How to reset windows 10 when password is locked

Forgetting your Windows 10 password can be a frustrating experience, especially when you have important files and data stored on your computer. However, there is no need to panic! Windows 10 provides various methods to reset a locked password and regain access to your system. In this article, we will guide you through the different steps you can take to reset your Windows 10 password.

Method 1: Resetting Password using Microsoft Account

If you use a Microsoft account to log in to your Windows 10 computer, you can reset your password using the online password reset tool. Follow these steps:

1. On a different device, go to the Microsoft Account Password Reset page.

2. Select “I forgot my password” and click on “Next”.

3. Enter your Microsoft account email address and complete the verification process.

4. Choose a new password and sign in to your Windows 10 computer using the newly reset password.

Method 2: Resetting Password using a Password Reset Disk

If you have created a password reset disk beforehand, you can use it to reset your Windows 10 password. Follow these steps:

1. Insert the password reset disk into the locked computer.

2. On the login screen, click on “Reset Password” or “I forgot my password”.

3. Follow the instructions in the Password Reset Wizard and select the password reset disk.

4. Create a new password and use it to log in to your Windows 10 computer.

Method 3: Resetting Password using Built-in Administrator Account

Windows 10 comes with a built-in Administrator account that can help you to reset your password. Follow these steps:

1. On the login screen, press and hold the Shift key while clicking on the Power button.

2. Choose “Restart” while still holding the Shift key.

3. When the advanced startup options appear, select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Command Prompt”.

4. In the Command Prompt window, type “net user” and press Enter. A list of user accounts will be displayed.

5. Choose the locked account and type the command “net user [username] [new password]”.

6. Restart your computer and log in to your Windows 10 system using the newly set password.

Method 4: Resetting Password using Windows Installation Media

If you have a Windows 10 installation media (such as a USB or DVD), you can use it to reset your password. Follow these steps:

1. Insert the Windows installation media into the locked computer.

2. Boot the computer from the installation media and select your language preferences.

3. Click on “Repair your computer” > “Troubleshoot” > “Command Prompt”.

4. In the Command Prompt window, type “c:” to access your system drive.

5. Next, type the command “cd Windows\System32” followed by “ren Utilman.exe Utilman.exe.bak” and “copy cmd.exe Utilman.exe”.

6. Restart your computer and when the login screen appears, click on the “Ease of Access” icon (located at the bottom-right corner).

7. In the Command Prompt window that opens, type “net user [username] [new password]” to reset your password.

8. Restart your computer and log in to your Windows 10 system using the newly set password.

By following these methods, you can easily reset your Windows 10 password even when it is locked. Remember to create regular backups of your important files to prevent data loss and to ensure easy recovery in case of any password-related issues.