How to Reset Admin Password on Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / November 9, 2025

Locked out of your Windows 10 PC? Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Forgetting your administrator password can be stressful, but there are safe ways to regain access. In this guide, we’ll show you how to reset admin password on Windows 10, step by step, using multiple legitimate methods. Whether your account is a Microsoft account or a local one, we’ve got you covered.

This guide is beginner-friendly, easy to follow, and packed with tips to help prevent lockouts in the future. Let’s dive in.

Why Knowing How to Reset an Admin Password Matters

Administrator accounts have full control over a PC. Losing access can:

  • Block software installations and system updates

  • Prevent access to important files and settings

  • Create frustration for both personal and work computers

By learning how to reset your password safely, you can save time, protect your data, and avoid the temptation of risky hacks.

What You’ll Need Before You Begin

Before starting, make sure you have:

  • Ownership or administrative permission for the PC

  • Internet access (for Microsoft accounts)

  • A second device to create recovery tools if needed

  • A USB drive (8 GB or more) if using installation media

Tip: Always back up important files when performing recovery procedures — especially if you’re working with local accounts.

Method 1: Reset a Microsoft Account Password Online

If your admin account is linked to a Microsoft account, you can reset the password using Microsoft’s official tools. This is the easiest and safest option.

Steps:

  1. Open a browser on any device and go to Microsoft password reset.

  2. Choose “I forgot my password” and click Next.

  3. Enter your Microsoft email, phone number, or Skype ID.

  4. Verify your identity via email, SMS, or authenticator app.

  5. Create a new password and save it.

  6. Return to your Windows 10 PC and sign in with the new password.

Pro Tip: Make sure your PC is connected to the internet for the new password to sync properly.

Method 2: Use Another Administrator Account

If your PC has a second admin account, you can reset your password without any extra tools.

Steps:

  1. Log in to the other admin account.

  2. Press Windows + X and select Computer Management → Local Users and Groups → Users.

  3. Right-click the locked account and select Set Password.

  4. Enter a new password and confirm.

  5. Log out and sign in to the account using the new password.

Alternative (Command Prompt):

Open Command Prompt as admin and type:

net user Username NewPassword

Replace Username with the account name and NewPassword with your new password.

Method 3: Use a Password Reset Disk

If you previously created a password reset disk, this method is straightforward.

Steps:

  1. At the login screen, click Reset password after entering a wrong password.

  2. Insert the password reset disk (USB).

  3. Follow the Password Reset Wizard to create a new password.

  4. Remove the USB and sign in with the new password.

Note: This works only for local accounts, not Microsoft accounts.

Method 4: Safe Mode + Built-In Administrator

If there’s no other admin account, you can use Windows’ hidden built-in administrator via Safe Mode.

Steps:

  1. Restart the PC and boot into Safe Mode with Command Prompt:

    • At login, hold Shift → click Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart → Press 6.

  2. At the Command Prompt, enable the built-in admin account:

net user Administrator /active:yes

  1. Restart and log in as Administrator (default has no password).

  2. Change your locked account password using Control Panel → User Accounts or:

net user LockedAccount NewPassword

  1. Disable the built-in admin afterward:

net user Administrator /active:no

Warning: The built-in admin has full system access. Disable it after resetting your password.

Method 5: Use Windows Installation Media

For local accounts without a password reset disk or other admin accounts, you can use Windows 10 installation media to reset the password.

Steps:

  1. Create a bootable USB using the Windows Media Creation Tool.

  2. Boot your PC from the USB.

  3. At the Windows setup screen, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.

  4. Replace the Ease of Access tool with Command Prompt temporarily:

move c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe.bak
copy c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe

  1. Reboot and click the Ease of Access icon on the login screen to open Command Prompt.

  2. Reset the password:

net user LockedAccount NewPassword

  1. Restore the original files:

copy c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe.bak c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe

Caution: This method modifies system files. Use only if you’re confident and back up important data first.

Method 6: Third-Party Recovery Tools (Optional)

Tools like PCUnlocker or PassFab 4WinKey can reset local admin passwords using a bootable USB.

  • Pros: Fast and effective for local accounts.

  • Cons: Must use reputable software; may cost money; antivirus may flag it.

Tip: Only use these tools if built-in methods are unavailable and you trust the source.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Issue Solution
New password not accepted Ensure PC is online for Microsoft accounts; restart.
No admin account available Use Safe Mode or installation media.
Commands fail in Command Prompt Run as Administrator (elevated).
Password reset disk not recognized Try a different USB port; ensure disk matches account.

Preventing Future Lockouts

  • Use a Microsoft account to enable online recovery.

  • Keep a secondary admin account for emergencies.

  • Create a password reset disk for local accounts.

  • Use Windows Hello (PIN or fingerprint) for alternative access.

  • Store passwords safely in a reliable password manager.

Conclusion

Resetting an admin password on Windows 10 is possible using multiple methods. Start with the safest and simplest options like Microsoft account recovery or another admin account. Only use advanced methods like Safe Mode, installation media, or third-party tools when necessary.

Always back up critical data and act responsibly — only reset passwords on devices you own or are authorized to manage.

FAQs

Q1: Can I reset a Windows 10 admin password without reinstalling Windows?
Yes, Microsoft account recovery, another admin account, password reset disk, Safe Mode, and installation media all work without reinstalling Windows.

Q2: Will I lose my files?
Resetting a local account password does not delete files, but you may lose access to EFS-encrypted files and saved credentials.

Q3: Is it legal to reset an admin password on someone else’s computer?
No. Only reset passwords on devices you own or have explicit permission to manage.

Q4: How do I reset a Microsoft account if I forgot my recovery email?
Use the account recovery form at Microsoft and provide as much information as possible to verify identity.

Q5: What’s the safest method for beginners?
For Microsoft accounts, online recovery is safest. For local accounts, using another admin account or password reset disk is recommended.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft account online reset = easiest and safest.

  • Use another admin account if available.

  • Password reset disks and Safe Mode work for local accounts.

  • Backup your files and create recovery tools to avoid lockouts.

  • Only perform these actions on devices you own or are authorized to manage.

Related Posts:

Scroll to Top