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19 June 2025  John Weaver  Senior Program Developer
Last update by William Davis at 19 June 2025

Summary
Learn how to reset Windows 11 password with user-friendly methods tailored for both local and Microsoft account users. This guide provides reliable, step-by-step solutions, making it easy to quickly regain access to your Windows 11 PC.



Table of contents

table iconDetermine Your Account Type
table iconMethod 1: Using Windows Build-in Password Reset Disk
table iconMethod 2: Reset Windows 11 Password with Professional Recovery Tool
table iconMethod 3: Reset Windows 11 Password Online (Microsoft Account)
table iconMethod 4: Reset Windows 11 Password via Command Prompt
table iconChoosing the Right Method
table iconImportant Tips for Windows 11 Password Security
table iconFAQ
table iconConclusion
Locked out of your Windows 11 computer because you forgot your password? Don't worry! Whether you're using a Microsoft account or a local account, there are several straightforward ways to reset your password and regain access to your system. In this guide, we'll walk you through the most effective methods, ensuring you can get back to work quickly and safely.

Determine Your Account Type

Before proceeding, it's important to know whether you're using a Microsoft account or a local account, as the reset methods differ.
  • Microsoft Account: If you sign in with an email address (e. g., username@outlook. com), you're using a Microsoft account.
  • Local Account: If you sign in with a username without an email address, you're using a local account.
Besides identifying by name, users can also determine the account type based on the error message displayed on the Windows interface after entering an incorrect password.
Local Account and Microsoft Account
If you're still unsure, try to recall how you set up your account. Microsoft accounts offer additional features like syncing settings across devices, while local accounts are confined to the individual PC.
Brief view
The table below provides a comparison of the methods discussed later. Use it for a quick overview, then selectively read further details as needed.
Method NumberMethod NameApplicable Account TypeRequirementsDifficultyData Loss Risk

1

Reset Microsoft account password online

Microsoft account

Internet connection, recover email/phone access

Low

None

2A

Reset local account using security questions

Local account

Preset security questions

Low(Need to know exact answer)

None

2B

Use a password reset disk

Local account

Pre-created password reset disk

Low(If has pre-created disk)

None

3

Use professional recovery tool (eg. Renee PassNow)

Local/Microsoft account

Another computer, USB/CD

Medium(No prerequisites)

Low

4

Use Command Prompt with Advanced Startup Options

Local account

Technical knowledge, Script Operation

High

High

Method 1: Reset Windows 11 Password Using Password Reset Disk

For local accounts, Windows 11 provides built-in options to reset your password if you have set up security questions or created a password reset disk in advance.

Option A: Using Security Questions

If you have set up security questions for your local account, you can reset your password by answering these questions at the login screen.
Windows 11 security question in login screen
Steps:
  1. At the Windows 11 login screen, enter any password and press Enter.
  2. After a failed login attempt, click on the "Reset password" link that appears below the password field.
  3. You will be prompted to answer the security questions you previously set up.

Option B: Using Password Reset Disk

To use a password reset disk(Windows build-in function) in Windows 11, you need to meet the following prerequisites:
Local Account Only – Password reset disks do not work for Microsoft accounts. They are only applicable to local user accounts.

USB Flash Drive – You must have a USB drive connected to your computer. This drive will store the reset disk.

Account Access – You must be logged into the local account for which you want to create the reset disk. A reset disk can only be used to reset the password of one account and cannot be used for different accounts.

Preemptive Setup – The reset disk must be created before you lose access to your account. If you forget your password without a reset disk, you’ll need alternative recovery methods.

Persistent Validity – Once created, the reset disk remains valid even if you change your password later.

click to create windows 10 password reset disk
Steps to reset Windows 11 password with reset disk:
1. Insert your password reset USB drive into the locked computer
2. Boot up your Windows 11 system and attempt to log in with any password
3. When the login fails, you'll see a "Reset password" link appear below the password field
4. Click on the reset password option to launch the Password Reset Wizard
reset password 
5. The wizard will guide you through the reset process
6. Select your USB drive from the dropdown menu when prompted
Windows 7 Insert password reset disk
7. Enter your new password twice and add a password hint for future reference
set new password for Windows Vista account
8. Complete the wizard and restart your computer
9. Log in with your newly created password
This method to reset Windows 11 password is highly effective but requires prior preparation.

