Basically, we always recommend protecting your own PC and thus all data on it with a password. Especially when working on a laptop that is often used in different (and possibly public) places. You can even protect extraordinarily sensitive files additionally with an extra password. However, this can also become a problem if you forgot your Windows 10 password.
Attention: First of all, you should rule out a few basic possibilities why your password may be considered wrong by Windows. Check your spelling again for possible errors. Then check if Caps Lock on the keyboard was activated by mistake or if no numbers appear due to missing Num Lock. This also often affects other areas such as the WiFi access.
If, on the other hand, you forgot your Windows password, you can at least access a hint after entering it incorrectly. This information was added by the creator of the user account himself. The usefulness of this information varies from case to case.
What to Do if you Forgot your Windows 10 Password?
- Forgot Windows Password – Local Account with Version 1803 or higher
- Reset Windows 10 Password as Administrator
- Forgotten Microsoft Password – How to Access your Account anyway
- Last Alternative: Reset Windows Permanently
You remembered your Windows 10 password, but now you would like to change it? Then take a look at our article on how to customize and remove a password!
Forgot Windows Password – Local Account with Version 1803 or higher
In the newer versions of Windows 10 you can easily reset a forgotten password. All you need to know are the answers to the security questions you selected when you opened your account. Try it! Often you know the answer right away when you see the questions.
- On the Windows login screen, you first enter an incorrect password.
- After that, more options should appear. Next to the hint, you will find a button called Reset Password. Click on it.
- One or more security questions will be displayed. Answer them correctly and then enter a new password.
- Log in with this new data from now on.
Note: You can easily tell if you have Windows 10 version 1803 or higher by whether security questions exist. Only in the case of a work PC connected to a network, the password reset option may be missing. In this case, you must contact the administrator of your IT department if you forgot your Windows password. This person has extended permissions, thanks to the so-called admin account:
Reset Windows 10 Password as Administrator
An admin has overarching rights that give him access to the settings of other users. This proves to be useful in many cases, for example if you want to change the name of your account. If you just forgot your Windows 10 password, the experienced administrator knows several methods to recover it.
The quickest way to do this is to use the Windows Run function, which you can access with the Windows logo key + R shortcut. Enter the command control userpasswords2 into the text field. An overview will open where you can select the account from the Users group. Click on the Reset password button, and you can change the password. That’s it!
Forgotten Microsoft Password – How to Access your Account anyway
Restoring your access to a Microsoft account is even easier. Here you only need the linked email address, your phone number or the name of your Skype account. This step is necessary for verification, otherwise anyone could reset your Windows password. So just go to the official site of Microsoft, have your data ready and follow the steps shown. After just a few minutes, you will be able to log in to Windows with your new password.
Last Alternative: Reset Windows Permanently
This was the only way to continue accessing a device if you forgot your Windows password before the release of version 1803 of Windows 10. This method is a bit hidden, as you won’t have access to the settings without a user account.
- Restart your PC or laptop.
- On the login screen, you will see the shutdown icon in the corner. Click on it once and hold down the Shift key while selecting Restart.
- Now Windows offers you more startup options. Under Troubleshooting you will find the item Reset this PC, which you confirm.
- After that, you can choose Remove All.
Caution: With this step, you will irrevocably delete all data stored on your operating system or the hard drive connected to it. This includes all documents, programs and settings. Everything that is not backed up will be lost. Therefore, it can be problematic if you forgot your Windows 10 password – even if a complete reset will at least save your PC and clean it up.
If the steps described so far do not help you, you should consult an expert. Because now you have to rely on third-party software solutions, which usually access your system via a bootable USB stick. A lot can go wrong and even with restored access, it is tricky to revise deleted data. So if you forgot the Windows password irrevocably, go find a professional.
