Regaining Access to Your Windows 10 Laptop: Methods to Reset Your Forgotten Password
10 October 2023 Technology Manager of Test Dept.
Summary
Locked out of your Windows 10 laptop because you've forgotten your password? Don't panic, here are 5 methods to regain access without losing any data. From utilizing the built-in Administrator account to using third-party password reset tools, we've got you covered.
Table of contents
Have you ever experienced that sinking feeling when you realize you’ve forgotten your laptop password? It can be a frustrating and panic-inducing situation, especially if you have important files and documents saved on your device. This is a common problem faced by many Windows 10 users, and it can happen for various reasons like changing the password too often or simply forgetting it. But fear not, there are solutions to help you reset your forgotten password and gain access to your laptop again. In this chapter, we will explore Method 1, which involves resetting the login password using the built-in Administrator account. This can be accessed through Safe Mode or Command Prompt, making it a useful method to have in your back pocket.
Accessing the Built-in Administrator Account
In order to reset the login password for your Windows 10 laptop, you can utilize the built-in Administrator account. This account can be accessed through Safe Mode, Command Prompt, or even using a USB installation disk, providing you with multiple options to regain access to your laptop without resorting to a full system reset.
Tips:If you can not see the Administrator account or Windows says your Administrator need a password, please refer to the Method 2.
Method 1: Safe Mode
If you know your current Windows 10 password but just want to change it, you can do so through the Control Panel. However, if you have forgotten or lost your password, you can try accessing the built-in Administrator account through Safe Mode.
Here are the steps:
a. To boot into Safe Mode without the need for login, you can use the “Shift + F8” key combination during the boot process.
b. Using the arrow keys, select “Safe Mode” and press Enter. The laptop will now boot into Safe Mode.
c. On the login screen, you should see the Administrator account. Click on it to log in. If you don’t see the Administrator account, you may need to enable it first:
d. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
Type
net user administrator /active:yes
and press Enter.
e. Restart your laptop and the Administrator account should now be visible on the login screen.
- Once you are logged in as the Administrator, press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type “control userpasswords2” and press Enter.
- In the User Accounts window, select your user account and click on the “Reset Password” button. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your password.
- Restart your laptop and you should be able to log in with the new password for your account.
Method 2: Command Prompt
If you are unable to access Safe Mode or prefer using the Command Prompt, you can still reset the login password utilizing the built-in Administrator account.
Here are the steps:
- Insert your Windows 10 installation media (USB or DVD) into your laptop and restart the computer.
- When the Windows setup screen appears, press
Shift + F10
on the keyboard to open a Command Prompt.In the Command Prompt, type the following command to access the built-in Administrator account:
net user administrator /active:yes
net user [username] [newpassword]
, replacing [username] with your username and [newpassword] with the new password you want to set.Restart your laptop and you should be able to log in with the new password for your account.
Method 3: USB Installation Disk
If you don’t have Windows 10 installation media, another option is to use a USB installation disk to reset the login password.
Here are the steps:
- Insert the USB installation disk into your locked Windows 10 laptop and restart the computer.
- When the Windows setup screen appears, press Shift + F10 on the keyboard to open a Command Prompt.
- In the Command Prompt, run the following two lines of code to replace utilman.exe with cmd.exe:
move d:\windows\system32\utilman.exe d:\
and
copy d:\windows\system32\cmd.exe d:\windows\system32\utilman.exe
.Remove the USB installation disk and restart the laptop again. On the login screen, click on the Utility Manager icon (usually located at the bottom-right corner) and a Command Prompt window will open. Type the net user command line in the Command Prompt window to reset the Windows 10 administrator password. For example, you can use the command:
net user [username] [newpassword]
replacing [username] with your username and [newpassword] with the new password you want to set.Restart your laptop and you should be able to log in with the new password for your account.
Note: It’s important to create a strong and memorable password to ensure the security of your Windows 10 laptop. By utilizing the built-in Administrator account through Safe Mode, Command Prompt, or a USB installation disk, you can reset the login password for your Windows 10 laptop without losing any data. These methods provide effective ways to regain access to your laptop in case you have forgotten or lost your password.
If you’ve tried the first method of resetting your Windows 10 laptop password and it didn’t work, don’t worry. There is another option you can try, which is using a third-party password reset tool like Renee PassNow.
