How to Hack into a Laptop without Knowing the Password

When it comes to regaining access to a laptop that you are locked out of, the process is commonly referred to as "hacking" - but it's important to note that this term can be misleading. Rather than doing something nefarious or illegal, this process simply involves using a trick to regain access to your own device. While this trick can be quite helpful in situations where you've forgotten your password, it's worth noting that it can also be risky if misused by someone with malicious intent.

On the one hand, having this knowledge can be incredibly beneficial for individuals who find themselves locked out of their own devices. However, it's essential to keep in mind that this trick could also be used by someone with ill intentions to gain unauthorized access to Windows PC and even change the password. Ultimately, the ethical use of this knowledge and these tools falls on the individual using them – so it's crucial to approach this information with responsibility and good intentions.

How to hack into a laptop without knowing the password on Windows PC

As we’ve mentioned above, you just want to regain the access of your laptop, so in this part, we’ll show you how to reset the laptop password. If you’re using a Microsoft account, then the steps will be quite simple, however, although the solutions for local account needs more steps, we’ll show you step-by-step to make sure you can successfully fix your password issue.

Solution 1. Change laptop password for Microsoft account

Introduced in Windows 8, the Microsoft account is closely tied to your laptop's user account and offers a range of useful features. One of the most significant benefits of using a Microsoft account is the ability to sync data across various devices, making it a valuable addition to the operating system.

If you're running Windows 8 or later and have connected your user account to your Microsoft account, there's a convenient way to reset your password. When you reset the password for your Microsoft account on another device with internet connectivity - such as a mobile device or another computer - the password for your user account on the laptop will also be altered. This will allow you to regain access to your device without the need for a password.

To execute this process, simply follow the steps outlined by Microsoft when resetting your Microsoft account password. Once the password has been changed successfully, use the new password to log into your laptop and regain access to your data.

Step 1. Open the Microsoft login page on another device.

Step 2. Type in the email address for the account linked to your user account and press next.

Step 3. Click on the "forgot my password" option.

Step 4. If you’re required to enter your email address again, do so and then click on next.

Step 5. Choose an option on where to receive your security code, usually another email address or phone number, and complete the confirmation box where you must type the chosen method in full.

Step 6. Click “send code” and then when you receive the code on the chosen option, type that code into the given box.

Step 7. Click next, choose your new password, and type it in where required.

Solution 2. Reset laptop password with Command Prompt

For those utilizing a local account, there are several approaches to resetting or removing your laptop password. One option involves using CMD to execute specific commands that will reset your password without requiring you to log in to the system.

With this method, you can regain access to your laptop even if you don't remember your password. By following a series of commands, you'll be able to reset your password and regain control of your device.

Step 1. Restart your laptop. When your PC is starting, repeatedly press the corresponding function key for your PC. This is usually F8 but can vary depending on the manufacturer so you will need to check this online.

Step 2. If the Windows logo appears, you'll need to try again by waiting until the Windows logon prompt appears, and then shutting down and restarting your computer.

Step 3. On the Advanced Boot Options screen, choose Command Prompt.

Step 4. Please type the following lines and press enter after each:

• c: (Type the letter of your system drive, if it’s D drive, you need to type d:)
• cd windows\system32
• ren sethc.exe sethc01.exe (rename sethc.exe to sethc01.exe)
• copy cmd.exe sethc.exe (copy cmd.exe to sethc.exe)

Step 5. After that, we can input "wpeutil reboot" to fast restart your Windows 10 computer.

Step 6. When you see the user password input interface again, constantly press the "Shift" key to call out the CMD window.

Step 7. Now, type "net user username password" and press "Enter" to reset the local account password in Windows 10.

eg. net user admin 123456

Now, you can exit the Command Prompt window and log into your laptop using the new password.

Solution 3. Reset/Remove laptop password via password reset program

Solution 2 demonstrates how to use Command Prompt to reset a Windows laptop password for local account users. However, not all people are at ease using command lines and may prefer a different option. That is why we advocate utilizing a third-party application with a graphical user interface.

One such tool is AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. This software offers a variety of features, including the ability to create a password reset USB and reset passwords for users at any level of technical proficiency. Additionally, this all-in-one disk management program supports various Windows versions, from Windows 11 and Windows 10 down to XP and Vista. On top of that, it includes functions like disk cloning, OS migration, app movement, and partition resizing.

Part 1. Create Windows password reset USB

Step 1. Connect a prepared USB to any running computer. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant. In the taskbar, click "Reset 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 it.

The progress will take a few minutes.

Part 2. Reset/Remove laptop password

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.

Solution 4. Enter Windows via System Image Recovery

This solution is for users who don’t want to reset password or need to get into the system for solving emergency problems. It’s a little difficult.

Step 1. Shut down your pc by holding the power button.

Step 2. Turn your PC on and as soon as the windows sign is shown, hold your power button again until it shuts down.

Step 3. Repeat this until the message “Preparing Automatic Repair” is shown under your Windows logo.

Step 4. Click on the Advanced Options Button on the Automatic Repair page.

Step 5. Click on Troubleshoot.

Step 6. Click once more on Advanced Options.

Step 7. On the next page you need to select System Image Recovery.

Step 8. Click Cancel.

Step 9. Then click Next. And click on Advanced… and then on install a driver and OK.

Step 10. Now you should have access to all folders and drives. Go to the following location: C:\Windows\System32

Step 11. Rename the file utilman.exe to another name that you can remember (e.g. utilmanA).

Step 12. Rename the file with the name cmd.exe to utilman.exe.

Step 13. Close all windows and click on continue.

Step 14. Press the button in the middle on the right bottom corner.

The command prompt should open.

Step 15. Type in net user and press enter.

Step 16. Type in net user “account name” * and for account name the name of the account you want to reset. (e.g. net user “marius” *)

Step 18. Now you can type in the password and retype it and you are set to go.

Close the window and type the password in the normal login window and you should be logged in. When you enter the system, just open the CMD and run as administrator, then rename utilman.exe and cmd.exe back to the original.

Ending words

This is how to hack into a laptop without knowing the password. We’ve offered you 4 ways to get into laptop for Windows systems for fix password lost, not “hack into”. Hope you can successfully solve your problem.