How to Reset Windows 10 Password Without Logging In

If you need to reset your Windows 10 password but can’t sign in, there are a few ways to do it directly from the login screen or recovery environment. The exact steps depend on how the account is set up, but you don’t need access to the desktop to get started. 

Before going through the recovery methods, it’s worth checking a few things that commonly cause sign-in issues:

• Make sure Caps Lock or Num Lock isn’t affecting what you’re typing.
• Confirm you’re signing in with the correct account (especially if multiple accounts are listed).
• Try using your PIN if one is set up instead of the password.
• Check that your keyboard layout or language hasn’t changed unexpectedly.
• If you recently changed your password, try the previous one in case the update didn’t sync yet.

Small details like these can sometimes resolve the issue without needing to reset your password. In this guide, we’ll show you how to reset your Windows 10 password without logging in:

Method #1: Use Microsoft Account Recovery

If you’ve set up your Windows device with a Microsoft account, you can reset your password directly from the sign-in screen using the account recovery process. 

1. On the sign-in screen, select the password recovery option (such as I forgot my password or Reset password).
2. Confirm or enter the email address linked to your Microsoft account.
3. Select how you’d like to receive a verification code (for example, via email, text message, or an authenticator app).
4. Enter the code when prompted to verify your identity.
5. Create a new password and confirm the change.
6. Return to the sign-in screen and sign in using your new password.

Make sure the device is connected to the internet so the password change can be verified.

Method #2: Answer Security Questions

If your Windows 10 device uses a local account and security questions were configured when the account was created, you can reset the password directly from the sign-in screen by answering those questions.

1. Enter any password attempt and submit it.
2. Select the Reset password option that appears below the password field.
3. Answer the security questions exactly as you set them.
4. Enter a new password when prompted and confirm it.
5. Sign in using the new password.

If you don’t see the reset option, security questions may not be configured for the account.

Method #3: Sign In Through an Admin Account

If there’s another account on the same Windows 10 device with administrator privileges, the password for your account can be changed from there:

1. Sign in using the administrator account.
2. Open Control Panel and go to User Accounts.
3. Select Manage another account.
4. Choose the account you want to update.
5. Select Change the password and enter a new one.
6. Sign out, then sign in to your account using the new password.

This method changes the password locally and does not require access to the locked account. If no other administrator account is available, you’ll need to try another recovery option.

Method #4: Open Recovery Environment

If other recovery methods aren’t available, you can open Windows recovery options without signing in. From there, you can access troubleshooting and reset options:

1. From the sign-in screen, select the Power icon.
2. Hold the Shift key and choose Restart.
3. When the recovery menu appears, select Troubleshoot.
4. Choose one of the available options:

1. Reset this PC to reinstall Windows
2. Advanced Options to access tools like Startup Repair or System Restore.

5. Follow the on-screen instructions based on your choice.

Method #5: Reset Your PC (Last Resort)

If you can’t regain access using other recovery methods, you can reset Windows without signing in. This reinstalls the operating system and lets you set up access again.

1. From the sign-in screen, choose the Power icon.
2. Hold the Shift key and select Restart.
3. When the “Choose an option” screen appears, select Troubleshoot.
4. Select Reset this PC.
5. Choose one of the following options:

1. Keep my files: Reinstalls Windows while keeping personal files, but removes apps and settings.
2. Remove everything: Deletes files, apps, and settings for a full reset.

6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.

Frequently asked questions