FORGOTTEN PASSWORD

Reset depends on which sign-in method is used:

1. If the laptop uses a Microsoft account
   • On the sign-in screen, select I forgot my password.
   • Or select Sign-in options > Web sign-in, sign in, then select Forgot my password.
   • Or use Reset password from another browser: Reset password.
2. If the laptop uses a PIN
   • On the sign-in screen, select I forgot my PIN and follow the prompts.
   • If I forgot my PIN is not shown, select Sign-in options > Enter your password, then reset the PIN after signing in.
   • If both the PIN and password are forgotten, reset the password first.
3. If the laptop uses a local account password
   • On the sign-in screen, select the password entry button.
   • Select OK > Reset password.
   • Answer the security questions set when the account was created.
   • If a password reset disk was created earlier, use Use a password reset disk instead.
4. If already signed in and only changing the password
   • Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
   • Select Password > Change.
5. If another administrator account exists on the same PC
   • Open Computer Management.
   • Go to Local Users and Groups > Users.
   • Right-click the affected user and select Set Password...
   • Warning: changing a local account password this way can affect access to files or stored credentials tied to the old password.
6. If none of the reset options work
   • Microsoft support cannot retrieve or bypass a lost or forgotten password.
   • Use the Sign-in helper tool or Contact Support.
   • If there is no administrator account available for a local account reset, the remaining option is to reset the Windows device.

References:

• Change or reset your Microsoft account password in Windows
• Change or reset your PIN in Windows
• Change or reset your local account password in Windows
• Create a password reset disk for a local account in Windows
• I can't sign in to my Microsoft account