menu:
For Servers:
  • 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.
For Common Computers:
  • 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): F12 or F2
Step 4: Reset Your Password
After booting from the media, follow the on-screen instructions to reset your password. Renee PassNow will guide you through the process, allowing you to create a new password for your account. Please select “PassNow” in the main menu.
click on passnow to reset login password
Step 5: Choose the user account for which you want to reset the password. Then, click on the “Clear Password” button. Renee PassNow will reset the password for the selected user account.
Choose target account
clear login password with renee passnow
Step 6: Log Back In
Restart your computer and remove the bootable media. Simply click the login button to access your account without needing a password.
Using third-party tools like Renee PassNow offers a reliable method for password recovery. This process is straightforward and does not require you to remember security questions. However, always download such tools from official sources to avoid potential security risks.

Method 3: Employ the Command Prompt for a More Technical Approach to Resetting Your Password

For those who prefer a technically intricate method, using the Command Prompt in Windows Installation Media can be an effective approach to reset your forgotten password in Windows 10 or Windows 11. This method involves utilizing specific command lines, making it more complicated but rewarding for tech-savvy users. Ensuring precision is crucial, as input errors can trigger parameter issues. Below, we delve into how to employ the Command Prompt for this purpose.
Step 1: Create a Windows Installation USB
To proceed, you would need a Windows 10/11 installation USB, which you can easily prepare by downloading the Windows Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website. The beauty of a bootable USB is that it allows you to perform various remedial steps on a Windows PC, like resetting a local admin password.
If you do not have a Windows Installation media, you may download Windows Installation Creation Tools here:
Windows VersionDownload LinkRequirement
Windows 7https://learn.microsoft.com/lifecycle/products/windows-7PC 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 8/8.1https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows8Same to above
Windows 10https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10Same to above
Windows 11https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11Same to above
choose the option for creating ISO
Step 2: Boot from Windows Installation Media
Boot your PC from the Windows installation USB. This can be done with the help of the Boot Menu. For instance, on a Lenovo laptop, press the Enter key once the computer boots up. Then press F12 to open the Boot Menu and choose the USB drive (e.g., SanDisk USB drive) from the menu. Note that the boot menu key may vary for different brands, so ensure you know the correct key for your specific device.
Step 3: Open Windows Setup Screen
Once your PC boots from the installation USB, you will see the Windows Setup screen. Select your preferred language and keyboard, then click Next. Don’t worry; we will not be installing Windows afresh, nor will you lose any personal data using this method.
Step 4: Launch Command Prompt
Press the Shift + F10 keys together on your keyboard to bring up the Command Prompt window. The Command Prompt is a powerful tool that can resolve numerous issues on your PC using shortcut methods.
shift + f10 while install Windows
Step 5: Replace Utility Manager with Command Prompt
Type the following commands in the Command Prompt window, pressing Enter after each line:

move c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe c:\

copy c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe

This will replace the Windows Utility Manager with Command Prompt.
Step 6: Restart Your PC
Remove the Windows installation USB and restart your PC. You can do this using the command

wpeutil restart

or by turning your computer off and then on again.
Step 7: Open Command Prompt from Login Screen
Once the PC restarts and you see the login screen, click on the Ease of Access button. Normally, this would open the Ease of Access menu, but with the previous steps, it will now open the Command Prompt.
ease_of_access_in_login_screen
Step 8: Reset Windows Password
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command to reset your password:

net user username newpassword

Replace username with your admin account username and newpassword with your new desired password. Press Enter to execute the command.
Step 9: Log In with the New Password
Close the Command Prompt window and log in to your Windows local admin account using the new password you set. Your password should now be reset.
Additional Considerations
Using the Command Prompt through Windows Installation Media to reset a password is an advanced technique and should be performed with caution. Users unfamiliar with command line operations may find this method challenging. It’s essential to avoid any typographical errors during input to prevent parameter errors.
While this approach offers a free solution, it is primarily recommended for users with a solid grasp of computer operations. For those uncomfortable with these steps, third-party tools or simpler methods, such as using security questions, might be better suited. You may also consider advanced tools like Kali Linux LiveCD, which provides powerful capabilities for tech-savvy users familiar with Linux environments.
Tips:Ensure precision in command inputs to avoid errors.

