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    Technology Manager of Test Dept.
 

Summary
Can't remember your Windows password, just know your PIN, but Windows keeps asking for password? Don't panic. Check out these methods and tools for resetting or recovering your Windows password to regain access to your account.



“I remember my PIN for my Administrator account, but I’ve forgotten the password. Attempts to reset it have been unsuccessful as it requires the forgotten password. Additionally, my Windows user isn’t linked to my Microsoft Account, making it impossible to change my local password via the website.”

Seeking solutions to the issues mentioned above? Yeah, You’re in the right place. This section will guide you on how to access your Windows account and provide alternatives if that option is unavailable. Ready to regain control of your device? Let’s dive into some handy tips and tricks.

Option 1: Built-in Password Recovery Options

If you have previously set up security questions or have created a recovery disk for your Windows account, you can use these built-in options to recover your password. To do so, follow these steps:
1. On the Windows login screen, enter wrong password serveral times, click on the “Reset Password” link.
click Reset password link on the login screen
2. You will then be prompted to answer your security questions or insert your recovery disk.
answer your security questions or insert your recovery disk
3. Once you have successfully completed the steps, you will be able to reset your password and log into your account.
If you have no idea about hte securiry questions or do not have the recovery disk, please try the following options.

Option 2: Reset Local Account Password with Command Prompt Commands

The previous build-in method does not work? don’t worry, there is still a way for you to reset your password and regain access to your account. In this chapter, we will explore how to use command prompt commands to reset your local account password.
Tips:Please note that this method may involve some advanced steps and should be performed with caution. Ensure you have a backup of your data before proceeding.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reset your HP laptop password using Command Prompt:
Step 1: Start by accessing the advanced startup options on your HP laptop by restarting it and pressing the F11 key repeatedly until the Choose an option screen appears.
Step 2: On the Choose an option screen, click on “Troubleshoot“.
Step 3: In the Troubleshoot menu, select “Advanced options“.
Step 4: Under Advanced options, choose “Command Prompt“.
Step 5: A Command Prompt window will open.
Step 6: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

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

This command creates a backup of the original utilman.exe file and replaces it with cmd.exe.
Step 7: When prompted to overwrite the file, type “Y” and press Enter.
Step 8: Close the Command Prompt window and restart your HP laptop.
Step 9: When you reach the login screen, click on the Ease of Access icon located at the bottom-right corner.
ease of use button in Windows login screen
Step 10: Instead of opening the Ease of Access application, Command Prompt will open.
Step 11: In the Command Prompt window, you can now reset your HP laptop password by entering the following command:

net user your_username new_password

Replace your_username with your HP laptop’s username and new_password with the new password you want to set.
Step 12: After successfully changing the password, close the Command Prompt window and log in to your HP laptop using the new password.
Step 13: To restore the original functionality, you need to repeat Steps 1 to 6 and enter the following command in the Command Prompt window:

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

This command replaces the modified utilman.exe file with the original one.
Remember to keep your new password in a safe place and ensure the security of your PC to avoid any unauthorized access in the future.
Pros:
  • 1. Resetting the password without a disk
  • 2. Can be done using Command Prompt directly from the login screen
  • 3. Step-by-step guide provided

Cons:

  • 1. Advanced steps involved
  • 2. Caution advised when performing the method
  • 3. May vary for different laptop models or Windows versions

Option 3: Using a Password Reset Tool Renee PassNow (No PIN or password is required)