Method 2: Reset Windows 11 Password with Professional Recovery Tool

When you don't have a password reset disk, a professional Windows password recovery tool becomes your best option. Renee PassNow is specifically designed to help users reset Windows 11 password without data loss.
Why choose Renee PassNow to reset Windows 11 password:

- Works without needing a pre-existing password reset disk

- Supports both local and Microsoft accounts

- User-friendly interface requiring no technical expertise

- Preserves all your data and settings during the process

Step-by-step process to reset Windows 11 password with Renee PassNow:
Note: If you're using a Microsoft Account, Renee PassNow will convert it to a local account during the reset process. You'll need to reconnect it to your Microsoft Account after resetting the password.
1. Download and Install Renee PassNow
On a different computer you have access to, visit the official Renee PassNow website and download the software. Install it by following the prompts, ensuring you select the version compatible with your operating system.
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2. Create a Bootable USB or CD/DVD
Launch Renee PassNow on the accessible computer and insert a USB flash drive or a blank CD/DVD. Choose the option to create bootable media and follow the on-screen instructions to prepare the disk.
Create New Windows 11 Password Reset Disk with Renee PassNow 
3. Boot the Locked PC from the Bootable Media
Insert the bootable USB or CD/DVD into your locked Windows 11 computer. Restart the PC and enter the BIOS settings by pressing the appropriate key (commonly F2, Delete, or Esc). Set the boot order to prioritize the bootable media.
Boot the target PC with the created password reset USB/CD/DVD. 
Common Servers:
Server TypeEnter 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 NameEnter 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

4. Select the Password Reset Function
Once the system boots from the media, Renee PassNow will load its interface. Select the “PassNow!” function to proceed with the password reset process.
click on passnow to reset login password
5. Reset the Password
From the list, choose the Windows 11 user account you want to reset. Click the “Clear Password” button to remove or reset the password for the selected account.
Select target Windows system in the list 
Select target user account in the list 
6. Reboot the PC
After resetting the password, remove the bootable media and restart your computer. You can now log into your Windows 11 account without a password. If it was a Microsoft account, reconnect it to your Microsoft account afterward.
Using Renee PassNow provides a fast, reliable, and straightforward way to regain access to your Windows 11 system, making it an excellent choice when you're locked out without a reset disk.
Renee PassNow resets your account password to blank, while Ophcrack uses a rainbow table to brute-force your password. If you prefer recovering your password instead of resetting it, Ophcrack may be a better option.

Method 3: Reset Windows 11 Password Online (Microsoft Account)

If you're using a Microsoft account to sign into Windows 11, you can reset Windows 11 password directly through Microsoft's online services. This is often the easiest method when available.
set the new password for Microsoft account
How to reset Windows 11 password online:
  1. On the Windows 11 login screen, click "I forgot my password" or "Sign-in options"
  2. Select "I forgot my PIN" if you're using Windows Hello PIN
  3. You'll be redirected to Microsoft's password recovery page
  4. Enter your Microsoft account email address
  5. Choose how you want to receive the security code (email or phone)
  6. Check your email or phone for the verification code
  7. Enter the security code on the recovery page
  8. Create a new password for your Microsoft account
  9. Return to your Windows 11 login screen and use the new password
Important requirements:

- Active internet connection on your Windows 11 device

- Access to the recovery email or phone number linked to your Microsoft account

- The same Microsoft account used for Windows 11 login

This online method to reset Windows 11 password works seamlessly when you have access to your recovery options.

