Locked Out of Your Windows 10 Computer? Here’s How to Regain Access

Have you ever found yourself locked out of your computer’s Windows 10 account? Whether it’s due to forgetting your password or a system glitch, being unable to access your own device can be frustrating and worrisome. Luckily, there are ways to reset or remove a Windows 10 account password without losing any data. In this article, we will explore one of the most effective methods – using Renee PassNow. By following the simple steps outlined in this chapter, you can regain access to your computer and get back to your important tasks without any hassle. So let’s dive in and learn how to solve this common issue!

Method 1: Using Renee PassNow to unlock a Windows 10 account if forgot password

If you are locked out of your Windows 10 computer due to a forgotten password, do not worry as there is a solution that can help you regain access to your computer without losing any data. Using Renee PassNow, you can easily reset or remove the password for your user account, allowing you to log in and use your computer once 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.

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB or CD/DVD
Once you have downloaded and installed Renee PassNow, launch the program and insert a USB flash drive or blank CD/DVD into the computer. Then, select the option to create a bootable media and 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.

Note: you may also click “Create new account” to create a new administrator account.

Step 6: Reboot your Windows 10 computer

Once the process is complete, remove the bootable media and restart your computer. You will now be able to log in to your Windows 10 account without a password.

If you are unable to use this method, you can try the next method which utilizes the built-in Administrator account to reset user account passwords. If the built-in Administrator account is disabled, you can also use Renee PassNow to enable it.

To summarize, using Renee PassNow is a quick and easy solution to reset or remove the password for a Windows 10 account without losing any data. However, it only works for local and Microsoft accounts and requires a different computer and bootable media. You can also refer to the next method if you are unable to use this one.

Method 2: Reset Windows Account Password using Microsoft online account

If you find yourself locked out of your Windows 10 device, and your account is linked with a Microsoft Online Account, regaining access can be done by resetting your account password online. This is a more direct approach compared to using a password reset disk or third-party solutions such as Renee PassNow, and can be accomplished through any device with internet access.

Step 1: Access the Microsoft account password reset page via https://account.live.com/password/reset.

Step 2: Provide the email, phone number, or Skype name linked to your Microsoft account and satisfy the verification requirements to confirm your identity.

Step 3: Choose how to receive your security code, either through email or a text message. Once received, input the code on the website to proceed further.

Step 4: Set a new password for your Microsoft account. It should be strong and unique for security reasons but also something you will remember.

Step 5: Use the new password to sign in to your Windows 10 device. Ensure your device is connected to the internet so the new password can be recognized.

This online password reset method offers the advantage of convenience, as you can perform it from any device with internet access. It also avoids the need for creating physical password reset media or turning to third-party tools. Yet, it requires that your Windows 10 account is already linked to a Microsoft online account with up-to-date recovery information. If you have outdated recovery details or lack access to them, this method will not work. It is also worth noting that after regaining access, it’s a good idea to verify that key functionalities such as the ability to boot from CD/DVD or USB flash drive, as well as accessing safe mode with F8, are properly configured for future recovery options, as mentioned in user experiences. Additionally, remember that if you have an OEM OS, the product key is embedded in the system BIOS, and the system should automatically reactivate if a reinstallation is necessary, assuming no major hardware changes like a motherboard replacement.

Method 3: Performing a System Restore to Revert to a Previous State Where Account Access is Available

If you are locked out of your computer due to a software issue, you may be able to regain access by performing a system restore. This method will allow you to revert your computer back to an earlier point in time when the software was functioning correctly.

To use this method, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: If you can access the Windows environment, restart your computer and press the Shift key while selecting the Restart option either from the sign-in screen or through the Start menu. This will take you to the Windows Recovery Environment.

Step 2: If you’re unable to start Windows normally, power on and off your PC three times to trigger the Automatic Repair mode. On the third restart, Windows should enter the Automatic Repair environment. Here you will select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore.

Step 3: Once the system restore tool is open, you will see:

Step 4: In the list of available restore points, choose the one that was created before the software issue occurred. Then, click “Next.“

Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the system restore process.

Step 6: Once the system restore is complete, your computer will restart. You should now be able to access your computer without being locked out.