Forgetting your Windows password can be a frustrating and stressful experience, especially if you have important files and documents stored on your computer. While there are several options available to reset or recover a forgotten password, they may not always be successful or convenient. This is where a password reset tool like Renee PassNow comes in handy.
Renee PassNow is a professional password reset tool that allows you to reset Windows passwords, delete or create new accounts, and even bypass the Windows login screen in case of forgotten passwords. This tool is compatible with all versions of Windows operating system and comes with a user-friendly interface, making it easy to use for both technical and non-technical users.
If you have tried the previous option of resetting your Windows password using command prompt commands and were not successful, then using Renee PassNow can provide you with a more efficient and convenient 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.
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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. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Create New Windows 10 Password Reset Disk with Renee PassNow
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.
Common Server:
Server TypeEnter boot menu method
DELLPress the F12 key repeatedly before the Dell logo appears on the screen.
HPPress the F9 key multiple times when the HP logo is displayed.
Common Computers:
BIOS NameEnter boot menu method
ASRockDEL or F2
ASUSDEL or F2 for PCs/ DEL or F2 for Motherboards
AcerDEL or F2
DellF12 or F2
ECSDEL
Gigabyte / AorusDEL or F2
Lenovo (Consumer Laptops)F2 or Fn + F2
Lenovo (Desktops)F1
Lenovo (ThinkPads)Enter then F1
MSIDEL
Microsoft Surface TabletsPress and hold Power and Volume Up buttons
Origin PCF2
SamsungF2
ToshibaF2
ZotacDEL
HPEsc/ F9 for \`Boot Menu\`/ Esc/ F10/ Storage tab/ Boot Order/ Legacy Boot Sources
INTELF10
Boot the target PC with the created password reset USB/CD/DVD.
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 loading into main interface, please select the “PassNow!” function.
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.
Select target Windows system in the list
Select target user account in the list
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.
In conclusion, forgetting your Windows password can be a common occurrence, but with a professional tool like Renee PassNow, you can easily reset it and regain access to your computer. So, consider using this reliable and efficient password reset tool for a hassle-free experience.

Option 4: Online Password Reset for Microsoft Accounts

Tips:The method required your account linked to Microsoft account already.
In the previous option, we discussed using a password reset tool like Renee PassNow to recover a forgotten Windows password. However, this tool may not work if you have a Microsoft account linked to your Windows login. In such cases, you can try resetting your password online through the Microsoft account recovery page.
If you are using a Microsoft account to login to your Windows computer, your password for both the account and your operating system will be the same. This means that if you forgot your Windows password, you will also have forgotten your Microsoft account password, and vice versa. In this situation, resetting your Microsoft account password will automatically reset your Windows password as well.
Step 1: Go to the Microsoft account recovery page in your web browser and click on the “I forgot my password” option.
Reset a forgotten Microsoft account password - Microsoft Support
Step 2: On the next page, enter the email or phone number associated with your Microsoft account and click on “Next“.
Step 3: You will be asked to verify your identity through one of the options provided, such as receiving a code on your phone or email, answering security questions, or using the Microsoft Authenticator app.
Step 4: Once you have successfully verified your identity, you will be prompted to enter a new password for your Microsoft account.
Step 5: After setting a new password, you can use this to login to your Windows computer.
It is important to note that if you use a PIN to login to your Windows computer, resetting your Microsoft account password will not reset your PIN. You will still need to use your old PIN to access your computer and then update your PIN in the Windows settings.
If this method does not work for you, it is possible that you have not linked your Microsoft account to your Windows login. In this case, you will need to try the previous option of using a password reset tool or consider a clean installation of Windows.
Having a Microsoft account linked to your Windows login has its advantages, such as syncing your settings and data across devices. However, it is important to make sure you have a secure and memorable password for your account to prevent situations like forgetting your password.

If All Else Fails: Reinstalling Windows

If you have tried all options and still cannot remember your Windows password or access your account, reinstalling your operating system may be your last resort solution. This option should only be used if you have exhausted all other options and have no other way to access your computer. Reinstalling Windows will erase all data on your computer, so it should be considered a last resort solution.
Before proceeding with a reinstallation, it is important to make sure you have a backup of any important files or data. If you have a backup, you can easily restore your files after the reinstallation is complete. If you do not have a backup, you may want to consider taking your computer to a professional data recovery service to retrieve any important files before continuing with the reinstallation.
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To reinstall Windows, you will need a Windows installation disc or USB drive. If you do not have one, you can create one using the Media Creation Tool provided by Microsoft. This tool is available for free on the Microsoft website and will guide you through the process of creating a Windows installation media.
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
In conclusion, reinstalling your Windows operating system can be a last resort solution if you have forgotten your Windows password but know your pin. It should only be used if all other options have been exhausted, and it is important to have a backup of any important files before proceeding. Make sure to choose a strong password and consider using a password manager to avoid forgetting it again.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you have forgotten your Windows password but know your PIN, there are several options available for you to recover or reset your password. You can try using the built-in password recovery options in Windows, such as security questions or a recovery disk. Alternatively, you can use command prompt commands or a password reset tool like Renee PassNow for a more efficient process. If you have a Microsoft account, you can also reset your password online through the Microsoft account recovery page. However, if all else fails, reinstalling your Windows operating system may be necessary. Remember to always keep a backup of your important data to avoid any loss during the password recovery process. With these options, you can regain access to your Windows account and continue using your computer without any hassle.