Method 4: Reset Windows 11 Password via Command Prompt

For advanced users, this method allows you to reset your password using the Command Prompt accessible through the Advanced Startup Options. This approach requires technical knowledge but can be very effective.
Prerequisites:

- Windows 11 installation USB drive

- Basic knowledge of Command Prompt operations

Steps to reset Windows 11 password with Command Prompt:
1.Create a Windows 11 installation USB using Microsoft's Media Creation Tool
create media Windows 10
2. Boot your computer from the installation USB drive
3. Access your computer's boot menu (F12 on most systems)
choose startup device 
4. Select the USB drive from the boot menu
boot media 
5. When Windows Setup appears, select your language and keyboard layout
6. Press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt
shift + f10 while install Windows
7. Execute the following commands to replace the Utility Manager with Command Prompt:

move c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe.bak

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

8. Remove the USB drive and restart your computer
9. At the login screen, click the Accessibility button to open Command Prompt
10. Use the net user command to reset Windows 11 password:

net user [username] [newpassword]

Replace [ username ] with your account name and [ newpassword ] with your desired new password.
This advanced method to reset Windows 11 password requires careful execution but provides direct system-level access.
Important: After resetting your password, you should restore the original Utility Manager to maintain system security.

Choosing the Right Method to Reset Windows 11 Password

The best approach to reset Windows 11 password depends on your specific situation:
Use Password Reset Disk if:
- You created one before forgetting your password.

- You're using a local Windows account.

- You want a quick, Microsoft-approved solution.

Use Professional Recovery Tool(eg. Renee PassNow) if:
- You don't have a password reset disk.

- You need a reliable, user-friendly solution.

- You want to avoid complex technical procedures.

Use Online Reset if:
- You're signed in with a Microsoft account.

- You have access to your recovery email or phone.

- Your computer has internet connectivity.

Use Command Prompt if:
- You're comfortable with advanced technical procedures.

- Other methods haven't worked.

- You have Windows 11 installation media available.

Important Tips for Windows 11 Password Security

To avoid future password issues:
  • Create a password reset disk immediately after setting up Windows 11
  • Use strong, memorable passwords that combine letters, numbers, and symbols
  • Enable Windows Hello for biometric authentication options
  • Keep recovery information updated in your Microsoft account
  • Consider using a password manager for better password security
In addition, Windows 11 offers advanced security options like Windows Hello, which supports facial recognition, fingerprint, or PIN logins. Enable these features for a more secure and convenient experience.

FAQ

Can I use my Microsoft account to reset a local account password?

No, the online reset method only works for Microsoft accounts.

Will resetting my password delete my data?

No, resetting your password won’t affect your data, but always back up important files regularly.

Conclusion

Getting locked out of your Windows 11 system can be stressful, but with these methods, you can reset your password and regain access efficiently. Remember to set up recovery options like security questions or a password reset disk in advance to make future recoveries easier. Whether you choose the built-in password reset disk, a professional recovery tool like Renee PassNow, online Microsoft account recovery, or the Command Prompt method, each approach has its merits depending on your situation.
Remember that prevention is always better than cure. Set up your password recovery options before you need them, and you'll never have to worry about being locked out of your Windows 11 system again.
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User Comments

