Is Windows Hello Password Different As My Microsoft Password?

Managing passwords on a Windows PC can sometimes be confusing, especially when distinguishing between Windows Hello password and Microsoft account password. Many users wonder: Is Windows Hello password different from my Microsoft password? The answer is yes—they serve different purposes.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to change Windows Hello password, Windows login password, and even reset a forgotten password without logging in.

Windows Hello Password & Microsoft Password: What's the difference?

Understanding the distinction between these two types of passwords is crucial for managing your security and login settings.

Windows Hello is a biometric authentication feature designed to provide a quick and secure way to unlock your device using face recognition, fingerprints, or a PIN.

On the other hand, Microsoft password is the traditional password associated with your Microsoft account. It is used to access services like OneDrive, Outlook, and other Microsoft applications.

In essence, while Windows Hello is a physical authentication method that uses biometrics or a PIN for device access, your Microsoft password is primarily for online services and system-wide account login. However, both may play roles in the overall security of your device. For example, if you forget your Windows Hello PIN, you might need to use your Microsoft password to reset it.

How to Change Windows Hello Password

Changing your Windows Hello password is relatively simple. However, it’s important to understand that Windows Hello doesn’t use a traditional password in the same way as your Microsoft account. Instead, it allows you to use a PIN or biometrics (fingerprint or facial recognition). If you wish to change your PIN or remove biometric data from Windows Hello, you can check the methods in this section.

Method 1: Change Your Windows Hello PIN

Step 1. Open Settings: Press Win + I to open the settings menu.

Step 2. Navigate to Accounts: Select Accounts, and then choose Sign-in options.

Step 3. Change PIN: Under the Windows Hello PIN section, click Change PIN. You will need to authenticate with your current PIN or password.

Step 4. Enter New PIN: Follow the prompts to enter your new PIN. Be sure it meets the security requirements (typically a 4-digit code or more).

Note: If you’re switching from a PIN to biometrics, you can set up facial or fingerprint recognition in the same menu.

Method 2: Remove Windows Hello PIN

If you wish to remove your PIN and use a traditional password instead:

Step 1. Go to Settings: As above, open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

Step 2. Remove PIN: Under Windows Hello PIN, click Remove. Confirm your choice and follow the prompts.

How to Change Windows Login Password

Changing your Windows login password is a straightforward process, but it can depend on the type of account you have. If you're using a local account, you can easily change the password from within the Settings. If you're using a Microsoft account, the password change will be applied to all services linked to that account.

Method 1. Change lock screen password via Windows settings

For a quick and user-friendly way to modify your lock screen password, Windows Settings provides the simplest solution, especially if you prefer navigating through a graphical interface.

Step 1. Open the Windows Settings, then click the "Accounts" option.

Step 2. Click "Sign-in options" tab and click "Change" under the "Password" section.

Step 3. In the new window, input the current password and click "Next".

Step 4. Input the new passwords and click "Next".

Method 2. Change password using Ctrl + Alt + Delete

A quick way to change your password without navigating through multiple settings is the Ctrl + Alt + Delete method. It is useful when you are already logged in and need to update your password efficiently.

Step 1. When logging into the system with the current password, press the "Ctrl + Alt + Del" keys at the same time.

Step 2. Select "Change a password" on the new screen.

Step 3. Enter your old password, leave the "Current password" and "Confirm password" boxes empty, and press "Enter".

Step 4. Then, every time when you log in, you can get in without typing the password.

Method 3. Change lock screen password via Control Panel

The Control Panel provides another traditional way to change your password. This method is useful for users who are accustomed to older Windows interfaces.

Step 1. Press “Win+X” and find the“Control Panel”(or type “Control Panel” in the search box).

Step 2. Select “User Accounts” and find “Manage another account”

Step 3. Choose “Manage another account” and then select the account you hope to remove its password.

Step 4. Leave the blank in the password confirmation. Directly select “Change password” as the picture shows. And now you remove the account password successfully.

Further: How to Change Windows Local Password Without Login

If you're unable to log in to your Windows computer due to a forgotten password, one effective tool you can use is AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. This software allows you to reset or remove your local Windows password without logging in.

It is a comprehensive disk management tool that offers advanced features for managing partitions, cloning disks, and recovering lost data. One of its standout features is the ability to reset or remove a Windows local password without needing to log into your system.

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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. 

To sum up

In conclusion, managing your Windows Hello password and Microsoft password is crucial for keeping your device secure. We've covered how to change both passwords and how to reset or remove your Windows local password using AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional.

AOMEI Partition Assistant is a versatile tool that can do much more than just reset passwords. It not only offers disk partition management, data recovery, disk cloning and more, but also the Server version for Windows Server users. If you're looking for an all-in-one tool to help manage your computer’s disks, partitions, and system settings, it is a great option to consider.

By using these methods, you can easily regain access to your Windows computer and ensure your device stays secure and protected.