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15 August 2025  Jennifer Thatcher  Technology Manager of Test Dept.
Last update by William Davis at 15 August 2025

Summary
Explore the best Windows 11 password recovery tools for 2025. Our expert guide compares top solutions and offers easy, step-by-step instructions, ensuring you can reset your password quickly without data loss. Perfect for all users seeking secure access.



Table of contents

table iconComparing the Latest Windows 11 Password Recovery Tools
table iconMethod 1: Reset Your Password Using Renee PassNow – The Versatile Shareware Option
table iconMethod 2: Crack Your Password with Ophcrack – The Free Rainbow Table Tool
table iconMethod 3: Advanced Cracking with John the Ripper – The Command‑Line Powerhouse
table iconMethod 4: Recover with Trinity Rescue Kit – The All‑in‑One Bootable Suite
table iconMethod 5: Recover Your Windows 11 Password via Microsoft Account – The Official Online Way
table iconMethod 6: Reset Windows 11 Password Using Command Prompt – The Built-In Technical Fix
table iconFinal Notes
Locked out of your Windows 11 laptop because you forgot the login password? You’re not alone – it happens to the best of us. The good news is, you can reset your password without wiping your data or reinstalling Windows. Whether you’re dealing with a local account or a Microsoft-linked one, this guide covers the latest tools and methods to get you back in quickly and safely. Stick around for comparisons, features, and easy steps!
Forgetting your Windows password is frustrating, especially when it locks you out of important files and apps. But with the right approach, you can regain access without starting from scratch. In this article, we’ll dive into the most reliable Windows 11 password recovery tools available in 2025, comparing their strengths to help you choose the best fit for your situation. We’ll also provide detailed walkthroughs for each method, ensuring you can follow along even if you’re not a tech expert.
Windows 11, launched by Microsoft back in October 2021, has evolved with better security features, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck if you forget your password. Many tried-and-true recovery methods still work, and newer tools have stepped up to handle the latest updates. Let’s start by comparing the top options before breaking them down one by one.

Comparing the Latest Windows 11 Password Recovery Tools

When it comes to recovering a forgotten Windows 11 password, you have several paths to choose from, ranging from built-in features to specialized software. Each type has its own features, ideal use cases, and limitations. Below is a comparison table highlighting the key aspects of the main categories, featuring one standout tool per type (with shareware limited to our recommended pick, Renee PassNow). These tools prioritize data safety and ease of use, catering to different user needs and technical levels.
Tool/TypeKey FeaturesBest ForLimitationsCost

Renee PassNow (Shareware)

Graphical interface, bootable USB/CD, supports local/Microsoft accounts, data backup, no data loss

Beginners, home users seeking quick and reliable resets, need urgent access

Requires purchase after trial, needs another PC for setup

Paid (Trial available)

Ophcrack (Open-Source)

Uses rainbow tables to crack hashes, free, supports local accounts

Budget-conscious users, simpler passwords, tech-savvy users

Not support Microsoft accounts, Slow for complex passwords, needs separate rainbow tables, hasn't received any updates since 2018

Free

John the Ripper (Command-Line)

Brute-force/dictionary attacks, highly customizable, supports hash cracking

Advanced users, security pros, complex passwords

Not support Microsoft accounts, Requires hash extraction, not user-friendly, time-consuming

Free

Trinity Rescue Kit (Live CD)

Command-line, Bootable Linux suite, password reset, system repair, antivirus scanning

Users needing multi-tool recovery, offline scenarios

Not support Microsoft accounts, Dated interface, complex setup, less intuitive for beginners

Free

Microsoft Account Reset

Online portal, resets via email/phone verification, official Microsoft method

Microsoft account users with recovery details, internet access

Limited to Microsoft accounts, requires recovery info

Free

Command Prompt (Built-In)

Uses Windows installation media, resets local accounts via system file tweaks(not support Microsoft accounts)

Local accounts, users with boot media, technical confidence

Needs installation media, technical steps, no Microsoft account support

Free

Choosing the Right Tool: Your decision depends on your skill level, account type, and urgency. For a seamless experience with minimal risk, Renee PassNow is ideal for most users due to its intuitive design and data safety. If you’re on a budget, Ophcrack or John the Ripper are great for cracking simpler or complex passwords, respectively. Trinity Rescue Kit shines for broader system issues, while built-in Microsoft or Command Prompt methods work if you have the right setup. Below, we dive into detailed guides for each, starting with our top shareware recommendation.

