How to Login in Windows 10 When Password Forgot [6 Ways]

Can I login to Windows 10 if I forgot my password?

Not all PCs and laptops come equipped with fingerprint scanners or cameras that support Windows Hello, meaning many users still rely on traditional passwords or PINs for access. With Microsoft's push for online account logins instead of local accounts, it's easier than ever to forget your latest password since you may change it more frequently.

Regardless of whether you're using a Microsoft account or a local account, forgetting your password can lock you out of your system. However, this doesn't mean you must reinstall Windows or lose your data. There are effective methods to reset or remove the password without signing in.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to see how to login in Windows 10 when password forgot whether you are using a Microsoft account or local account password on a Windows 10 laptop, ensuring you regain access quickly and easily.

How to login in Windows 10 when password forgot

Forgetting your Windows 10 password can be frustrating, but don't worry — there are several effective methods to regain access. Here are six proven ways to help you log back in:

Method 1. Use the "Reset Password" option (for Microsoft accounts)

If you use a Microsoft account to sign in to Windows 10, you can reset your password online.

Step 1. Open Microsoft password reset page on a working computer.

Step 2. Enter your email address or phone number you set for your Microsoft account and click "Next".

Step 3. Follow the steps to finish the verification.

Step 4. Once verified, you can enter the new password and confirm it to reset your password.

This method is the easiest and most secure way to regain access to your Microsoft account.

Method 2. Use password hint or security questions (for local accounts)

If you're using a local account and have set up a password hint or security questions, this method can help you recover your password.

Step 1. On the login screen, type an incorrect password.

Step 2. If you've set security questions, they will appear after several failed attempts. In the login screen, click the "Reset password" button.

Step 3. In the following interface, answer the security questions one by one. Then follow the guidance to input a new password, and log in the Windows with it.

This method works best if you remember the answers to your security questions.

Method 3. Use another administrator account

If you have access to another administrator account, you can reset your forgotten password easily.

Step 1. Log in to your computer using the working administrator account.

Step 2. Open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows + R keys and enter in “lusrmgr.msc” and hit Enter.

Step 3. Click on Users in the left sidebar and right-click on your user account and select Set Password.

Step 4. Click on Proceed on the following screen.

Step 5. Leave the fields empty on the following screen and click on OK.

Now you can use the new password to log in to your account.

Method 4. Use Safe Mode with Command Prompt

This method allows you to reset your password using command-line instructions in Safe Mode.

Step 1. Restart your computer and press F8 repeatedly before Windows starts.

Step 2. Select Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the options.

Step 3. Once the Command Prompt opens, type the following command and press Enter:

net user [username] [newpassword]

Replace [username] with your account name and [newpassword] with your desired password.

Step 4. Restart your computer and log in using the new password.

Method 5. Use a password reset disk (if created earlier)

If you created a password reset disk before losing access, this method is the simplest solution.

Step 1. On the login screen, select "Reset password".

Step 2. As a result, you will be presented with the "Password Reset Wizard" window. Progress further by clicking on the "Next" button.

Step 3. Within the newly opened window, you will need to select the specific password reset disk that corresponds to your system. Once you have made the selection, proceed by clicking on "Next".

Step 4. Now, it is time to create a new password. Enter your desired password, ensuring accuracy, and confirm it by re-entering it. To continue, click on the "Next" button. Allow the process to complete, and when done, click on "Finish" to exit the window.

This method is only available if you prepared a password reset disk in advance.

Method 6. Use AOMEI Partition Assistant (recommended for complex issues)

For challenging situations where standard methods fail, AOMEI Partition Assistant offers a powerful solution.AOMEI Partition Assistant is a powerful disk management tool that offers a wide range of features for managing partitions, repairing system issues, and improving PC performance. One standout feature is its ability to create a bootable media, which can help you reset your Windows 10 password without hassle.

Step 1. Download and install AOMEI Partition Assistant on a functioning Windows computer. Connect a USB drive to this computer. Launch the AOMEI software and navigate to "Tools" and "Reset Windows Password" on the main interface.

Step 2. Click "Next" to confirm creating a WinPE bootable media.

Step 3. Select the target USB drive and click "Proceed".

Step 4. Note that the USB drive will be formatted during the process. If you have backed up essential data or there is no critical information on it, click "Yes" to proceed.

Step 5. Insert the password reset USB into the Windows computer that requires password resetting. Adjust the boot order in the computer's BIOS to prioritize booting from the USB drive.

Step 6. Once the computer boots from the USB, this tool will launch automatically. Click "Reset Password" and select the target operating system. Then, click "Next".

Step 7. Choose the account for which you want to reset the password and decide whether you want to remove or reset the account password. Select "Reset Account Password" and click "Next".

Step 8. In the "Reset Password" window, enter the new password and click "Yes" to confirm the changes. 

Conclusion

How to login in Windows 10 when password forgot? There are several effective solutions. Whether you’re using a Microsoft account or a local account, you can regain access without reinstalling Windows. Tools like AOMEI Partition Assistant provide a reliable option for complex cases, offering a bootable media feature that simplifies password recovery. By following these methods, you can restore access to your PC safely and efficiently. Remember to create backup solutions like password reset disks or secure notes to avoid future issues.