Unlocking Your Windows 10 Computer Without a Password: A Comprehensive Guide

As technology continues to evolve, many individuals are utilizing the convenience and security of password-protected devices, such as computers. However, with the rise of forgetful minds and frequent password changes, getting locked out of your own computer can be extremely frustrating. Fortunately, if you are a Windows 10 user, there are various methods to unlock your computer without the need for a password. In this article, we will discuss one of the most effective methods for unlocking a computer with a Microsoft account linked to it. So, let’s dive into the first method: resetting the computer using a Microsoft account online.

Login method error (such as PIN login failed, no other options)

“Screen Stuck on “Provide a PIN” No other options. No way to get into the Desktop”

“I can’t do anything.I’m locked out.I dont know how to change the pin if i can’t get in.”

If you encounter login issues with your Windows Computer due to a PIN lockout, deleting the NGC folder may help resolve the problem.

Here are the steps:

Step 1: Using Windows Installation Media to access Windows sytem folder

- Insert the Windows Installation Media into your Dell laptop and restart the computer.

If you do not have a Windows Installation media, you may download Windows Installation Creation Tools here:

- Press the appropriate key (usually F12) to access the boot menu and select the Windows Installation Media as the boot device.

- When the Windows Setup screen appears, choose your language preferences and click “Next“. Then, click on “Repair your computer” in the bottom left corner.

- Select Troubleshoot, followed by Advanced options, and then Command Prompt to open the Command Prompt window.

- Navigate to the following path:

Step 2: Delete the NGC folder.

- In the Command Prompt window, type the command:

- Press Enter to execute the command and wait for the process to complete.

- Once the process finishes, restart your Dell laptp to check if you can now use the PIN login option on your Dell laptop.

By changing permissions and resetting the permissions for the NGC folder, you may be able to remove the NGC folder effectively and regain access to the PIN login option on your Dell laptop. If you are still facing difficulties with resetting your PIN or need further assistance, keep reading to explore additional solutions.

Method 1: Reset the computer using a Microsoft account online if it's linked

If your account is connected to a Microsoft account, you can easily reset your Windows password using the online account. This is a convenient option for users who frequently use their Microsoft account to log into their computer.

To reset your Windows password using your Microsoft account, follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to the Microsoft account password reset page. You can find it by searching “Microsoft account password reset” in any search engine.

Step 2: Enter your email, phone number, or Skype username associated with your Microsoft account. Click “Next.“

Step 3: Choose whether you want to receive a security code to your phone number or email. Click “Get code.“

Step 4: Enter the code you received and click “Next.“

Step 5: Create a new password. Make sure it is something you can remember but also secure enough to protect your account. Click “Next.“

And that’s it! Your Microsoft account password has been reset and you can use it to log into your Windows computer.

Method 2: Unlock Computer Without Password on Windows 10 - Renee PassNow

If you are unable to reset your computer using a Microsoft account, there are other options available to bypass the lock screen and regain access to your Windows 10 computer. One of these options is to utilize a password recovery tool such as Renee PassNow.

Renee PassNow is a powerful software that can help you reset or remove the password for your Windows account, including local accounts, Microsoft accounts, and domain accounts. This tool is easy to use and does not require any technical knowledge, making it a great option for those who are not familiar with advanced computer operations.

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.

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.

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:

Common Computers:

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.

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.

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″)

Step 6: Reboot the Widnows 10 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.

Method 3: Using Offline NT Password & Registry Editor to Clear the Password

If you have forgotten your Windows 10 login password and do not have a password reset disk or another administrator account, the Offline NT Password & Registry Editor tool can help you regain access to your computer. This tool is free to download and can be used to reset or remove the password entirely.

Step 1: Begin by creating a bootable USB drive or CD/DVD using the Offline NT Password & Registry Editor tool. You can download the ISO file from their official website at “https://pogostick.net/~pnh/ntpasswd/”.

Step 2: Insert the bootable USB drive or CD/DVD into your locked computer’s CD/DVD drive. You can use software such as ImgBurn or Nero to burn the downloaded ISO file to a CD.

Step 3: Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive or CD/DVD. You may need to change the boot order in your computer’s BIOS settings to allow it to boot from the USB drive or CD/DVD.

Step 4: Once the tool is loaded, it will display a command prompt-like interface. Select the appropriate options to locate the Windows installation and SAM file.

Step 5: Next, select the user account for which you want to reset the password.

Step 6: Choose the option to reset the password and confirm the changes.

Step 7: Finally, remove the USB drive or CD/DVD and restart your computer.

Step 8: You should now be able to log in to your Windows 10 account with the newly reset password.