This method may not work for all software issues, but it can be a useful tool to regain access to your computer in certain situations.

To ensure the best chances of success, it is recommended to try this method before attempting any other solutions. If it does not work, you can move on to other options such as using a recovery drive or resetting the password online.

Please continue reading our subsequent chapters for more solutions to regain access to your computer, including “Method 4: Resetting a Microsoft Account password online to regain access to the system (need local account connected to your Microsoft oneline account).”

Method 4: Use Offline NT Password and Registry Editor to unlock Windows 10 computer

For users who have tried other recovery methods without success, the Offline NT Password and Registry Editor is a robust solution. If you’ve been locked out of your Windows 10 computer, this method can help you regain access without relying on previous software subscriptions or backups. Here’s how to use this powerful tool:

Step 1: Create a bootable USB drive or CD/DVD with the Offline NT Password and Registry Editor.

The ISO can be downloaded from their official website(https://pogostick.net/~pnh/ntpasswd/). To create your bootable media, you can use software like Rufus or UNetbootin.

Step 2: Insert the bootable media into the locked computer. Boot from the USB or CD/DVD, which may involve changing the boot order in the BIOS settings.

Step 3: After the computer boots from your media, the Offline NT Password and Registry Editor will load. Follow the on-screen prompts to navigate through the program. You’ll need to identify the Windows installation and the associated SAM file where the password is stored.

Step 4: Choose the Windows account you wish to modify. You can either reset or remove the password completely for that user account.

Step 5: Confirm your choices and write the changes to the disk. Once completed, remove the bootable media and reboot your system.

Step 6: Attempt to log into your Windows 10 system. The selected account should now be accessible without a password prompt, allowing you to regain control of your computer.

The Offline NT Password and Registry Editor is a lifeline when simpler solutions fail, effectively bypassing Windows authentication. However, this process is technical and not user-friendly for those unfamiliar with system recovery procedures. Additionally, using this editor incorrectly can lead to data loss or system instability, so proceed with caution and consider seeking expert assistance if uncertain.

It’s important to note that this method does not require a Windows product key, as modern PCs store the product key within the BIOS or UEFI firmware. Therefore, if you need to reinstall Windows 10 afterwards, the installation process should automatically retrieve the product key from the motherboard’s firmware, sparing you the trouble of manual input. If ever necessary, you can extract your product key from a functioning Windows system by using the command

in an elevated Command Prompt.

Overall, the Offline NT Password and Registry Editor provides a reliable workaround for users locked out of their accounts, particularly when no reset disk or Microsoft account is available. However, caution is advised due to the potential risks involved.

Method 5: Unlocking the PC with Windows 10 Installation Media for Password Bypass

If you are locked out of your Windows 10 computer and cannot access it due to a forgotten password, there is a method that can help you bypass the password and regain access. This method involves using a Windows 10 installation media, which is a bootable disc or USB drive that contains the files necessary to install Windows on your computer.

This method is especially useful if you do not have a Microsoft account connected to your system and cannot use the online password reset tool. It is also a good option if you do not have a password reset disk or cannot use the Command Prompt method.

Step 1: Prepare a Windows Installation Disk

To use this method, you will need a Windows installation disk that matches the version of the operating system installed on your computer. If you do not have one, you can download it online and create a bootable media using a blank USB flash drive or DVD with at least 8 GB of available storage space. You will also need a product key to complete the installation.

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

Step 2: Boot from the Installation Media

Insert the Windows installation disk or bootable USB drive into your computer’s optical drive or USB port. Then restart your computer and boot from the installation media. To do this, you may need to access the BIOS settings and change the boot order to prioritize the installation disk or USB drive.

Step 3: Access the System Recovery Options

Once the Windows Setup screen appears, select your language preferences and click on “Next“. On the next screen, click on “Repair your computer” located at the bottom left corner.

Note: If your computer automatically boots into the Windows Setup, you can press Shift + F10 to launch Command Prompt and skip to Step 5.

Step 4: Select Troubleshoot

In the System Recovery Options, select “Troubleshoot“. This will give you access to various tools and options that can help you resolve issues with your computer.