This tool is designed specifically to help users remove or reset login passwords on their laptops without causing any damage to the data inside. It is a user-friendly and efficient solution for those who have forgotten their passwords and cannot access their laptops.
Here’s how you can use Renee PassNow to reset your laptop password:
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.
Renee PassNow is a reliable and effective way to reset your Windows 10 laptop password. It is a great option for those who are not tech-savvy and need a simple solution for their forgotten passwords.
However, it is important to note that using third-party tools like Renee PassNow can come with risks. In some cases, there may be compatibility issues or the tool may not work as expected. It is always recommended to back up your data before attempting any password reset methods.
In conclusion, if you have forgotten your laptop password on Windows 10, don’t panic. There are options available to help you reset or remove the password without causing any damage to your data. Method 2, using a third-party tool like Renee PassNow, is a great alternative to reset your password and regain access to your laptop.
If you have linked your Windows 10 laptop with a Microsoft account and forgotten the password, there is a way to recover it online without losing any data. This method allows you to regain access to your laptop by resetting your Microsoft account password through the account recovery process.
Step 1: Access the Microsoft Account Recovery Page
To initiate the password recovery process, visit the Microsoft Account Recovery page using a web browser on a separate device. This page serves as the gateway to recovering your Microsoft account password and gaining access to your Windows 10 laptop.
Microsoft Account Recovery Page is https://account.live.com/acsr
Step 2: Complete the Account Recovery Form
On the recovery page, you will be presented with a recovery form that requires you to provide accurate information about your Microsoft account and its usage. Fill out the form with details such as previous passwords, email subject lines, contacts, Skype IDs, and Xbox console information.
Step 3: Verify Your Identity
After submitting the recovery form, Microsoft will review the information provided to verify your identity. If the details are insufficient, you may be asked to provide more information. It is crucial to be thorough and precise in filling out the form to increase the chances of successful verification.
Step 4: Follow the Account Recovery Instructions
Microsoft may send a verification code to the email address or phone number associated with your Microsoft account. Retrieve the code and enter it on the recovery page to proceed with the account recovery process. Follow any additional instructions provided to prove your ownership of the account.
Step 5: Set a New Password
Once you have successfully verified your identity, you will be prompted to set a new password for your Microsoft account. Choose a strong and unique password that you haven’t used before to enhance the security of your account.
Step 6: Sign in to Your Windows 10 Laptop
With your Microsoft account password reset, you can now sign in to your Windows 10 laptop using your new credentials. Enter your email address and the newly set password to regain access to your laptop.
Tip: Enable Two-Step Verification
To add an extra layer of security and prevent future password loss, consider enabling two-step verification for your Microsoft account. This feature requires you to provide an additional verification code, usually sent to your phone, when signing in from a new device or location. By enabling two-step verification, you can further protect your account and minimize the risk of unauthorized access.
In some cases, you may have forgotten your laptop password on Windows 10 and are unable to access your device. Resorting to a full system reset is often seen as the last option, as it can result in loss of data and can be quite time-consuming. However, there is another method that you can try which can help you regain access to your laptop without the need for a full system reset. This method involves using System Restore, a built-in feature on Windows 10 that allows you to revert your system to a previous state.
If you have previously created a restore point on your laptop, you can use System Restore to revert your system back to that state and regain access to your laptop. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Start by restarting your laptop and continuously pressing the
Shift
key until the recovery screen appears.
Step 2: Next, click on the Troubleshoot option and then select Advanced options.
Step 3: From the list of advanced options, choose System Restore.
Step 4: You will then be prompted to select a restore point. Choose the most recent one before you changed your password or when your laptop was working fine.
Step 5: Click Next and then click Finish to start the System Restore process.
Step 6: Once the process is complete, your laptop will restart and your system will be reverted to the selected restore point.
If successful, you should now be able to log in to your laptop without the need for your password. However, keep in mind that this method will only work if you have previously created a restore point on your laptop. If you have not, then you will need to try one of the other methods mentioned in this article.
Additionally, if you are able to log in to your laptop but still want to reset your password, you can do so by going to the Settings menu, selecting Accounts, and then choosing Sign-in options. From there, you can select Change under the Password section and follow the prompts to reset your password.