It is important to note that using the Offline NT Password & Registry Editor tool may require some technical knowledge and can be a bit complicated for beginners. Therefore, it is advised to carefully follow the instructions provided with the tool or seek assistance from an experienced individual to ensure the successful completion of the process.

If you are still unable to unlock your computer after trying the previous methods, you can consider using the Ophcrack Live CD to gain access to your Windows 10 account. This will be covered in the next chapter: “Method 4: Create and Use an Ophcrack Live CD to Gain Access.”

Method 4: Create and Use a Ophcrack Live CD to Gain Access

In this method, we will use a tool called Ophcrack to recover your Windows 10 password. Ophcrack is a free and open-source password cracking tool that uses rainbow tables to crack passwords. To use this method, you will need access to another computer with internet access and a USB or CD/DVD to create a bootable Ophcrack Live CD.

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.

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

Key Points to Remember:

For an alternative method, you can also use Offline NT Password & Registry Editor as explained in Method 3. This method can be helpful if Ophcrack is unable to crack your password. You can also check out Method 5, which uses the Command Prompt from an installation disc to reset the password by replacing the sticky key program.

Method 5: Resetting Windows Password Using Command Prompt from Installation Disc

In addition to using a password reset disk or third-party software, you can also reset your Windows password by utilizing the Command Prompt from an installation disc. This method requires you to have a Windows installation disc and some knowledge of executing commands in Command Prompt. Follow the steps below to reset your password using this method.

Step 1: Insert your Windows installation disc into your computer and restart it. Press any key when prompted to boot from the disc.

If you do not have a Windows Installation media, you may download Windows Installation Creation Tools here:

Step 2: When the installation window appears, click on “Repair your computer” at the bottom left corner.

Step 3: Choose “Troubleshoot” from the options provided.

Step 4: Click on “Command Prompt” to launch it.

Step 5: In Command Prompt, type

and press Enter. This will create a backup of the Sticky Keys program.

Step 6: Then, type

and press Enter. This will replace the Sticky Keys program with Command Prompt.

Step 7: Close Command Prompt and click on “Continue” to exit the installation window.

Step 8: When the login screen appears, press the Shift key five times until the Command Prompt window appears.

Step 9: In Command Prompt, type

and press Enter. Replace username with your actual username and newpassword with your desired new password.

Step 10: Close Command Prompt and log in to your account using the new password.

This method can be a bit tricky and may not work for everyone, so it is recommended to have a backup plan in case this does not work. Also, it is important to note that this method only works for local accounts and not for Microsoft accounts.

By replacing the Sticky Keys program with Command Prompt, we are essentially tricking Windows into letting us reset the password. This method may not work for newer versions of Windows, so it is important to check before attempting.

For more options on how to unlock your computer without a password, please refer to the previous topic on creating and using an Ophcrack Live CD. Additionally, in the next topics, we will discuss the feasibility and risks of factory resetting to remove the password.

Dangers and Potential Benefits of Factory Resetting to Remove Windows Passwords

Factory resetting a Windows computer can be a tempting solution for users who have forgotten their password. After all, it promises to erase all data on the device and restore it to its original state, effectively removing any password that may be preventing access. However, this method comes with its own set of risks and it’s important for users to carefully consider them before resorting to a factory reset.

Risk of Data Loss:

The biggest and most obvious risk of factory resetting a computer is the potential loss of important data. Once the reset is complete, all files, photos, programs, and settings will be erased and cannot be recovered. This can be devastating for users who have not backed up their data before initiating the reset.

Potential Damage to the System:

In some cases, a factory reset can cause damage to the computer’s system files, leading to issues with performance and functionality. This can be especially problematic for users who do not have a backup of their system or are not familiar with troubleshooting technical issues.

Security Risks:

Another important consideration is the potential security risks that come with a factory reset. By erasing all data, users also delete any installed security software or settings that were in place. This leaves the device vulnerable to viruses, malware, and other cyber threats.

Advantages of Factory Resetting:

Despite these potential risks, there are some benefits to using this method to remove a password. For example, it is typically a straightforward process that does not require any technical knowledge. Additionally, it is free and does not involve any external services or professional help.

Alternative Methods:

If a user decides that a factory reset is too risky or not a viable option, there are alternative methods available to remove a Windows password. For example, users can try using the built-in Administrator account to reset their password or utilize a password reset disk created beforehand. Another option is to use Windows Password Recovery software, which can help regain access to a locked computer without losing any data.

Ultimately, the decision to factory reset a computer to remove a password should not be taken lightly. It is important for users to carefully weigh the risks and potential benefits before proceeding with this method. If possible, it’s always recommended to try alternative methods first before resorting to a factory reset.