Method 1: Reset Your Password Using Renee PassNow – The Versatile Shareware Option

If you’ve forgotten your Windows 11 password and want a hassle-free solution without reinstalling the OS or risking data loss, a Windows 11 password recovery tool is your best bet. One standout option is Renee PassNow, a powerful and user-friendly software designed to resolve password issues across all Windows versions, including Windows 11. This tool allows you to create a bootable USB or CD/DVD to reset or remove login passwords for local accounts, administrator accounts, or even Microsoft accounts without needing prior access to the system.
Renee Passnow – Professional Windows Password Remover

Remove Windows Login Password 3 steps for whole password remove process.

Enable/Create Administrator One click for creating new administrator and enable the disabled account.

Widely Use New version supports UEFI boot model, which can be used on more computers, laptops and even surfaces.

Multifuctional Data transfer, data recovery, bootable problem recovery can be run without system.

Highly compatible Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista.

Remove Login Password Support Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista.

Enable/Create Administrator One click for creating new administrator and enable the disabled account.

Easy to use No need of any professional knowledge or password reset disk.

Free TrialFree TrialNow 2000 people have downloaded!
Renee PassNow is more than just a Windows 11 password recovery tool—it’s a versatile utility that ensures no data loss during the reset process. It supports Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, and includes additional features like secure data transfer between drives, disk erasure, create new Windows account and recover deleted files. Whether you’re locked out due to a forgotten password or a system boot failure, Renee PassNow provides a straightforward solution to get you back in control.
Tip: If your account is linked to a Microsoft account, Renee PassNow will convert it to a local account during the reset process. After resetting, you’ll need to reconnect your account to your Microsoft profile.
Here’s how to use Renee PassNow as a Windows 11 password recovery tool in a few simple steps:
1. Download and Install Renee PassNow: On an accessible computer, visit the official Renee PassNow website and download the software. Install it and ensure you have a USB flash drive or a blank CD/DVD ready.
2. Create a Bootable USB or CD/DVD: Launch Renee PassNow, insert your USB or CD/DVD, and select the option to create bootable media. Follow the on-screen instructions to prepare the reset 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 PC.
Boot the target PC with the created password reset USB/CD/DVD
Restart the computer and enter the BIOS settings by pressing the appropriate key (e.g., F2, Delete, or F12, depending on your device). Set the boot order to prioritize the USB or CD/DVD.
Common Boot Menu Access for Popular Devices:
Device TypeBoot Menu Key

Dell

F12

HP

F9

ASUS

DEL or F2

Lenovo

F2 or Fn + F2

Acer

DEL or F2

MSI

DEL

Toshiba

F2

Surface

Power + Volume Up

4. Select the Password Reset Function: Once the PC boots from the media, Renee PassNow will load. Select the “PassNow!” function from the main interface to begin the password reset process.
After loading into main interface, please select the “PassNow!” function
5. Reset the Password: Choose the user account you want to reset from the list. 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 in to your Windows 11 account without a password or with a new one you’ve set.
This method makes Renee PassNow an ideal Windows 11 password recovery tool, offering a quick and secure way to regain access without affecting your files or settings.
If Renee PassNow’s polished interface appeals to you but you’re exploring free options, the next sections cover open-source alternatives that pack a punch for password cracking.
Renee Passnow – Professional Windows Password Remover

Remove Windows Login Password 3 steps for whole password remove process.

Enable/Create Administrator One click for creating new administrator and enable the disabled account.

Widely Use New version supports UEFI boot model, which can be used on more computers, laptops and even surfaces.

Multifuctional Data transfer, data recovery, bootable problem recovery can be run without system.

Highly compatible Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista.

Remove Login Password Support Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista.

Enable/Create Administrator One click for creating new administrator and enable the disabled account.

Easy to use No need of any professional knowledge or password reset disk.

Free TrialFree TrialNow 2000 people have downloaded!

