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24 October 2023  Amanda J. Brook  Senior Product Manager
 

Summary
Locked out of your Lenovo laptop due to a forgotten administrator password on Windows 10? Don't panic! This article will guide you through various methods to reset the default administrator password on Lenovo laptops. Regain access to your laptop now!



Table of contents

table iconMethod 1: Resetting Forgotten Administrator Password with Renee PassNow on Lenovo Laptops.
table iconWhat to do if Administrator account is not listed in login screen in Windows 10
table iconMethod 2: Resetting Administrator Password on Lenovo Laptops using Command Prompt.
table iconMethod 3: Resetting Password with Windows Installation Media on Lenovo Laptops.
table iconMethod 4: Enabling Built-in Administrator Account with Installation Disk on Lenovo Laptops.
table iconMethod 5: Resetting Administrator Password through Microsoft Website on Lenovo Laptops.
table iconConclusion
Lenovo Default Administrator Password Windows 10 Have you forgotten your administrator password on your Lenovo laptop running on Windows 10? You’re not alone. Many users struggle with remembering their administrator password, which can be frustrating as it hinders access to important files and settings. If you’re in this situation, don’t worry. There is a way to reset the forgotten administrator password using the default administrator account on Windows 10 Lenovo laptops. In this chapter, we will guide you through Method 1 of resetting your password. So, let’s get started and regain access to your laptop.

Method 1: Resetting Forgotten Administrator Password with Renee PassNow on Lenovo Laptops.

Renee PassNow is a reliable and effective tool specifically designed to help users remove or reset login passwords on their laptops without compromising any data. Follow the steps below to reset your password using Renee PassNow:
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
lenovo default administrator password windows 10
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 Administrator Account without a password.
In conclusion, if the default administrator account method fails to reset the forgotten administrator password on your Lenovo laptop, using a reliable tool like Renee PassNow can be an effective alternative. By following the provided steps, you can regain access to your locked laptop and continue using it without any interruptions. Remember to use this method responsibly and only for personal use.
Additional Context:
If you encounter any issues during the password reset process or if Renee PassNow is not compatible with your system, it is recommended to seek professional assistance or contact the Renee PassNow support team for further guidance. Always exercise caution when using third-party password reset tools and ensure that you are following legal and ethical guidelines.

What to do if Administrator account is not listed in login screen in Windows 10

Possible Causes of Missing Administrator Account
There are several reasons why the Administrator account may not appear on the Windows 10 login screen. These include the account being disabled, User Account Control (UAC) settings hiding the account, a corrupted user profile, third-party software restrictions, or Windows corruption.
Solution 1 : Enabling the Administrator Account via Command Prompt
If the Administrator account is disabled, you can use the Command Prompt to enable it:

net user administrator /active:yes

This command will activate the Administrator account and make it visible on the login screen.
Solution 2 : Modifying User Account Control (UAC) Settings
If UAC settings are hiding the Administrator account, you can adjust the settings to display it:
  1. Restart your computer while holding the SHIFT button to access the Advanced Startup menu.
  2. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
  3. Type the following command:

net user administrator /active:yes

  • Exit Command Prompt, click on Continue, and your user account should now appear on the login screen.
    • Solution 3 : Repairing the User Profile and Windows Corruption
    In case of a corrupted user profile or Windows corruption causing the missing Administrator account:
    1. Follow the steps mentioned above to access the Command Prompt.
    2. Type

    regedit

    and press Enter to launch Registry Editor.
  • Navigate to the following path:

    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

  • Look for a DWORD value named “dontdisplaylastusername” and double-click it.
  • Change the Value data from 0 to 1 and click OK to save the changes.
  • Close the Registry Editor and Command Prompt.
  • Restart your computer and check if the Administrator account appears on the login screen.
    • Solution 4 : Disabling Third-Party Software Restrictions
    If third-party software or antivirus programs are hiding the Administrator account:
    1. Access the settings or preferences of the program.
    2. Look for options related to user account visibility.
    3. Ensure that the Administrator account is allowed to be displayed on the login screen.
    4. Restart your computer to apply the changes.
    Solution 5 : Using Safe Mode to Access the Administrator Account
    If the above methods do not work, you can try accessing the Administrator account through Safe Mode:
    1. Restart your computer while holding the SHIFT button to access the Advanced Startup menu.
    2. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.
    3. Click the Restart button and choose Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
    4. Wait for your computer to boot and try to log in.
    In Safe Mode, the Administrator account should be visible on the login screen. If not, you may need to enable it by following the steps mentioned earlier in this article.

    Method 2: Resetting Administrator Password on Lenovo Laptops using Command Prompt.