Common Error Codes and Mitigations for Windows Hello PIN Reset

Error Code 0x801C044F – Option is currently unavailable

If you encounter this error while trying to reset your Windows Hello PIN, it indicates that the option to reset or remove the PIN is not available at the moment. This could be due to a temporary issue with the Windows Hello service. To resolve this, try the following steps:
1. Restart your computer and try again after the restart.
2. Ensure that your device is connected to the internet and check for any pending Windows updates. Install the updates if available and restart your computer.
3. If the issue persists, wait for some time and then try again later. The Windows Hello service might become available again after some time.
If none of the above steps work, you may need to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.

Error Code 0×80070057 – Invalid parameter or argument is passed

If you encounter this error while trying to reset the Windows Hello PIN, it indicates that an invalid parameter or argument has been passed. To resolve this, follow these steps:
1. Sign in to your Windows account using your password.
2. Select Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
3. Under Windows Hello PIN, click on “I forgot my PIN” and follow the instructions provided to reset your PIN.
If you still encounter the error, ensure that you are entering the correct credentials and try again.

Error Code 0x801C03 – User token switch account

If you receive this error while attempting to reset your Windows Hello PIN, it suggests that there is an issue with the user token switch account. To mitigate this error, follow these steps:
1. Sign out of all user accounts on your device.
2. Open File Explorer and navigate to the following location: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\Microsoft.AAD.BrokerPlugin_cw5n1h2txyewy\AC\TokenBroker\Accounts.
3. Delete all the files present in this folder.
4. Restart your computer and try to reset your PIN again.

Error Code 0xC0BB – Your PIN or this option is temporarily unavailable

If you encounter this error, it means that the option to reset your PIN is temporarily unavailable. This could be due to a temporary issue with the Windows Hello service. To resolve this, try the following steps:
1. Restart your computer and try again after the restart.
2. Ensure that your device is connected to the internet and check for any pending Windows updates. Install the updates if available and restart your computer.
3. If the issue persists, wait for some time and then try again later. The Windows Hello service might become available again after some time.
If none of the above steps work, you may need to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.

Error Code 0×80090027 – Caller provided a wrong parameter. If third-party code receives this error, they must change their code

If you encounter this error, it suggests that a wrong parameter has been provided by a third-party code. To mitigate this error, make sure that you are using the correct code or application provided by Microsoft. If the error persists, contact the developer of the third-party code or application for further assistance.

Error Code 0x8009002D – NTE_INTERNAL_ERROR

If you receive this error, it indicates an internal error. To troubleshoot this error, follow these steps:
1. Restart your computer and try to reset the PIN again after the restart.
2. If the error persists, contact Microsoft Support for further assistance in resolving the internal error.

Error Code 0x801C01 – ADRS server response is not in a valid format

If you encounter this error, sign out of all user accounts on your device and then sign in again. This might resolve the issue related to the ADRS server response not being in a valid format.

Error Code 0x801C02 – Server failed to authenticate the user

If this error occurs, sign out of all user accounts on your device and sign in again. This can sometimes resolve the issue of the server failing to authenticate the user.

Error Code 0×80090010 – NTE_PERM

If you receive this error, it indicates a permissions issue. Make sure you have the necessary permissions to perform the operation. If not, contact your system administrator for assistance.

Error Code 0×80090020 – NTE_FAIL

If you encounter this error, the operation has failed. Retry the operation and ensure that all the required conditions are met.

Error Code 0×80090035 – Policy requires TPM and the device does not have TPM

This error indicates that the device does not have a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), which is required by the policy. To fix this error, modify the Windows Hello for Business policy to remove the TPM requirement. This can be done through the policy settings. Once the policy is updated, retry creating the PIN.

Error Code 0×80090036 – User canceled an interactive dialog

If this error occurs, prompt the user to try creating the PIN again.

Error Code 0×80090029 – TPM is not set up

This error indicates that the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is not set up on the device. To resolve this, follow these steps:
1. Sign on with an administrator account.
2. Type “tpm.msc” in the Start menu.
3. Select the “tpm.msc Microsoft Common Console Document” option.
4. In the Actions pane, select “Prepare the TPM“.
5. After completing this step, try to create the PIN again.

Error Code 0×80090011 – The container or key was not found

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several ways to unlock a Windows 10 computer without the password. These include utilizing a Microsoft account online, using password recovery tools, offline password reset methods, creating a Ophcrack Live CD, and utilizing the Command Prompt through an installation disc. Each method has its own set of advantages and risks, but they are all viable options for regaining access to a locked computer. However, it is important to note that factory resetting should be considered as a last resort as it will erase all data and settings on the computer. Ultimately, the best approach to unlocking a computer without a password will depend on the individual’s specific situation and comfort level with each method. With these methods in mind, users can confidently regain access to their Windows 10 computer in the event of a forgotten password.