Method 2: Crack Your Password with Ophcrack – The Free Rainbow Table Tool

Ophcrack is best for quick cracks on standard setups, but if your passwords are strong, you might need something more robust like the next tool. If you feel unsure about handling these steps or dealing with potential compatibility issues, you could try the simpler, more user-friendly Renee PassNow instead.
Ophcrack is a popular free and open-source Windows password recovery tool that uses rainbow tables to crack LM and NTLM hashes quickly. It’s especially effective for recovering simpler passwords on older Windows systems, but it still holds up for Windows 11 local accounts in many cases. This tool boots from a live CD or USB, scans your system’s password hashes, and attempts to match them against pre-computed tables you download separately. While it might not work on very complex passwords or encrypted drives, it’s a solid no-cost option for users who don’t mind a bit of setup.
https://ophcrack.sourceforge.io/
wait for seconds to enter the password cracking interface
Note: Ophcrack hasn’t received any updates since 2018, so it might not fully support the latest encryption changes in newer Windows versions like 11, potentially leading to lower success rates on modern setups.
To use Ophcrack for Windows 11 password recovery, you’ll need to download rainbow tables (free or paid for better coverage) and create a bootable media. Here’s the process:
1. Download Ophcrack and Tables: Grab the latest Ophcrack ISO from the official site and rainbow tables suited to your needs (e.g., for NTLM hashes).
ophcrack Rainbow tables
2. Create Bootable Media: Burn the ISO to a USB or CD using a tool like Rufus.
rufus
3. Boot and Run: Insert the media into your locked PC, boot from it, and let Ophcrack load automatically. It will detect your Windows installation and start cracking.
restart computer with Ophcrack live CD
4. View Results: Once done, Ophcrack displays recovered passwords if successful. Note them down and reboot without the media to log in.
Ophcrack interface cracking passwords
After booting from the media, Ophcrack will launch into its graphical interface. If you’ve placed the rainbow tables on the same bootable USB or CD (or mounted them from another drive), you can load them by going to the “Tables” menu, selecting “Install,” and pointing to the folder where your tables are stored. The tool will then use those tables to crack the hashes it detects from your Windows SAM file.
Keep in mind Ophcrack’s limitations: it’s slow or ineffective for long, complex passwords (over 14 characters or with special symbols), doesn’t support Microsoft accounts, and requires you to download large rainbow table files separately, which can take time and storage space.

Method 3: Advanced Cracking with John the Ripper – The Command‑Line Powerhouse

John the Ripper is a long‑standing, free, open‑source password‑cracking utility that remains popular among security professionals for its flexibility and power. It supports:
* Dictionary attacks
* Brute‑force attacks
* Hybrid attacks on extracted password hashes
This makes it a strong choice for Windows 11 password recovery—particularly for tackling complex or non‑standard passwords.
john the ripper logo
Note: John is not as user‑friendly as graphical tools, but its high degree of customization makes it indispensable for advanced users. It does not support Microsoft accounts directly, as it requires extracted hashes from local accounts.
Official site and downloads: https://www.openwall.com/john/
Step‑by‑Step: Using John the Ripper on Windows 11 Password Hashes

1️⃣ Install John the Ripper

* Download the community edition for your operating system (supports Windows, Linux, macOS, etc.).
* Extract or install it to a working directory you can access from the command line.

2️⃣ Extract Windows Password Hashes

Before John can work, you’ll need to obtain the SAM (Security Account Manager) and SYSTEM files from your Windows installation.
One reliable method – Ubuntu Live USB:
1. Create a bootable Ubuntu USB
- Download Ubuntu ISO from ubuntu.com
- Use a tool like Rufus to make the USB bootable.
2. Boot the locked PC from the USB
- Choose “Try Ubuntu” to load a live session without installing.
Effortless OS Migration: Transfer Your Windows from One Samsung SSD to Another Without the Headache - Rene.E Laboratory
3. Identify & mount the Windows partition

bash sudo fdisk -l # Locate NTFS partition (e.g., /dev/sda2)
sudo mkdir /mnt/win sudo mount -t ntfs /dev/sda2 /mnt/win

4. Copy the SAM and SYSTEM files

bash cd /mnt/win/Windows/System32/config/
sudo cp SAM /home/ubuntu/ sudo cp SYSTEM /home/ubuntu/