    If you do not have access to an external bootable tool like Renee PassNow, you can still reset the administrator password on your Lenovo laptop by using Command Prompt. This method involves using the built-in tools and utilities in Windows 10 to change the password.
    Step 1 : Enter Safe Mode
    Windows VersionHow to Enter Windows safe modelimitations
    Windows 10/11Method 1: From the Sign-in Screen – Restart the computer. At the sign-in screen/ hold the Shift key and click Power > Restart. On the Choose an Option screen/ select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. After the computer restarts/ choose 4 or F4 for Safe Mode/ 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking/ or 6 or F6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt.None
    Windows 10/11Method 2: Interrupting the normal boot sequence – If Windows 10 fails to boot normally three times over/ it enters Automatic Repair mode. Interrupt the boot process three consecutive times using the Restart or Power button on your PC. When in Automatic Repair mode/ choose an account with administrator permissions/ enter the password if prompted/ and select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. After the computer restarts/ choose 4 or F4 for Safe Mode/ 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking/ or 6 or F6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt.None
    Windows 10/11Method 3: Using installation media and Command Prompt – Boot your broken Windows 10 PC from a Windows 10 setup DVD or USB. Choose the language and keyboard layout/ click Repair your computer/ select Troubleshoot > Command Prompt. Inside the Command Prompt window/ type ‘bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal’ and press Enter. Close the Command Prompt/ choose Continue/ and your PC will reboot into Safe Mode. Log in with an administrator account and make the desired changes.The method using installation media and Command Prompt may require access to a Windows 10 setup DVD or USB.
    Windows 10/11Method 4: Booting from a recovery drive – Create a system recovery USB drive on another Windows 10 computer. Boot your PC from the recovery drive and select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. After the computer restarts/ choose 4 or F4 for Safe Mode/ 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking/ or 6 or F6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt.Requires creating a system recovery USB drive on another Windows 10 computer.
    Windows 10/11Method 5: Using System Configuration (msconfig.exe) – Open System Configuration by searching for ‘system configuration’ in the taskbar search field. In the System Configuration window/ click the Boot tab and select the ‘Safe boot’ option. Click OK and restart your computer to enter Safe Mode.Need Login
    Windows 10/11Method 6: Using the Start Menu – Press and hold the SHIFT key on the keyboard. With the SHIFT key still pressed/ click the Start button/ then Power/ followed by Restart. Choose Troubleshoot/ go to ‘Advanced options -> Startup Settings -> Restart.’ Press 4 or F4 for Safe Mode/ 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking/ or 6 or F6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt.Need Login
    Windows 10/11Method 7: Using the Settings app – Open Settings (Windows + I)/ go to Update & security > Recovery. In the Advanced startup section/ click Restart now. Choose Troubleshoot/ go to ‘Advanced options -> Startup Settings -> Restart.’ Press 4 or F4 for Safe Mode/ 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking/ or 6 or F6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt.Need Login
    Windows 10/11Method 8: Using the shutdown command in CMD – Open Command Prompt and run the command ‘shutdown.exe /r /o’. After signing out/ choose Troubleshoot/ go to ‘Advanced options -> Startup Settings -> Restart.’ Press 4 or F4 for Safe Mode/ 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking/ or 6 or F6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt.Need Login
    Windows 10/11Method 9: Using F8 or Shift + F8 (doesn’t work for UEFI BIOS and SSD drives) – This method is not applicable for UEFI BIOS and SSD drives.Doesn’t work for UEFI BIOS and SSD drives.
    Windows VersionHow to Enter Windows safe modelimitations
    Windows XPPress the F8 key before the Windows XP logo appears. Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode at the Advanced Boot Options menu.None
    Windows VistaPress F8 before the Windows Vista logo appears. Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode at the Advanced Boot Options menu. Another method is to type ‘msconfig’ in the Start menu’s Search field/ click the Boot tab/ check the Safe boot option/ select an option below/ and click OK/ then Restart.When you reboot Windows after using the msconfig method/ it will take you back into Safe mode. So/ while still in Safe Mode/ launch msconfig and uncheck the Safe boot option.
    Windows 7Press the F8 key before the Windows 7 logo appears. Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode at the Advanced Boot Options menu. Another option is to insert the original installation disc/ select Repair your computer/ and then choose Command Prompt to run commands. Alternatively/ you can type ‘msconfig’ in the Start menu’s Search field/ click the Boot tab/ check the Safe boot option/ select an option below/ and click OK/ then Restart.When you reboot Windows after using the msconfig method/ it will take you back into Safe mode. So/ while still in Safe Mode/ launch msconfig and uncheck the Safe boot option.
    Windows 8If you can boot into Windows/ restart the computer and press the Shift and F8 keys before the Windows logo appears. If that doesn’t work/ you can also try using the Shift and Restart keys at the login window. From the Choose an option screen/ select Troubleshoot/ then Advanced options/ and finally Startup Settings. Click Restart and then press the F4 key to boot into Safe Mode. Another method is to type ‘msconfig’ in the Start menu’s Search field/ click the Boot tab/ check the Safe boot option/ select an option below/ and click OK/ then Restart.When you reboot Windows after using the msconfig method/ it will take you back into Safe mode. So/ while still in Safe Mode/ launch msconfig and uncheck the Safe boot option.
    Once your laptop has started in Safe Mode, you will be prompted to log in with your administrator account. But since you have forgotten the password, simply press the “Enter” key. This will open the Command Prompt window.
    Step 2 : Using the “net user” Command
    In the Command Prompt window, type in the following command:

    net user username *

    and press “Enter.” This command will display a list of all the user accounts on your laptop, including the Administrator account. Make note of the username of the Administrator account.
    Next, type in the command:

    net user username newpassword

    and press “Enter.” This will change the password for the Administrator account to the password you have entered, allowing you to log in with the new password.
    Step 3 : Using the “wmic” Command
    Another option is to use the “wmic” command in the Command Prompt window. Type in the following command:

    wmic useraccount where name="username" set password

    and press “Enter.” This will prompt you to enter a new password for the selected user account.
    Once you have successfully changed the password, restart your laptop and log in with the new password for the Administrator account. This will give you full access to your laptop and allow you to change the passwords for other user accounts as well.
    Using Command Prompt to reset the Administrator password on your Lenovo laptop is a simple and effective method that does not require any external tools. It utilizes the built-in utilities in Windows 10 to change the password and regain access to your laptop. However, if you are not comfortable with using command line tools, it is recommended to use a user-friendly tool like Renee PassNow to reset your password.

    Method 3: Resetting Password with Windows Installation Media on Lenovo Laptops.

    After trying out various methods to reset the administrator password on your Lenovo laptop running Windows 10, you might find yourself still unable to gain access to your account. In such cases, creating a Windows installation media on another computer and using it to replace the Ultiman.exe file with cmd.exe can be a last resort to reset the password and regain access to your laptop’s administrator account.
    Step 1 : Creating a Windows Installation Media
    The first step in this method is to create a Windows installation media on a separate computer. This can be done by downloading the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website. Once downloaded, you can follow the instructions provided by the tool to create a bootable USB or DVD. This installation media will serve as a recovery tool for your Lenovo laptop.
    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
    Step 2 : Replacing Ultiman.exe with cmd.exe
    Once the installation media is ready, insert it into your locked Lenovo laptop and boot from it. This might require you to change the boot order in your laptop’s BIOS settings. Once the installation media is booted, you will see a “Repair your computer” option. Select this and you will be taken to the advanced recovery options.
    Step 3 : Accessing Command Prompt
    From the advanced recovery options, choose “Troubleshoot” and then “Command Prompt“. This will open the Command Prompt window where you can replace the Ultiman.exe file with cmd.exe. To do this, you will need to navigate to the system32 folder by using the following commands:

    cd C:\Windows\System32

    Once you are in the system32 folder, you can use the following command to rename the Ultiman.exe file:

    ren Ultiman.exe Ultiman_backup.exe

    Then, use the following command to rename the cmd.exe file to Ultiman.exe:

    ren cmd.exe Ultiman.exe

    Step 4 : Resetting the Administrator Password
    Now that the cmd.exe file has been replaced, you can restart your laptop and boot into Windows normally. Once in, you can access the Command Prompt again through the same steps as before. From here, you can use the

    net user

    command to reset the administrator password to a new one:

    net user "username" "new password"

    Make sure to replace “username” with the administrator account’s username and “new password” with the password you want to set.
    After successfully resetting the password, you can restart your laptop and login with the new administrator password.
    Conclusion
    In conclusion, creating a Windows installation media and using it to replace the Ultiman.exe file with cmd.exe can be an effective method to reset the administrator password on Lenovo laptops running Windows 10. However, this should only be used as a last resort and only if you have access to another computer to create the installation media. It is always recommended to try other methods first, such as using the Command Prompt, before resorting to this method.

    Method 4: Enabling Built-in Administrator Account with Installation Disk on Lenovo Laptops.