Using System Restore to regain access to your laptop is a simple and effective method that can save you time and prevent loss of data. It is always recommended to create regular restore points on your laptop to be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. Remember to keep your password in a safe and easily accessible place to avoid this situation in the future.
When you find yourself locked out of your Windows 10 laptop due to a forgotten password, Offline NT Password & Registry Editor (NTPasswd) can be a useful tool to regain access. In this chapter, we will cover the steps to reset your Windows 10 password using NTPasswd, as well as provide an alternative method using PC Unlocker. These methods are effective ways to regain access to your Windows 10 laptop without losing any data.
Step 1: Start by creating a bootable USB drive or CD/DVD using the Offline NT Password and Registry Editor tool. You can download the ISO file from their official website.
https://pogostick.net/~pnh/ntpasswd/
https://pogostick.net/~pnh/ntpasswd/
Step 2: Insert the bootable USB drive or CD/DVD into the target server’s CD/DVD drive. You may use ImgBurn Or Nero to burn the downloaded ISO to CD.
Step 3: Restart the server and boot from the USB drive or CD/DVD. You may need to change the boot order in the server’s BIOS settings.
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 the PC.
Step 8: You should now be able to log in to the Windows 10 with the newly reset password.
It is important to note that using the Offline NT Password editor requires some technical knowledge and can be a bit complicated for beginners. Therefore, it is advised to carefully follow the instructions provided with the software or seek assistance from an experienced individual to ensure the successful completion of the process.
Pros:
- Allows users to regain access to their Windows 10 accounts by removing or resetting the account password entirely
- Can be used as a last resort when all other methods fail
Cons:
- Requires technical knowledge and can be complicated for beginners
Using Offline NT Password & Registry Editor (NTPasswd) or PC Unlocker are effective methods to reset a forgotten Windows 10 password. These methods allow you to regain access to your Windows 10 laptop without losing any data. However, it’s important to note that these methods should be used responsibly and only on authorized devices. Please follow the step-by-step instructions provided in this chapter to successfully reset your Windows 10 password and regain access to your laptop.
Dell:
To factory reset a Dell laptop using the recovery partition, restart the laptop and repeatedly press the F8 key until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears. Select “Repair Your Computer” and choose the language preferences. Then, click on “Dell Factory Image Restore” to initiate the factory reset process.
Asus:
Asus laptops have a built-in recovery partition that allows for factory resetting. Turn off the device and then press and hold the F9 key while turning it back on. Keep holding the F9 key until the Asus Recovery partition is launched. Select the language and click “Next.” Then, choose the “Restore Factory Settings” option and follow the prompts to complete the factory reset. More detailed instructions can be found on Asus’ support page here.
Lenovo ThinkPad:
Factory resetting a Lenovo ThinkPad laptop requires turning off the device and pressing the F11 key repeatedly during startup. This will open the Lenovo Recovery partition. Choose the “Restore Your System” option and click “Next.” Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the factory reset process. Lenovo provides a step-by-step guide on their support page here.
Acer:
Acer laptops can be factory reset by turning off the device and then pressing and holding the Alt and F10 keys simultaneously while turning it back on. This will launch the Acer Recovery Management utility. Select “Restore System to Factory Default” and click “Next” to initiate the factory reset.
Apple:
MacBooks and other Apple laptops have a different method for factory resetting. Restart your laptop and hold down the Command and R keys until the Apple logo appears. This will boot your laptop into macOS Recovery. From there, select “Disk Utility” and click “Continue.” Choose your startup disk and click “Erase.” Once the erase process is complete, exit Disk Utility and select “Reinstall macOS” to perform a factory reset. For more information, you can refer to Apple’s support page here.
MSI:
MSI laptops often have a recovery partition that allows for easy factory resetting. Turn off the laptop and press the F3 key multiple times during startup. This will bring up the MSI Recovery Manager. Choose the “System Recovery” option and follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the factory reset. More detailed instructions can be found on MSI’s support page or user manual.
Surface:
Factory resetting a Microsoft Surface laptop can be done by shutting down the device and then pressing and holding the Volume Up button. While still holding the Volume Up button, press the Power button to turn on the laptop. Release the Volume Up button when the Surface logo appears. Select “Troubleshoot” and then “Reset this PC” to perform the factory reset. Microsoft provides more detailed instructions here.