5. Unmount the Windows volume

bash sudo umount /mnt/win

6. Extract hashes (on another machine or directly in Ubuntu, after installing required tools):

bash sudo apt update && sudo apt install bkhive samdump2
bkhive SYSTEM bootkey.txt
samdump2 SAM bootkey.txt > hashes.txt

3️⃣ Run John the Ripper

From within John’s directory, start the cracking process:

bashjohn –wordlist=dictionary.txt hashes.txt

* Replace dictionary.txt with your chosen wordlist file.
* John will attempt passwords and display results as they are found.
John the Ripper cracking result

4️⃣ Use Recovered Passwords

Once recovered, the passwords can be used to log in or reset credentials via another recovery method.
Renee Passnow – Professional Windows Password Remover

Remove Windows Login Password 3 steps for whole password remove process.

Enable/Create Administrator One click for creating new administrator and enable the disabled account.

Widely Use New version supports UEFI boot model, which can be used on more computers, laptops and even surfaces.

Multifuctional Data transfer, data recovery, bootable problem recovery can be run without system.

Highly compatible Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista.

Remove Login Password Support Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista.

Enable/Create Administrator One click for creating new administrator and enable the disabled account.

Easy to use No need of any professional knowledge or password reset disk.

Free TrialFree TrialNow 2000 people have downloaded!

Method 4: Recover with Trinity Rescue Kit – The All‑in‑One Bootable Suite

Trinity Rescue Kit (TRK) is a free, Linux‑based live CD/USB distribution designed for system repair and recovery. Its toolkit includes:
Note: TRK may have compatibility issues with Windows 11 due to its last update in version 2010
* Windows password reset (local accounts)
* Drive cloning for backup or migration
* Offline antivirus scans
* Other command‑line utilities for troubleshooting
For Windows 11 password resets, TRK uses built‑in scripts to blank or change passwords directly in the SAM (Security Account Manager) file.
3 logiciels gratuits pour supprimer le mot de passe Windows - Renee PassNow
📝 Why choose TRK? It’s a bit old‑school, but remains reliable for offline recoveries and all‑purpose repair jobs.
Step‑by‑Step: Resetting a Windows 11 Local Account Password with TRK

1️⃣ Download & Create Boot Media

  • Get the TRK ISO from its official source.
  • Create a bootable USB (using Rufus or similar) or burn it to a CD.

2️⃣ Boot from TRK

  • Insert the USB/CD into the locked PC.
  • Boot and select the default mode from the startup menu.

3️⃣ Run the Winpass Utility

At the TRK command prompt:

bashwinpass -l

- Lists all local Windows user accounts.
Then, to reset a specific account:

bashwinpass -u username

- Replace username with the actual account name.
- Follow the prompts to blank or change the password.

4️⃣ Reboot & Log In

  • Exit TRK.
  • Remove the boot media.
  • Log in with the new password (or leave blank if you chose to clear it).
Renee Passnow – Professional Windows Password Remover

Remove Windows Login Password 3 steps for whole password remove process.

Enable/Create Administrator One click for creating new administrator and enable the disabled account.

Widely Use New version supports UEFI boot model, which can be used on more computers, laptops and even surfaces.

Multifuctional Data transfer, data recovery, bootable problem recovery can be run without system.

Highly compatible Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista.

Remove Login Password Support Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista.

Enable/Create Administrator One click for creating new administrator and enable the disabled account.

Easy to use No need of any professional knowledge or password reset disk.

Free TrialFree TrialNow 2000 people have downloaded!

