I forgot the Admin password

Reset the administrator password through the recovery method for that account type; Windows does not provide a supported way to bypass the administrator prompt when installing Microsoft 365.

If the administrator uses a Microsoft account

A Microsoft account normally displays an email address on the Windows sign-in screen.

1. Connect the computer to the internet.
2. On the sign-in screen, select I forgot my password.
3. Verify the account using the requested security information.
4. Create a new password and use it to sign in.
5. If you normally use a PIN, select Sign-in options to choose between the PIN and password.

Alternatively, reset the password from another device using Microsoft’s Reset password page. These are the supported recovery methods for a Microsoft-account Windows sign-in.^1^

If the administrator uses a local account

A local account is stored only on that computer.

1. At the Windows sign-in screen, select the password-entry arrow.
2. After the incorrect-password message appears, select OK and then Reset password.
3. Answer the security questions created with the account.
4. Enter a new password and sign in.

If a password-reset USB was created previously, choose Use a password reset disk instead.^2^

If another administrator account already exists on the PC, sign in to that account and:

1. Open Computer Management.
2. Expand Local Users and Groups → Users.
3. Right-click the locked local account and select Set Password.
4. Set a new password.

Install Microsoft 365 afterward

Microsoft 365 installation requires administrator rights. When User Account Control asks whether the installer may make changes, enter the recovered administrator credentials and select Yes.^3^

“Windows 365” and “Microsoft 365” are different products. If the expired package contained Word, Excel, Outlook, or PowerPoint, the product you likely need to renew and install is Microsoft 365.

If none of the recovery options is available

If there is no second administrator, the security questions cannot be answered, and the Microsoft account cannot be recovered, Microsoft cannot retrieve or circumvent the forgotten password. The remaining supported option is to reset Windows.^1^

Warning: Resetting reinstalls Windows and removes installed applications; depending on the option selected, it can also erase personal files. Back up accessible files first and obtain the BitLocker recovery key if the device is encrypted.

From the sign-in screen:

1. Hold Shift while selecting Power → Restart.
2. In Windows Recovery, select Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.
3. Select Keep my files to preserve personal files while removing apps and settings, or Remove everything for a complete erase.
4. Select Cloud download or Local reinstall and complete the prompts.
5. Create a new administrator account during Windows setup, then reinstall Microsoft 365.

Do not interrupt the reset if the screen remains black or the PC restarts during the process.^4^

References

1. Change or reset your Microsoft account password in Windows | Microsoft Support
2. Change or reset your local account password in Windows | Microsoft Support
3. Check if you have local admin rights to install Office | Microsoft Support
4. Reset your PC