Why this matters — legal & data-safety reminder
Resetting or bypassing admin passwords can affect system security and data. Use the steps only on machines you own or manage. If you’re trying to regain rightful access, these methods are appropriate. If you need guaranteed data retention, back up files before destructive steps or get a professional to assist.
Key Takeaways
If your account is a Microsoft account, reset it online at account.microsoft.com and then sign in.
If you prepared a Password Reset Disk earlier, use it to reset the local admin password.
If you have no admin access and no recovery tools, use Reset this PC or reinstall Windows (may remove apps or data).
For corporate/managed machines, contact your IT department — they can safely reset credentials.
If you don’t own the device or lack permission, do not attempt advanced bypass techniques — contact the owner or Microsoft support.
Overview of practical methods (choose one that fits your situation)
Reset Microsoft account password (online) — best if you used a Microsoft account to sign in.
Use a Password Reset Disk (created earlier) — quick if available.
Use another admin account (if one exists on the PC) — ask someone with admin access.
Use the Reset this PC (keep my files / remove everything) via Advanced Startup — may reinstall Windows.
Reinstall Windows from installation media — last resort; consider backing up files first.
Contact Microsoft Support, the device vendor, or an authorized technician for assistance.
Method 1 — Reset a Microsoft account password (fastest & safest)
If your Windows 11 sign-in is a Microsoft account (email like you@outlook.com), this is the best route.
Steps
On any device with internet access, open a browser and go to: account.microsoft.com.
Click Sign in, then Forgot my password (or go directly to the Microsoft password reset page).
Enter the email, phone, or Skype associated with the Microsoft account and follow the verification steps (receive a code via email/SMS/authenticator).
Create a new password. Save it somewhere secure (password manager).
On the locked Windows 11 PC, return to the sign-in screen and sign in with the new Microsoft password. If the PC is offline, connect it to the internet (Wi-Fi/ethernet) at the sign-in screen so Windows can authenticate the new credentials.
Notes
If Two-Step Verification is on, follow the prompts to approve sign-in using your authentication method.
This does not change local (non-Microsoft) account passwords.
Method 2 — Use a Password Reset Disk (local accounts only)
This only works if you previously created a Password Reset Disk for that local account. If you did, it’s a quick fix.
Steps
At the Windows sign-in screen, enter a wrong password; you’ll see a Reset password link. Click it.
Insert the USB flash drive (Password Reset Disk).
Follow the Password Reset Wizard to create a new password.
Sign in with the new password.
Notes
If you never created a reset disk, this method won’t be available.
Method 3 — Sign in using another Administrator account (if available)
If someone else has an admin account on the PC (or you created one earlier), they can reset your password.
Steps (performed by the admin user)
Admin user signs in → Open Settings → Accounts → Family & other users (or use Computer Management → Local Users and Groups).
Select your account → Change account type or Reset password (via Computer Management).
Create a new password for your account.
Sign out and sign back into your account using the new password.
Notes
This is the correct approach for household/shared devices.
Method 4 — Reset this PC (Keep my files / Remove everything)
If the account is unrecoverable and you’re prepared to reinstall Windows, Reset this PC can let you regain access. You can choose “Keep my files” to preserve personal files, but you will lose installed apps and settings.
Steps from the sign-in screen
On the sign-in screen, click Power (bottom-right).
Hold Shift and click Restart. The PC will reboot into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
Choose Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.
Choose:
Keep my files — removes apps/settings but keeps your personal files.
Remove everything — cleans the drive and reinstalls Windows.
Follow the prompts to complete the reset. After the reset, create a new administrator account during Windows setup.
Notes
“Keep my files” tries to preserve your personal data, but it’s wise to back up anything critical first if you can.
Some preinstalled OEM apps may be restored or removed depending on options.
Method 5 — Reinstall Windows using installation media (last resort)
If Reset this PC is not suitable, a clean reinstall with a USB installation media will let you start fresh. This will remove apps and likely data unless you back up first.
High-level steps
Use another PC to download the official Windows 11 media creation tool from Microsoft and create a bootable USB.
Boot the locked PC from the USB (you may need to change boot order in BIOS/UEFI).
Choose Install now and follow prompts. If you want to keep files, look for Repair your computer or advanced options first — but a fresh install is the surest way to regain admin control.
After install, set up a new administrator account.
Important
Back up files first if possible (see next section on file backup).
Activation: Windows 11 should reactivate if the hardware previously had a digital license.
How to backup your files before destructive recovery (if possible)
If you can access WinRE Command Prompt (Shift+Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt) or boot from a rescue USB, you may be able to copy important files to an external drive before resetting or reinstalling. If you’re not comfortable with this, ask a technician.
When to contact IT, Microsoft Support, or a professional
The device is company-managed or domain-joined — contact your IT team.
You’re unsure about steps that might destroy data — get professional help.
You want to prove ownership for vendor support (receipt, serial, or Microsoft account).
Your device is under warranty and local service is available — authorized service preserves warranty.
What I won’t provide
I won’t give step-by-step instructions to exploit Windows service utilities or intentionally bypass OS protections (e.g., replacing system files for unlocking) because those techniques can be used to gain unauthorized access. If you legitimately own the machine and need such recovery, an authorized technician or Microsoft Support can help you safely and legally.
FAQs (short & precise)
Q: Can I reset an admin password without losing files?
A: Yes — if you can reset a Microsoft account online or use a Password Reset Disk. “Keep my files” during Reset this PC may preserve data, but some apps/settings will be lost.
Q: Will reinstalling Windows remove activation?
A: Generally no — digital licenses tied to your Microsoft account or hardware will reactivate. If in doubt, note your device’s license info or sign in with the same Microsoft account.
Q: What if this is a work computer?
A: Don’t attempt local resets. Contact your IT department — they handle credential resets and will preserve compliance and data.
Q: Can law enforcement or someone else force a reset?
A: Authorized law enforcement/owner can access devices through legal channels. Unauthorized access is illegal.
Q: Where can I get help if I’m stuck?
A: Microsoft Support, device manufacturer support, or a local authorized repair shop.
Final tips & recommended next steps
If you use a Microsoft account, add recovery options (phone, alternate email, authenticator) now.
Create a Password Reset Disk for any local account you care about.
Keep a secure backup of important files off the device (external drive or cloud).
Use a password manager to avoid future lockouts.
For company devices, coordinate with IT before taking recovery actions.