How to Find A Password You Forgot on Windows PCs

What happens if I forget my computer password?

Forgetting your computer password can be frustrating and may temporarily lock you out of your system. Without the correct password, you won't be able to access your files, programs, or settings. This can be especially concerning if you have important data stored on your device.

In some cases, repeatedly entering the wrong password may trigger security features such as account lockouts or system reboots. If your computer is connected to a network, such as in a workplace or educational institution, forgetting your password might require assistance from an administrator.

On personal devices, being locked out may mean you can't install software updates, troubleshoot issues, or access cloud-synced accounts. Additionally, if you use encryption tools like BitLocker, forgetting your password without a recovery key can make data recovery extremely difficult.

Ultimately, forgetting your computer password can disrupt your workflow, delay important tasks, and potentially result in data loss if no recovery options are available.

If you've forgotten your computer password, the next step is to reset it. How to find a password you forgot depends on your operating system and available recovery options.

How to find a password you forgot on Windows PCs

Forgetting your Windows password can be frustrating, but don't worry—there are several ways to regain access. Below are four effective methods you can try:

Way 1. Using a password reset disk

In some cases, individuals may have created a password reset disk in advance. If you have the foresight to prepare one, you can use it to reset the password on your computer easily.

Step 1. Insert the prearranged disk intended for password reset and select the "Reset password" option within the accessible interface.

Step 2. Proceed by selecting "Next" within the newly displayed window.

Step 3. Opt for the designated key disk and choose "Next".

Step 4. Within the fresh interface, you have the opportunity to establish a fresh password and provide a hint for the new password. Subsequently, click on "Next".

Step 5. Once the password reset process is completed, conclude the procedure by clicking on "Finish".

Way 2. Via Microsoft Account

If you can’t remember your computer password, there’s an online solution available. If your PC is connected to a Microsoft account, you can reset the password and restore access through the official Microsoft website.

Step 1. Open a web browser and navigate to the Microsoft account reset page. From there, select your preferred method of identity verification, which can involve receiving a security code via email or text message.

Step 2. Enter the received verification code and click “Next”.

Step 3. Reset the password for your Microsoft account. Confirm the new password by entering it again in the provided field.

Way 3. Utilizing Windows built-in CMD

Wondering how to recover the administrator password on your computer? Windows offers built-in tools that can help you reset it. Methods like Command Prompt and the Windows installation disk are effective solutions. Follow these steps to reset your password using Command Prompt:

Step 1. Press and hold the "Shift" key, then click on the "Restart" option. From the available options, select "Troubleshoot".

Step 2. In the Advanced options window, click on "Advanced options" and choose "Command Prompt".

Step 3. Within this built-in tool, enter the command "diskpart" and press "Enter" to launch the Diskpart program.

Step 4. Type "list volume" and press "Enter" to view the list of volumes on your computer. Take note of the drive letter associated with the system drive. After that, input "exit" and press "Enter" to exit Diskpart.

Step 5. In the Command Prompt, type "move E:\windows\system32\utilman.exe E:" and press "Enter" to move the utilman.exe file.

Step 6. Enter "copy E:\windows\system32\cmd.exe E:\windows\system32\utilman.exe" in the Command Prompt and press "Enter" to copy the cmd.exe file to the designated path.

Step 7. Now, type "wpeutil reboot" in the Command Prompt and press "Enter" to restart the system.

Step 8. After the system restarts, click on the user icon located at the bottom right corner of the screen. Then, enter the command "net user “account name” “the password you want to change to”" and press "Enter" to set a new password. Finally, input "exit" and press "Enter" to exit the Command Prompt.

Way 4. Trying a third-party password reset tool

Forgetting your Windows password can be frustrating, especially if you can't access your computer. Fortunately, AOMEI Partition Assistant offers a powerful yet user-friendly solution to reset your forgotten password without reinstalling the operating system.AOMEI Partition Assistant is a versatile disk management tool that comes with a dedicated Password Reset feature. This tool is designed to help you regain access to your Windows system efficiently and securely. Key benefits include:

◆ Easy-to-use Interface: Simple steps allow even beginners to reset passwords without technical expertise.

◆ No data loss: Unlike reinstalling Windows, this method retains all your files, settings, and programs.

◆ Wide compatibility: Supports Windows 11/10/8/7 and various file systems.

◆ Additional features: Besides password reset, AOMEI Partition Assistant offers powerful tools for disk management, partition resizing, and boot repair.

Here are steps to reset a forgotten Windows password using AOMEI Partition Assistant:

Step 1. Begin by connecting a USB drive to another computer that is currently in normal use. Next, download and launch a trustworthy tool. Locate the "Tools" option on the top toolbar and choose "Reset Windows Password".

Step 2. Proceed to create a bootable USB by selecting the "Next" button.

Step 3. Identify the desired USB boot device and click on "Proceed".

Step 4. Take a moment to carefully read the instructions regarding the creation of a bootable USB. Please note that all data on the USB will be erased. Confirm your understanding by clicking "Yes".

Step 5. Allow some time for the tool to create the password reset USB. Once completed, click "Finish".

Step 6. Remove the USB from the current computer and insert it into the computer you wish to reset the password for. Restart the computer and access the boot menu. Choose to boot from the USB drive you just created and select the operating system. Click "Next" to proceed.

Step 7. From the list of user accounts, choose the desired account and mark the option "Reset Account Password". Click "Next" to continue.

Step 8. In the subsequent window, you will be able to set a new password. Once you have entered the new password, click "Yes".

Conclusion

Forgetting your computer password can be stressful, but several reliable solutions are available to help you regain access. For a smooth solution that ensures no data loss, AOMEI Partition Assistant stands out with its dedicated Reset Windows Password feature. With its user-friendly interface and powerful recovery options, it's an ideal choice for resolving password issues quickly and securely. If you have no idea about how to find a password you forgot on a Windows Server computer, AOMEI Partition Assistant Server can be a good helper.