HP:
HP laptops have a built-in recovery partition that allows for factory resetting. Power off the laptop and press the F11 key repeatedly during startup. This will open the HP Recovery Manager. Select “System Recovery” and follow the prompts to begin the factory reset process. More detailed instructions can be found on HP’s support page here.
Advent:
To perform a factory reset on an Advent laptop, restart your computer and immediately start tapping the F8 or F10 key. This will bring up the recovery tools on your hard drive. Follow the on-screen prompts to restore your computer to its original factory settings.
| Brand Name | How to Enter Recovery Partition |
|---|---|
| Dell | Restart the laptop and repeatedly press the F8 key until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears. Select ‘Repair Your Computer’ and choose the language preferences. Then/ click on ‘Dell Factory Image Restore’ to initiate the factory reset process. |
| Asus | Turn off the device and then press and hold the F9 key while turning it back on. Keep holding the F9 key until the Asus Recovery partition is launched. Select the language and click ‘Next.’ Then/ choose the ‘Restore Factory Settings’ option and follow the prompts to complete the factory reset. |
| Lenovo ThinkPad | Turn off the device and press the F11 key repeatedly during startup. This will open the Lenovo Recovery partition. Choose the ‘Restore Your System’ option and click ‘Next.’ Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the factory reset process. |
| Acer | Turn off the device and then press and hold the Alt and F10 keys simultaneously while turning it back on. This will launch the Acer Recovery Management utility. Select ‘Restore System to Factory Default’ and click ‘Next’ to initiate the factory reset. |
| Apple | Restart your laptop and hold down the Command and R keys until the Apple logo appears. This will boot your laptop into macOS Recovery. From there/ select ‘Disk Utility’ and click ‘Continue.’ Choose your startup disk and click ‘Erase.’ Once the erase process is complete/ exit Disk Utility and select ‘Reinstall macOS’ to perform a factory reset. |
| MSI | Turn off the laptop and press the F3 key multiple times during startup. This will bring up the MSI Recovery Manager. Choose the ‘System Recovery’ option and follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the factory reset. |
| Surface | Shut down the device and then press and hold the Volume Up button. While still holding the Volume Up button/ press the Power button to turn on the laptop. Release the Volume Up button when the Surface logo appears. Select ‘Troubleshoot’ and then ‘Reset this PC’ to perform the factory reset. |
| HP | Power off the laptop and press the F11 key repeatedly during startup. This will open the HP Recovery Manager. Select ‘System Recovery’ and follow the prompts to begin the factory reset process. |
| Advent | Restart your computer and immediately start tapping the F8 or F10 key. This will bring up the recovery tools on your hard drive. Follow the on-screen prompts to restore your computer to its original factory settings. |
In conclusion, forgetting your Windows 10 laptop password can be a frustrating and panic-inducing situation. However, there are several methods you can try to regain access without losing any important data. From resetting the login password using the built-in Administrator account, to utilizing third-party password reset tools, to recovering your Microsoft account password online, there are options available for every scenario. Additionally, restoring your laptop to a previous state with System Restore can also help regain access without resorting to a system reset. And if all else fails, using the Offline Windows Password & Registry Editor can get you back into your laptop without the need for a password. Remember to always keep your passwords secure, but if you do happen to forget it, don’t panic. With these methods, you can easily regain access to your Windows 10 laptop and get back to your important tasks.
Relate Links :
Unlock Your Acer Laptop: Factory Reset Without Password
10-10-2023
Amanda J. Brook : Forgot your Acer laptop password? Don't worry, you can still factory reset it without the need for a...
Removing Windows Password: A Guide to Factory Resetting Your Laptop without password
10-10-2023
Ashley S. Miller : Having trouble accessing your laptop due to a lost or forgotten password? Don't worry, there are easy ways...
How to Factory Reset Windows 10 Without a Password: A Step-by-Step Guide
09-10-2023
Amanda J. Brook : Learn how to perform a factory reset in Windows 10 without a password using built-in recovery options or...
Unlocking Windows Vista: Resetting Administrator Password with Command Prompt
09-10-2023
Jennifer Thatcher : Have you forgotten your Windows Vista administrator password? Don't worry, you can easily reset it using the command...