Method 5: Recover Your Windows 11 Password via Microsoft Account – The Official Online Way

If your Windows 11 account is linked to a Microsoft account, you can reset your password directly through Microsoft’s online portal. This method is convenient if you have internet access and remember your Microsoft account credentials. Follow these steps to use your Microsoft account as a Windows 11 password recovery tool:
1. Access the Reset Option: On the Windows 11 login screen, click the “I forgot my password” link below the password field.
Forgot Administrator Password Windows 10? Here's How to Fix It - Rene.E Laboratory
2. Sign In to Your Microsoft Account: Enter your Microsoft account email and password, then click “Sign in.”
How to Recover Your Forgotten Microsoft PIN: A Complete Guide for Windows 10/11 Users - Rene.E Laboratory
3. Verify Your Identity: Follow the prompts to verify your identity, typically by entering a code sent to your registered email or phone number.
4. Acknowledge the Warning: A warning screen may appear; click “Continue” to proceed.
5. Set a New Password: Enter a new password, confirm it in the provided field, and click “OK.”
Your Windows 11 password (or PIN) is now reset, and you can log in with the new credentials. This method is ideal if your account is tied to a Microsoft profile and you have access to your recovery options. For local accounts without online ties, the following technical method can save the day.
Renee Passnow – Professional Windows Password Remover

Remove Windows Login Password 3 steps for whole password remove process.

Enable/Create Administrator One click for creating new administrator and enable the disabled account.

Widely Use New version supports UEFI boot model, which can be used on more computers, laptops and even surfaces.

Multifuctional Data transfer, data recovery, bootable problem recovery can be run without system.

Highly compatible Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista.

Remove Login Password Support Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista.

Enable/Create Administrator One click for creating new administrator and enable the disabled account.

Easy to use No need of any professional knowledge or password reset disk.

Free TrialFree TrialNow 2000 people have downloaded!

Method 6: Reset Windows 11 Password Using Command Prompt – The Built-In Technical Fix

For those comfortable with technical solutions, Windows 11 offers a built-in method to reset your password using the Command Prompt. This approach requires a Windows 11 installation media (such as a bootable USB) but serves as an effective Windows 11 password recovery tool without third-party software. Here’s how to do it:
Note: You’ll need a Windows 11 installation USB or DVD to proceed.
1. Boot from Installation Media: Insert the Windows 11 installation media into your locked PC and boot from it (adjust BIOS settings if needed).
Note: You’ll need a Windows 11 installation USB or DVD to proceed.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11

2. Access the Setup Screen: When the Windows 11 setup screen appears, click “Next.”
3. Enter Repair Mode: Click the “Repair your computer” link in the bottom-left corner.
Repair your computer
4. Open Troubleshoot: Select “Troubleshoot” on the next screen.
select troubleshoot in windows safe mode
5. Launch Command Prompt: Choose “Command Prompt” from the options.
command prompt
6. Execute Commands: In the Command Prompt, type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:

move c:\Windows\system32\utilman.exe C:\
copy c:\Windows\system32\cmd.exe c:\Windows\system32\utilman.exe

command prompt
7. Reboot the System: Remove the installation media and type wpeutil reboot to restart your PC.
command prompt
8. Access Command Prompt Again: On the login screen, click the “Ease of Access” (also mark as Accessibility) icon to open the Command Prompt.
command prompt
9. Reset the Password: Type the command net user [ username ] [ new_password ] to set a new password.
command prompt
Your Windows 11 password is now reset, and you can log in using the new password. This method is a bit more technical but works well as a Windows 11 password recovery tool for local accounts.

Final Notes

Forgetting your Windows 11 password doesn’t have to be a disaster. This guide has compared and detailed several top tools and methods for 2025, from user-friendly shareware like Renee PassNow to free crackers like Ophcrack and John the Ripper, plus bootable suites like Trinity Rescue Kit and built-in options via Microsoft Account or Command Prompt. Renee PassNow stands out for everyday users due to its ease and safety, but the choice depends on your needs – go free for basics or advanced for power. Whichever you pick, you’ll regain access securely without losing your precious data. If one doesn’t work, try another, and always back up regularly to avoid future headaches!
Renee Passnow – Professional Windows Password Remover

Remove Windows Login Password 3 steps for whole password remove process.

Enable/Create Administrator One click for creating new administrator and enable the disabled account.

Widely Use New version supports UEFI boot model, which can be used on more computers, laptops and even surfaces.

Multifuctional Data transfer, data recovery, bootable problem recovery can be run without system.

Highly compatible Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista.

Remove Login Password Support Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista.

Enable/Create Administrator One click for creating new administrator and enable the disabled account.

Easy to use No need of any professional knowledge or password reset disk.

Free TrialFree TrialNow 2000 people have downloaded!

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