Method 4: Utilize a Password Reset Disk as a Pre-Prepared Solution for Password Recovery

When it comes to resetting a forgotten local account password in Windows 10, one of the most efficient pre-prepared solutions is using a Password Reset Disk. This method leverages a previously created USB flash drive or floppy disk that contains the information necessary to reset your password, making it an indispensable tool in case you find yourself locked out of your computer.
Using the Password Reset Disk
If you find yourself unable to log in because you forgot your password, the Password Reset Disk can save the day. Here’s how to use it:
1. At the login screen, enter an incorrect password to trigger the Reset password option.
2. Click on the [ Use a password reset disk instead ] option. You will be prompted to insert your Password Reset Disk.
answer Windows secure question to reset login password
3. Insert the Password Reset Disk into the USB port.
4. Follow the instructions to reset your password. You will need to create a new password for your account.
Handling Multiple Accounts
In case you have multiple local accounts on your computer, such as one for yourself and another for Jon, you can manage password reset disks for each account efficiently. Create separate folders on your USB drive for each account—for example, a folder named Jon for the Jon account.
When you need to reset the password for the Jon account, you can use another (working) computer to move the .psw file out of the Jon folder and into the root of the floppy disk or flash drive so that Windows can read from the right one. It doesn’t matter how many folders you keep password backup files in or how many are on a single disk, as long as the file names and extensions remain unchanged.

Method 5: Utilize Ophcrack as a Solution for Local Account Password Recovery

Ophcrack is a free and open-source password recovery tool that can be incredibly useful when you have forgotten your Windows 10 local account password. It works by utilizing LM (LAN Manager) hashes through rainbow tables to recover passwords. This method can be particularly effective for those comfortable with more technical solutions.
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.
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 Rainbow table
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.
Launch Ophcrack
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
Ophcrack Account List
Tips:Ensure you download the correct rainbow tables for your Windows version.

Method 6: Use Another Administrator Account on the Same Device

Understanding the Administrator Account
An administrator account has higher privileges compared to a standard user account. With these elevated privileges, you can manage system settings, install or remove software, and, importantly, reset passwords for other accounts on the device.
Step 1: Log in with an Administrator Account
First, ensure that you have access to another administrator account on the same device. Log in to this administrator account using your known password.
Step 2: Open the Control Panel
Once logged in, open the Control Panel. You can do this by typing Control Panel in the search bar next to the Start button and selecting it from the search results.
Step 3: Navigate to User Accounts
In the Control Panel, click on User Accounts and then select Manage another account. This will display all user accounts on the device.
Step 4: Select the Account to Reset
Find the account for which you have forgotten the password and click on it. This will open the account management options for that specific account.
Step 5: Reset Password
Click on Change the password. You will be prompted to enter a new password and confirm it. Enter a new password that you can easily remember but that is also secure.

Understanding Local vs. Microsoft Accounts

When setting up a Windows 10 computer, you can create a local account or a Microsoft account. A local account exists only on your computer, requiring no internet connection, with settings and files stored locally. A Microsoft account uses an email address, integrates with Microsoft services, stores data in the cloud, and syncs settings across devices. You can also have a Microsoft account without using it as your Windows user account, allowing for separate passwords.
Security and Password Recovery
The choice between a local account and a Microsoft account significantly affects how you recover a forgotten password. With a Microsoft account, password recovery is straightforward: you can reset your password online through the Microsoft password reset page. This is because your account information, including the password, is stored in the cloud. On the other hand, with a local account, the password is stored locally on your device. Hence, traditional methods such as security questions or a password reset disk become crucial for recovery.
Convenience and Integration
Using a Microsoft account offers greater ease of access if you are signed into multiple devices and services. For example, if you’re signed into your Microsoft account on your computer and click on OneDrive, whether in File Explorer or in your browser, OneDrive opens seamlessly. Conversely, if you’re using a local account, you’ll need to enter your Microsoft account credentials to access services like OneDrive.Furthermore, a Microsoft account allows you to synchronize settings and data across various devices. This integration extends to other Microsoft services like Microsoft Edge, Mail and Calendar, Office, Microsoft Store, or Skype. This automatic synchronization provides a more unified user experience, particularly for those actively using multiple Microsoft services.
Pros:
  • 1. Streamlined password recovery through online reset.
  • 2. Seamless integration with Microsoft services like OneDrive, Office, and Skype.
  • 3. Synchronization of settings and data across multiple devices.
  • 4. Enhanced convenience for users with multiple devices and services.

Cons:

  • 1. Privacy concerns due to sharing personal information with Microsoft.
  • 2. Vulnerability to hacking if strong passwords and two-step authentication are not used.
  • 3. Potential for being locked out of all connected devices and services if the account is compromised.

Conclusion

In conclusion, regaining access to your Windows 10 local account can be achieved through a variety of methods, from answering security questions to using third-party tools like Renee PassNow or Ophcrack. Whether you choose a simple password reset disk or a more technical command prompt approach, these comprehensive solutions will help you unlock your system and get back to work seamlessly.