How to Reset Windows 10 Password Without Logging In: A Step-by-Step Guide

Locked out of your Windows 10 PC? Don’t worry — you don’t need to panic or reinstall Windows right away. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to reset your Windows 10 password without logging in, whether you use a Microsoft account, a local account, or no password reset disk at all. You’ll learn several safe, legal, and effective ways to regain access to your computer — without losing your personal files.

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Locked Out of Your PC? Here’s What to Do

We’ve all experienced that sinking feeling — sitting in front of your computer, typing your password, and realizing you can’t remember it.
Maybe you changed it recently. Maybe you haven’t used the PC for a while. Either way, you’re stuck on the login screen.

The good news? You can reset your Windows 10 password even if you can’t log in. And it’s easier than you might think.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through several legitimate and safe methods to reset your Windows 10 password — step by step. No sketchy tools. No risky hacks. Just the built-in features and official Microsoft recovery options that actually work.

Important Note Before You Begin

Only use these steps on computers you personally own or have permission to access.
Attempting to unlock someone else’s computer without authorization may violate laws and privacy rules.

Which Password Reset Method Should You Use?

Windows 10 lets you sign in either with a Microsoft account (your email address) or a local account (a username stored only on that device).
The method you use to reset your password depends on which type of account you have.

Situation	Recommended Solution	Keeps Files Safe?	Difficulty
You use a Microsoft account	Reset password online	✅ Yes	Easy
You have a local account with a reset disk	Use the password reset disk	✅ Yes	Easy
You have another admin account on the PC	Change password from that account	✅ Yes	Easy
You have no admin access	Use recovery options or reset PC	⚠️ Partial	Medium
You forgot both password and backup options	Reset or reinstall Windows 10	❌ No	Easy

Method 1: Reset Your Microsoft Account Password Online

If you sign in to Windows 10 using your Microsoft email (for example, Outlook, Hotmail, or Live), you can reset your password directly through Microsoft’s website.

Step-by-Step Instructions

On any device with internet access, open your browser and go to the Microsoft password reset page.
Select “I forgot my password” and click Next.
Enter your Microsoft account email, then complete the security check.
Choose how you’d like to verify your identity — via text, email, or authenticator app.
Enter the verification code you receive.
Create a new password and confirm it.
Go back to your locked computer and sign in using the new password.

💡 Tip: If your computer doesn’t connect to the internet automatically, click the Wi-Fi or Ethernet icon on the login screen and connect before signing in.

Why this works:
Because your password is stored on Microsoft’s servers, changing it online updates your credentials once the PC reconnects to the internet.

Method 2: Use a Password Reset Disk (For Local Accounts)

If you created a password reset disk before getting locked out, you’re in luck — it’s one of the quickest ways to regain access.

Here’s How to Use It

Plug the USB password reset disk into your PC.
At the login screen, type any incorrect password once.
When you see a Reset Password link appear, click it.
The Password Reset Wizard will open.
Follow the prompts to create and confirm a new password.
Log in with your new password.

🧠 Pro Tip: Once you’re back in, make a new password reset disk right away in case you forget again. Go to Control Panel → User Accounts → Create a password reset disk.

Method 3: Change Password Using Another Administrator Account

If another admin account exists on your computer, you can use it to reset the password for the locked account.

Here’s What to Do

Log in to the other administrator account.
Press Windows + X and select Computer Management.
Navigate to Local Users and Groups → Users.
Right-click your locked account name and select Set Password.
Click Proceed and enter a new password.
Log out and sign in using the new password.

✅ This method is completely safe — your files, apps, and settings remain untouched.

Method 4: Access Safe Mode (If Built-in Administrator Is Enabled)

Sometimes, the hidden “Administrator” account can help if it was enabled before you got locked out.

Steps to Try

On the login screen, hold Shift and click Power → Restart.
Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart.
Press 4 to boot into Safe Mode.
If the Administrator account appears, sign in (it often has no password).
Once inside, open Control Panel → User Accounts → Manage another account.
Select your locked account and click Change the password.

⚠️ If the Administrator account doesn’t appear, it means it’s disabled — skip to the next method.

Method 5: Use Recovery Media to Back Up Files and Reset Your PC

If you’ve tried everything and still can’t log in, you can back up your files through Windows Recovery and then reset your PC.

Follow These Steps

On another computer, create a Windows 10 recovery drive using a USB.
Plug the recovery drive into your locked PC.
Boot from the USB (you may need to change boot order in the BIOS).
Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt.
In Command Prompt, type notepad and press Enter — this opens Notepad.
Click File → Open to access File Explorer and copy your important files to another USB or external drive.
After backing up, go back to Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.
Choose either Keep my files (recommended) or Remove everything (clean start).

Method 6: Reset or Reinstall Windows 10 (Last Resort)

If none of the above works and you don’t mind reinstalling Windows, this will definitely regain access.

Option A — Reset This PC

On the login screen, click Power → Restart while holding Shift.
Choose Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.
Pick Keep my files or Remove everything.
Follow the setup prompts.

Option B — Clean Install Windows 10

On another PC, download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official site.
Create a bootable USB.
Boot your locked computer using the USB.
Choose Install now → Custom installation.
Format the Windows partition and install a fresh copy.

🚨 Note: A clean install deletes all your files and apps. Only use this if you have a backup or nothing important stored.

What Not to Do (and Why)

You might find tutorials online showing ways to bypass passwords by replacing system files (like the Utilman trick) or using password cracking tools. These methods are unsafe and often illegal.
They can corrupt your system, disable Windows security features, or lock you out permanently.

Always use Microsoft’s approved recovery methods — they’re safer, supported, and guaranteed to work if done correctly.

Bonus: Prevent Getting Locked Out Again

Once you’re back in, take a few minutes to secure your account so this never happens again.

Pro Tips to Avoid Future Lockouts

Switch to a Microsoft account — it’s easy to reset passwords online.
Create a password reset disk for local accounts.
Set up Windows Hello (PIN, fingerprint, or face recognition).
Keep at least one other administrator account active.
Use a password manager to store all your passwords securely.
Back up your files regularly with File History or OneDrive.

FAQs About Resetting Windows 10 Passwords

1. Can I reset my Windows 10 password without losing files?

Yes! If you use a Microsoft account or reset your password using another admin or a reset disk, your files stay safe. Even the “Keep my files” reset option preserves your documents.

2. What if my PC doesn’t have internet at the login screen?

Click the Wi-Fi or network icon in the bottom-right corner and connect before signing in. The password reset needs to sync online.

3. How long does it take to reset my password?

Most methods take about 10–20 minutes. A full reinstall may take an hour or more.

4. Is it safe to use third-party password recovery tools?

Not really. Many contain malware or violate Windows security policies. Stick to Microsoft’s built-in recovery methods.

5. Can I use these steps on someone else’s computer?

No. Always have the owner’s permission or contact the IT administrator — resetting another person’s password without consent can be illegal.

Conclusion: You’re Back in Control

Forgetting your password isn’t the end of the world — and you don’t need to call a technician.
By following this guide, you now know exactly how to reset your Windows 10 password without logging in — safely, quickly, and without losing your data.

Start with the simplest option (Microsoft account reset) and move through the others only if needed. Once you regain access, take a minute to create a backup or enable Windows Hello so you’ll never be locked out again.

Your PC is yours — take control of it confidently!