Step 5: Use Command Prompt to Bypass the Password

In the Troubleshoot menu, click on “Advanced options” and select “Command Prompt“. This will replace the Utility Manager on the Windows login screen with Command Prompt.

Note: If you want to restore the Utility Manager after completing this process, you can use the command “copy c:\utilman.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe” and type “Yes” when prompted. This will bring back the original login screen.

Once Command Prompt is opened, type the following command and press Enter:

Replace “USER_NAME” with the name of the locked account. This will display all the user accounts on your computer.

Note: If you do not know the username, you can type “net user” and press Enter to see a list of all the user accounts.

Step 6: Reset the Password

To reset the password for the locked account, use the following command and press Enter:

Note: Make sure to replace “USER_NAME” with the name of the locked account and “NEW_PASSWORD” with the password you want to set.

You can now use the new password to log in to the admin account you have reset the password for.

This method allows you to bypass the password and regain access to your computer. However, it does require a Windows installation media and a product key, which may not be readily available. Additionally, it only works if you do not have a Microsoft account connected to your system and cannot use the online password reset tool.

In this chapter, we have discussed a method to unlock a Windows 10 computer using a Windows installation media. This method is a good alternative for those who cannot use other methods or do not have a Microsoft account connected to their system.

Next Chapter: How to Avoid Forgetting the Windows Login Password

In the next chapter, we will discuss some tips and tricks to help you avoid forgetting your Windows login password. These tips will help you ensure easy access to your computer and avoid getting locked out in the future.

How to Avoid Forgetting the Windows Login Password

Forgetting your Windows login password can be frustrating, especially if you have important files and documents on your computer. Luckily, there are ways to avoid forgetting your password and still be able to access your computer without any hassle.

Step 1: Create a Password Reset Disk

If you’re using Windows 10, you have the option to create a password reset disk. This can be done by going to the Control Panel and selecting “User Accounts” and then “User Accounts” again. From there, click on “Create a Password Reset Disk” on the left side menu and follow the instructions. This way, if you ever forget your password, you can use the disk to reset it.

Step 2: Set up a PIN

In addition to using your password, Windows 10 allows you to set up a PIN for quick access to your computer. This is especially useful if you frequently forget your password. To set up a PIN, go to the Control Panel and click on “User Accounts” then “Sign-in options.” From there, select “PIN” and follow the instructions to create a unique PIN for your computer.

Step 3: Use a Password Manager

If you have difficulty remembering your passwords, consider using a password manager. These programs store all your passwords in an encrypted database and can be accessed with one master password. Many password managers also have a feature that can automatically enter your login credentials, making it easier for you to access your accounts without having to remember the passwords.

Step 4: Use a Password Hint

When creating a password for your computer, you have the option to add a password hint. This can be a helpful reminder for you in case you forget your password. Just make sure not to make the password hint too obvious as this could make it easier for someone else to access your computer.

Step 5: Regularly Change Your Password

To avoid forgetting your password, it’s a good habit to regularly change it. This will not only make it harder for anyone trying to access your computer, but it can also help you remember your password since it’s constantly being updated.

In conclusion, forgetting your Windows login password can be avoided by creating a password reset disk, setting up a PIN, using a password manager, adding a password hint, and regularly changing your password. These methods will not only help you avoid forgetting your password, but it also adds an extra layer of security to your computer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, losing access to your Windows 10 PC can be a frustrating and stressful experience. However, there are several emergency methods that can help you regain control of your computer in different scenarios. These include using third-party tools like Renee PassNow, utilizing the built-in Administrator account, performing a system restore, resetting a Microsoft account password, and using Windows 10 installation media for password bypass. It is important to remember to regularly backup your data and create a password reset disk to avoid getting locked out of your computer. Additionally, you can follow good password management practices such as using strong and unique passwords, setting up recovery options, and regularly changing your passwords to prevent forgetting them. By following these methods and precautions, you can be better prepared and equipped to handle any situation where you may be locked out of your Windows 10 PC. Don’t let a forgotten password or disabled account cause you unnecessary stress, take action now to ensure you always have emergency access to your computer.