How to Reset Password in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 27, 2025

Forgot your Windows 11 password and can’t log in? Don’t worry — it happens to everyone. Whether you’re using a Microsoft account, local user account, or PIN, Windows 11 provides multiple ways to reset your password and regain access to your PC.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to reset your password in Windows 11 step by step, using official and safe methods that work for all account types.

🧩 Understanding Windows 11 Account Types

Before resetting your password, it’s essential to know what kind of account you’re using. Windows 11 supports three main account types, and the reset process differs for each.

Account Type Description Reset Method
Microsoft Account Connected to your Outlook, Hotmail, or Live.com email Reset online via Microsoft website
Local Account Exists only on your PC and not linked to the cloud Reset using local tools or recovery options
PIN or Windows Hello Quick sign-in using PIN, fingerprint, or face recognition Reset from login screen using your password

🪟 Method 1: Reset Microsoft Account Password (Online)

If you sign in with a Microsoft account, resetting your password is the easiest option.

✅ Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Go to Microsoft’s Password Reset Page

Step 2: Choose the Reason

  • Select “I forgot my password.”
  • Click Next.

Step 3: Enter Your Email or Phone

  • Enter the email address or phone number linked to your Microsoft account.
  • Click Next.

Step 4: Verify Your Identity

  • Choose how you want to get the security code (email or SMS).
  • Enter the code sent to you.

Step 5: Set a New Password

  • Enter your new password, confirm it, and click Next.
  • You’ll see a success message once done.

Step 6: Sign Back into Windows 11

  • Restart your computer and log in with your new Microsoft password.

📝 Tip: Your new Microsoft password will automatically sync across all your devices linked to that account.

💻 Method 2: Reset Local Account Password Using Security Questions

If your computer uses a local account, you can reset your password directly from the login screen.

✅ Steps:

  1. On the login screen, enter an incorrect password three times.
  2. Click “Reset password” when the option appears.
  3. Answer your security questions correctly.
  4. Enter a new password and confirm it.
  5. Click Next → Sign in with your new password.

⚠️ Note: This option only works if you set up security questions when creating your local account.

🧰 Method 3: Reset PIN or Windows Hello in Windows 11

If you’re using Windows Hello (PIN, fingerprint, or face login) and forgot your PIN, follow these steps:

✅ Steps:

  1. On the login screen, select “I forgot my PIN”.
  2. Verify your Microsoft account password or security code.
  3. Follow the on-screen prompts to create a new PIN.
  4. Log in using your new PIN.

🧠 Pro Tip: If your PIN keeps failing, you can temporarily switch to password login until the PIN reset is complete.

🔑 Method 4: Reset Local Password Using Another Admin Account

If you can still log into another account with administrator rights, you can reset the forgotten password from there.

✅ Steps:

  1. Log into the administrator account.
  2. Press Windows + I → go to Accounts → Other users.
  3. Select the user whose password you want to change.
  4. Click Change account type → Administrator (if not already).
  5. Then open Command Prompt (Admin).
  6. Type the following command and press Enter: 
    net user username newpassword

    Replace username with the account name and newpassword with your new password.

  7. Restart your PC and log in with the new password.

🧩 Method 5: Reset Local Account Password via Password Reset Disk

If you previously created a password reset disk, you can use it to reset your password.

✅ Steps:

  1. Insert the USB password reset disk into your computer.
  2. On the login screen, enter any incorrect password.
  3. Click “Reset password.”
  4. Follow the Password Reset Wizard instructions.
  5. Choose your USB drive, set a new password, and finish the setup.
  6. Log in using your new credentials.

🧠 Pro Tip: Always keep your password reset disk safe — it’s valid even after changing your password.

⚙️ Method 6: Reset Windows 11 Password Using Safe Mode and Command Prompt

If you’re locked out completely and don’t have another admin account, you can use Safe Mode with Command Prompt to reset the password.

✅ Steps:

  1. On the login screen, click the Power icon → Restart, while holding Shift.
  2. Select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
  3. Press F4 to boot into Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
  4. In Command Prompt, type: 
    net user

    (This lists all users on your PC.)

  5. Then type: 
    net user username newpassword

    Replace username and newpassword with your actual account details.

  6. Restart your PC and log in using the new password.

🧠 Method 7: Reset Windows 11 Password Using Windows Installation Media

If none of the above works, you can use a Windows 11 bootable USB to reset your password.

✅ Steps:

  1. Create a Windows 11 installation USB using the Media Creation Tool.
  2. Boot your PC from the USB drive.
  3. On the setup screen, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
  4. Enter the following commands one by one: 
    move c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe c:\ copy c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe
  5. Remove the USB and restart your PC.
  6. On the login screen, click the Accessibility icon (Ease of Access).
    • This opens Command Prompt with admin privileges.
  7. Enter this command: 
    net user username newpassword
  8. Restart your PC and log in with the new password.
  9. (Optional) Restore the original file later: 
    copy c:\utilman.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe

🧠 Warning: This method is for advanced users only and should be used carefully.

🧩 Method 8: Use Microsoft Password Reset Tool (for Azure AD / Work Accounts)

If your Windows 11 PC is connected to a work or school account through Microsoft 365 or Azure AD:

✅ Steps:

  1. Go to the login screen.
  2. Click “Forgot my password” below the password field.
  3. Follow your organization’s verification process (SMS, email, or authenticator).
  4. Set your new password.

You can also reset it online at:
👉 https://passwordreset.microsoftonline.com

🧭 Method 9: Reset Password Using Windows Recovery Options

If all else fails, you can perform a Windows reset to reinstall Windows 11 and create a new password.

✅ Steps:

  1. From the login screen, hold Shift and click Restart.
  2. Select Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.
  3. Choose Keep my files (to preserve data) or Remove everything.
  4. Follow the prompts to reinstall Windows 11.
  5. Set up a new password during setup.

⚠️ This is a last-resort option — use it only if other methods fail.

🧩 Troubleshooting Tips

Problem Solution
“Reset password” link not showing Try entering an incorrect password multiple times
No access to Microsoft recovery email/phone Use the Microsoft recovery form
Command Prompt commands not working Ensure you’re using an Administrator account
Still locked out after reset Try Safe Mode or bootable USB method

🧾 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I reset my Windows 11 password without losing data?

Yes, if you use any method above (Microsoft account reset, Safe Mode, etc.), you can reset your password without losing files.

2. How do I reset my Windows password if I don’t know my Microsoft account details?

Use the Microsoft password recovery form or create a new local user account from recovery options.

3. Does resetting Windows remove my password?

Only if you choose “Remove everything” during the reset process. Otherwise, you’ll create a new password.

4. Can I reset my PIN without resetting my password?

Yes, you can select “I forgot my PIN” at the login screen and reset only the PIN.

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

It’s not recommended. Always use Microsoft’s official tools or built-in methods.

🧠 Key Takeaways

Step Method Suitable For
1 Online password reset Microsoft accounts
2 Security questions Local accounts
3 Admin Command Prompt Multi-user systems
4 Safe Mode / Installation USB Advanced users
5 Windows Reset Last resort

🧭 Conclusion

Forgetting your password can be stressful, but Windows 11 makes it simple to recover access safely.
The best approach depends on your account type:

  • Microsoft Account: Reset it online via Microsoft’s website.
  • Local Account: Use security questions or Command Prompt.
  • Work/School Account: Use your organization’s password reset portal.

By following this step-by-step guide on how to reset your password in Windows 11, you can regain control of your PC quickly — no data loss, no stress.

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