AZ
AZKmoris335
2025-06-20
Hey there,
My Windows 10 laptop got upgraded to Windows 11 recently. The upgrade went smooth, no issues. But after restarting, my old Windows 10 password ain't working anymore. Any tips on how to reset or recover my Windows 11 password if I forgot it and didn’t set up security questions? I heard Renee PassNow can help with this kinda thing, is that true?
KI
Kimlly
2025-06-20
Hi,
There’s a few ways to tackle a forgotten Windows 11 password. Here’s some options:
Use a professional recovery tool: You can use a tool like Renee PassNow to reset your Windows 11 password. Download it on another computer, create a bootable USB or CD/DVD, and follow the steps to reset your password. It’s user-friendly and works for both local and Microsoft accounts without losing your data.
Use a password reset disk: If you created a password reset disk before, just plug it into your computer and follow the on-screen instructions to reset your password.
Use a local admin account: If you have another local account with admin rights, log in with that, go to Control Panel > User Accounts > Manage another account, select the account with the forgotten password, and click “Change the password” to reset it.
These methods are free and should help you get back into your Windows 11 system. If they don’t work, Renee PassNow is a solid bet to reset your password safely.
KA
KapilAryaMVP
2025-06-23
Hey AZKmoris335,
If you’re using a Microsoft account, try resetting your password online from another device. Go to Microsoft’s password recovery page, enter your email, and follow the steps to set a new password. Then use it to log into your Windows 11 device.
For a local account, a password reset disk works if you made one earlier. If you don’t have one and forgot your security questions, you might need a tool like Renee PassNow to reset your password without wiping your data.
Hope that helps!
AZ
AZKmoris335
2025-06-23
KapilArya, thanks for the reply! Will resetting my system wipe all my files? I really don’t wanna lose my data.
KA
KapilAryaMVP
2025-06-25
Yeah, a full system reset will likely wipe your files. Try using Renee PassNow instead—it can reset your password without losing your data.
LE
LeonPavesic
2025-06-25
Hey AZKmoris335,
If you forgot your Windows 11 password and don’t have security questions, here’s what you can try:
Microsoft Account Password Reset:
If it’s a Microsoft account, reset the password on another device with internet:
a. Visit the Microsoft account recovery page: https://account.live.com/password/reset
b. Follow the steps to reset your Microsoft account password.
c. Use the new password to log into your Windows 11 device.
If it’s a local account, you might need a professional tool like Renee PassNow to reset the password without data loss. It’s easy to use and works great for both account types.
CH
Cherylkoin
2025-06-25
Hey,
I’m in a pickle. I changed my Windows 11 laptop password recently and totally forgot it. Didn’t make a password reset disk either, so I’m locked out. Any way to unlock my Windows 11 laptop without losing my files? Can I create a password reset disk now that I’m locked out?
Thanks a ton for any advice!
YA
Yarisyoyo
2025-06-28
Hey Cherylkoin,
Sorry, but you can’t create a password reset disk after you’re locked out—it needs to be done beforehand. However, you can use a tool like Renee PassNow on another computer to create a bootable USB and reset your Windows 11 password. It worked like a charm for me on a couple of PCs not long ago. Check out this guide for more details:
https://www.reneelab.com/reset-windows-password
TR
Tracecea
2025-06-28
If it’s a local account and you’re already logged in, you can create a password reset disk via Control Panel > User Accounts > Create a password reset disk. But since you’re locked out, that won’t work. You might need to use a professional tool like Renee PassNow to reset your Windows 11 password without a reset disk. It’s safe and won’t wipe your data. Otherwise, a full system reset will erase everything.
AN
Andranl
2025-06-28
Lots of folks ask, “Can I make a password reset disk after forgetting my password?” Sadly, no—it’s gotta be made before you get locked out. For Windows 11 local accounts, here are some options:
Net User Command: If you can access another admin account or boot into safe mode, use the Command Prompt to reset your password with ‘net user [username] [newpassword]’. You’ll need admin rights, though.
Professional Recovery Tool: Tools like Renee PassNow can reset your password without needing a reset disk. It’s super easy and keeps your files safe.
Factory Reset: Last resort—resetting your PC will wipe all files, apps, and settings. Only do this if you’ve got no other options.
Microsoft Support: If you’re stuck, contact Microsoft support for help with troubleshooting or Microsoft account recovery.
DR
Droake
2025-07-02
Cherylkoin,
If you’re using a Microsoft account, resetting online might take a bit to verify your identity. You’ll need access to your recovery email or phone for the security code. If two-factor authentication is on, you’ll need your phone or another device to get the code. If that’s not working, you might be stuck. Try using Renee PassNow—it’s a quick way to reset your password without needing recovery options.
AX
Axtoniu
2025-07-02
Most Windows 11 systems use a Microsoft account. Here’s how to reset your password if that’s your case:
Step 1: On the lock screen, click “I forgot my password” below the password field.
Step 2: You’ll be taken to Microsoft’s password recovery page.
Step 3: Enter your Microsoft account email and follow the prompts.
Step 4: Verify your identity with a phone number or alternate email linked to your account.
Step 5: Set a new password.
Step 6: Log into your Windows 11 laptop with the new password.
If it’s a local account, try Renee PassNow to reset the password without a reset disk. It’s a lifesaver!
DU
Dustincrui
2025-07-07
Yo Cherylkoin,
First, check if it’s a Microsoft or local account. Look at the login screen—if it’s an email, it’s a Microsoft account; if it’s just a name, it’s local. Microsoft accounts sync across devices, while local ones are just for that laptop.
For a local account, you can’t make a password reset disk after you’re locked out. Try using Renee PassNow to create a bootable USB and reset your Windows 11 password. It’s easy and won’t delete your files.
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