Forgetting your Windows password can lock you out of your device, but several recovery methods exist depending on whether you use a Microsoft account or a local account. The simplest solution for Microsoft accounts is using the "I forgot my password" link on the login screen, which redirects you to Microsoft's online recovery portal where you can verify your identity via email, phone, or security questions ^[3][9][10]. For local accounts, options include using pre-configured security questions, booting into Safe Mode to access the hidden Administrator account, or employing Command Prompt tricks to bypass the login screen ^[1][7][10]. Advanced users can also create a password reset disk using a USB drive if one wasn’t prepared beforehand ^[1][9].

• Microsoft Accounts: Reset via the login screen link or Microsoft’s recovery website using email/phone verification ^[3][9][10]
• Local Accounts: Use security questions, Safe Mode + Administrator account, or Command Prompt file renaming techniques ^[1][4][7]
• Preventative Measures: Create a password reset disk or link your account to a Microsoft profile for easier recovery ^[8][10]
• Advanced Workarounds: Bootable USB tools (like Rufus) can help if standard methods fail, but require technical comfort ^[4][7]

Password Recovery Methods for Windows

Resetting a Microsoft Account Password

Microsoft accounts are tied to your email and offer the most straightforward recovery process. When locked out, click the "I forgot my password" link on the Windows login screen, which directs you to Microsoft’s password reset portal ^[3][9][10]. Here, you’ll verify your identity through one of the recovery methods you previously set up—typically an alternate email address, phone number, or security questions. Once verified, you can create a new password and regain access immediately.

Key steps for Microsoft account recovery:

• On the login screen, select "I forgot my password" below the password field ^[9][10]
• Enter your Microsoft account email (e.g., @outlook.com, @hotmail.com) when prompted ^[10]
• Choose a verification method: email code, SMS code, or security questions ^[3][9]
• Create and confirm a new password, then use it to log in ^[10]
• If the login screen lacks the recovery link, visit account.microsoft.com from another device to reset it ^[9]

This method is the fastest and most reliable for Microsoft accounts, as it doesn’t require technical tools or system modifications. However, it depends entirely on having access to your linked email or phone. Users who no longer control their recovery email/phone may need to contact Microsoft Support for account recovery, though this process can take 24–48 hours ^[10].

Recovering a Local Account Password

Local accounts—those not linked to a Microsoft email—require different approaches since they lack cloud-based recovery options. The most common methods involve using Safe Mode, Command Prompt tricks, or a pre-made password reset disk ^{[1][4][7][10]}.

Safe Mode and Administrator Account

If you didn’t create a password reset disk, booting into Safe Mode lets you access the hidden Administrator account, which can reset other user passwords:

1. Restart your PC and hold Shift while clicking Restart to enter the Advanced Startup menu ^[1][7]
2. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, then press F4 or 4 to enable Safe Mode ^[7]
3. Log in to the built-in Administrator account (often blank or with a default password) ^[1]
4. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type:

net user [username] [newpassword]

(Replace [username] with your account name and [newpassword] with your desired password) ^[7]

Command Prompt File Replacement

For Windows 11/10, a widely shared technique involves replacing the Accessibility (utilman.exe) file with Command Prompt (cmd.exe) to bypass the login screen:

1. Boot from a Windows installation USB or recovery drive ^[4][7]
2. Open Command Prompt from the installer (press Shift+F10) ^[7]
3. Execute these commands to back up and replace files:

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

1. Reboot, click the Accessibility icon on the login screen, and use the Command Prompt to reset the password with:

net user [username] [newpassword]

1. Restore the original file afterward:

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

Password Reset Disk

If you created a password reset disk (USB) beforehand, insert it when prompted after clicking "Reset password" on the login screen ^[1][9]. This method is only viable if the disk was made before forgetting the password. Without it, you’ll need to use one of the above workarounds.

Limitations and Risks:

• Safe Mode may not work if the Administrator account is disabled or password-protected ^[1]
• File replacement methods can corrupt system files if commands are mistyped ^[4][7]
• Resetting via Command Prompt may trigger Windows security alerts or require BitLocker recovery keys if encryption is enabled ^[7]