How to Format A Laptop When You Forgot the Password [Full Guide]

Can I format my laptop if I forgot my password?

Yes, you can still format your laptop even if you've forgotten your laptop password, but the process may require additional steps. Depending on the operating system and your laptop's settings, there might be different options available, such as using recovery tools, booting from a USB drive, or utilizing the operating system's built-in reset options. However, formatting the laptop will erase all your data, including files, apps, and personal settings, so it should be done cautiously. Make sure to back up any important files beforehand, if possible. If you don't have access to your laptop, it might be necessary to seek professional help, especially if you're unsure how to proceed.

How to format a laptop when you forgot the password

If you’ve forgotten the password to your laptop, formatting it can be a way to regain access, but it will erase all your files. Here are general steps for formatting your laptop, depending on the operating system:

Way 1. Access advanced startup options

One straightforward method is to use the Advanced Startup Options feature in Windows. This method is particularly useful if you can still access the recovery environment.

Step 1. Power off your laptop.

Step 2. Next, turn it back on and immediately press the designated key to access advanced startup options. Depending on your laptop brand, this key is often F8, F11, or Shift + F8.

Step 3. Once the Choose an Option screen appears, select Troubleshoot.

Step 4. From there, choose Reset this PC and follow the instructions provided.

Step 5. When prompted, select Remove everything to ensure all files and settings are erased.

Way 2. Use a recovery drive

If you cannot access the recovery environment, using a recovery drive is another effective solution. This method requires a working computer to create the recovery media.

Step 1. On a functional computer, download the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official website.

Step 2. Insert a USB flash drive (with at least 8 GB of storage) and create a bootable recovery drive.

Step 3. Next, insert the USB recovery drive into your locked laptop.

Step 4. Power on the laptop and press the appropriate boot menu key (such as F12, Esc, or F9) when the manufacturer’s logo appears.

Step 5. Select your USB drive from the boot menu.

Step 6. Once the Windows installation screen appears, choose Install Now and follow the on-screen instructions to format your laptop.

Way 3. Factory reset from BIOS

In cases where both the advanced startup options and recovery drive methods are unavailable, resetting from BIOS may be the solution.

Step 1. Restart your laptop and press the correct BIOS key (usually F2, F10, or Del) as soon as the manufacturer’s logo appears.

Step 2. Once inside the BIOS menu, navigate to the Reset to Default Settings or Factory Reset option.

Step 3. Select this option, save the changes, and exit BIOS.

Step 4. The system may restart and automatically initiate the recovery process. Click Troubleshoot > Reset this PC in WinRE.

Step 5. Select the Keep my files or Remove everything option based on your preference:

▶ Keep my files: This option will reinstall Windows 11 while removing apps and settings, but keep your files.

▶ Remove everything: This option will erase the hard drive and reinstall a fresh copy of Windows 11.

Step 6. If you choose Remove everything, you will have to choose between Just remove my files (if you plan to keep the device) or Fully clean the drive (if you plan to dispose of the device and this process takes longer).

Step 7. Choose how to reinstall Windows 11 after reset: 

▶ Cloud download: Redownload Windows 11 instead of using an available image, which may take longer.

▶ Local reinstall: Utilize local images to speed up the installation process.

Step 8. Confirm that you are ready to reset your device. If you are ready to endure the consequences listed, click Reset to initiate the factory reset process for your Windows PC.

Way 4. Reset the password to format a laptop

If you'd rather regain access to your laptop before proceeding with formatting, resetting your password is another viable option. In such a case, AOMEI Partition Assistant is a good choice. It is a comprehensive disk partition management software that helps Windows 11/10/8/7 users manage their hard drives with ease. Whether you need to resize/move partitions, merge them, convert between different file systems, or perform disk cloning, AOMEI Partition Assistant can handle it all.

One of its standout features is its ability to reset local account passwords. This makes it an ideal tool when you can't log into your laptop because of a forgotten password.

Step 1. Connect a prepared USB to any running computer. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant. Click “Tools” in the top toolbar and select “Reset Windows Password”.

Step 2. In the pop-up window, you'll be noted to create a WinPE bootable media. Click "Next" to move on.

Step 3. Here we tick "USB Boot Device", choose your prepared USB for bootable USB creation, and click "Proceed".

Step 4. Note that the USB flash drive needs to be formatted and all data on it will be wiped. Please back up anything important on it and redo.

The progress will take a few minutes. When the bootable USB is created successfully, unplug the USB and connect it to your laptop.

Step 1. Boot the computer from this bootable USB, and you will see AOMEI Partition Assistant on the screen. Click "Reset Password", select the Windows system you would like to operate, and click "Next".

Step 2. Then, select the account you would like to operate, choose a feature: "Remove Account Password" or "Reset Account Password", and click "Next".

Step 3. Next, a pop-out window lets you set a new password. After you confirm the new password, please click "Yes" to start the password reset.

Now restart your laptop and you have access to your system, please proceed with the formatting process:

1. Go to Settings >Update & Security >Recovery >Reset this PC.

2. Choose the Remove everything option to ensure a complete format.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Using AOMEI Partition Assistant not only simplifies password recovery but also provides a seamless way to format your laptop afterward. It's a versatile tool ideal for troubleshooting system issues and managing disk partitions effectively.

Conclusion

How to format a laptop when you forgot the password? In short, it is achievable using several methods. Whether you prefer accessing advanced startup options, creating a recovery drive, resetting through BIOS, or first unlocking your system, each approach provides a reliable way to complete the task. Before proceeding, remember to back up any important data if possible and ensure your device remains connected to a power source during the process.