    In this method, we will use an installation disk to enable the built-in administrator account and reset the forgotten password on Lenovo laptops. This is a handy method as it does not require any third-party software or special tools. However, you will need an installation disk for the Windows version installed on your Lenovo laptop. This method is most suitable for those who have lost or forgotten their password and do not have any other administrator account to reset it.
    Step 1: Prepare the Installation Disk
    The first step is to prepare the installation disk for the Windows version installed on your Lenovo laptop. You can either use the original installation disk that came with your laptop or create a bootable USB drive with the Windows Media Creation Tool. If you have neither, you can download the ISO file for your Windows version from the Microsoft website and create a bootable USB drive using Rufus.
    Step 2: Boot from the Installation Disk
    Insert the installation disk or bootable USB drive into your Lenovo laptop and restart it. While the laptop is booting up, press the key prompted on your screen to enter the boot menu. This key can vary depending on your laptop model, but it is usually F12 or ESC. Use the arrow keys to select the installation disk from the boot menu and press Enter to boot from it.
    Step 3: Access Command Prompt
    After booting from the installation disk, select your language and keyboard layout and click “Next“. On the next screen, click on “Repair your computer” at the bottom left corner. This will take you to the Advanced Options screen. Select “Troubleshoot” and then “Command Prompt“.
    Step 4: Enable Built-In Administrator Account
    In the Command Prompt window, type

    net user Administrator /active:yes

    and press Enter. This will enable the built-in administrator account on your Lenovo laptop. You can now close the Command Prompt window and restart your laptop.
    Step 5: Reset the Forgotten Password
    After your laptop restarts, you will see the built-in administrator account on the login screen. Click on it and you will be logged in without being asked for a password. Now, you can go to the Control Panel and change the password for your original account that you have forgotten. Remember to disable the built-in administrator account after you have successfully reset your password.
    This method is a simple and effective way to reset the forgotten password on Lenovo laptops. However, it is important to note that you will need an installation disk for the Windows version installed on your laptop and the built-in administrator account must be enabled. If these conditions are not met, you can try other methods such as using a password reset disk or third-party software.

    Method 5: Resetting Administrator Password through Microsoft Website on Lenovo Laptops.

    In the previous chapter, we discussed how to enable the built-in administrator account using an installation disk on Lenovo laptops running Windows 10. However, if you don’t have an installation disk or if the previous method did not work for some reason, there is still another way to reset the administrator password on your Lenovo laptop. This method involves using the Microsoft website and can be done easily by following a few simple steps.
    Resetting the Password through the Microsoft Website:
    To reset the administrator password through the Microsoft website, the following steps should be followed:
    1. On a different device, go to the Microsoft account password reset page.
    2. Enter the email address associated with your Microsoft account and click on Next.
    3. Choose one of the password reset options: “Email me a reset link” or “Send a code to my phone”.
    4. If you choose the email option, you will receive an email with a reset link. Click on the link and follow the on-screen instructions.
    5. If you choose the phone option, you will receive a code via text message. Enter the code on the website and follow the instructions to reset your password.
    6. Once your password is reset, log in to your Lenovo laptop using your new password.
    Using Command Prompt to Reset Password:
    If you prefer using the command prompt, you can also reset your password through the Microsoft website using the following steps:
    1. On your Lenovo laptop, press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
    2. Type

    cmd

    and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
    3. In the Command Prompt, type

    net user administrator *

    and press Enter.
    4. When prompted for a new password, enter your desired new password and press Enter.
    5. Your administrator password has now been reset. Log in to your Lenovo laptop using your new password.
    Important Note:
    It is important to note that this method will only work if your Lenovo laptop is connected to the internet and you have a Microsoft account linked to it. If you do not have a Microsoft account or if your laptop is not connected to the internet, this method will not work and you will need to use the previous method of enabling the built-in administrator account using an installation disk.
    With the Microsoft website method, you can easily reset your administrator password without the need for any additional tools or disks. This is a convenient option for those who do not have an installation disk or for those who prefer using the internet to make any changes to their system. By following the steps outlined above, you will be able to reset your administrator password and regain access to your Lenovo laptop in no time.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, forgetting your administrator password on a Lenovo laptop running Windows 10 can be a frustrating experience. However, with the methods discussed above, you can easily reset your forgotten password and regain access to your device. Whether you choose to use the default administrator account, external tools like Renee PassNow, command prompt, or creating a Windows installation media, there are multiple options available to suit your needs. Additionally, enabling the built-in administrator account or using the Microsoft website can also be effective ways to reset your password. These methods are safe, easy to use, and do not require any technical expertise. With a little bit of research and following the steps carefully, you can successfully reset your forgotten administrator password on a Lenovo laptop and resume using your device without any interruptions. Remember to always keep your password secure and consider setting up a password recovery option to avoid any future inconvenience.