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How to Reset Windows Admin Password?

Last Updated : 15 Mar, 2024
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If you forgot your Windows administrator password, you might be locked out of your computer and unable to access your files and settings. However, there are some ways to reset your password without losing your data or reinstalling Windows.

In this article, we will show you how to reset your Windows admin password

Method 1: Reset the Windows Admin Password With a Microsoft Account

An online Microsoft account le­ts you log into Windows and use Microsoft services like­ Outlook, OneDrive, Skype, and Xbox. Forgot your Windows admin password? No proble­m if you link a Microsoft account. You can reset it from another de­vice.

Step 1: Go to this URL:

https://account.live.com/password/reset

Step 2: Enter your email address or phone number associated with the account.

Reset-the-Windows-Administrator-Password-With-a-Microsoft-Account

Step 3: Click on “I forgot my password”

Method 2: Reset Account Password Without Logging in on Windows 11

On Windows 11, you can rese­t your password right from the lock screen. You don’t e­ven need to log in if you’re­ using a local account.

Step 1: Begin by starting the computer with Windows 11 USB bootable media.

Step 2: Press “Shift + F10” for Command Prompt.

Reset-Account-Password-Without-Logging-in-on-Windows-11-4

Step 3: Type this command to Navigate to Windows folder from X:Sources.

C:

Step 4: Enter the command to navigate to the System32 folder and press Enter.

Cd Windows\System32

Step 5: Type these command one by one

ren utilman.exe utilman.exe.bak
ren cmd.exe utilman.exe

Reset-Account-Password-Without-Logging-in-on-Windows-11

Step 6: Enter the command to restart the computer normally

wpeutil reboot

Step 7: Click the Accessibility button at the bottom-right of the Sign-in screen to open Command Prompt.

Then, type and enter the command to activate the built-in Administrator account on Windows 11.

net user Administrator /active:yes

Reset-Account-Password-Without-Logging-in-on-Windows-1

Step 8: Select ‘Restart’ from the Power button options in the bottom-right corner.

Step 9: Choose the Administrator account on the Sign-in screen.

Step 10: Open the Start menu.

Step 11: Search and open the top result for ‘Computer Management’.

Reset-Account-Password-Without-Logging-in-on-Windows-11-5

Step 12: Expand the ‘Local Users and Groups’ sections.

Step 13: Expand the ‘Users’ sections.

Step 14: Right-click on the account whose password you want to reset and choose ‘Set password’.

Reset-Account-Password-Without-Logging-in-on-Windows-11-6-(1)

Step 15: Enter and confirm the new password.

Step 16: Click ‘OK’.

Step 17: Sign out from admin

Step 18: Reboot the PC using the Windows 11 USB bootable media once more

Step 19: Press “Shift + F10” for Command Prompt.

Step 20: Type this command to Navigate to Windows folder from X:Sources.

C:

Step 21: Enter the command to navigate to the System32 folder and press Enter.

Cd Windows\System32

Step 22: Type these command one by one

ren utilman.exe cmd.exe 
ren utilman.exe.bak utilman.exe

Step 23: Type this following command

net user Administrator /active:no

Reset-Account-Password-Without-Logging-in-on-Windows-11-3

Step 24: Enter the command to restart the computer normally

wpeutil reboot

After completing the steps, you can regain access to your Windows 11 account

Method 3: Login With Other Sign-in Option

Windows gives you varie­d ways to log in, such as using a PIN, a picture password, or a fingerprint reade­r. These methods offe­r password-free access to your PC. Suppose­ there’s another login me­thod active on your Windows PC. In that case, you can use this to e­nter, then change your password via se­ttings.

Step 1: Press Win + S then on search bar type “PowerShell” and then click on “Run as administrator”

Step 2: Type this following command in PowerShell window

net user account_name new_password

Replace the account_name with actual admin user name

Replace the new_password with actual password which you want to set

Login-With-Other-Sign-in-Option

Method 4: Reset Local Account Password With Security Questions

With a local account, you get to log in on Windows and make­ use of your settings and documents. If on Windows 11 you put up security queries for your local account.

These security questions are personal and only you know the answers, like your favorite movie or your first pet’s name

Step 1: On the login screen, click on “I forget my PIN” or “I forget my password

Step 2: Answer your security questions and reset your password.

Step 3: Enter the new password

Conclusion

In Conclusion, Though forgetting your Windows admin password can be a hassle, We have shown you five methods to reset your computer password. You can choose any method to reset your computer password.

Also Read

Frequently Asked Questions to Reset Windows Admin Password

How To Reset Windows Admin Password

Follow these to reset windows admin password

  • Visit https://account.live.com/password/reset
  • Input your email address or phone number linked to the account.
  • Select “I forgot my password”.

How To Reset Windows Admin Password Using CMD?

Follow these steps to reset windows admin password using CMD

  • Press Win + S, type “PowerShell”, and run as admin.
  • In PowerShell, type:
  • net user account_name new_password
  • Replace “account_name” and “new_password”.

How To Reset Windows 10 Without An Admin Password?

Follow these to reset windows 10 with an admin password

  • While in the Start menu, hold Shift and click Restart.
  • In the “Choose an option” window, select Troubleshoot.
  • Choose Reset this PC.
  • Follow on-screen instructions to complete the reset.


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