[Stepwise] What to do when you forgot PC password on Windows 11/10?

What to do when you forgot PC password?

Forgetting your PC password can be a frustrating experience, especially when you need immediate access to your computer. The password serves as the first line of defense for securing your personal files and data, so it’s important to approach the situation carefully.

When you forget your password, the first step is to avoid panicking. It’s a common issue, and there are several steps you can take to resolve it. The first thing to consider is whether you’ve set up any recovery options, such as a password hint, security questions, or an alternate account that can assist with the reset process.

It's also important to think about any recent changes you may have made to your account or security settings. Did you update your password recently? Was your account linked to a Microsoft or other cloud service? These links could provide alternative ways to regain access.

Another factor to consider is whether you have any backup systems in place, such as recovery disks or an external device that might help with recovering or resetting your password. Some operating systems also offer methods like booting from a recovery partition, which might be an option if you can access it.

Finally, consider how often you forget passwords and whether this is a recurring problem. If it is, you might want to explore long-term solutions, such as a password manager, which can securely store and retrieve your passwords when needed.

While forgetting your password is inconvenient, resetting the password via several methods won’t take a lot of effort. After resetting, you can regain access without too much stress.

3 ways to reset the PC password if forgot on Windows 11/10

Forgetting your Windows password can be frustrating, but don't worry — there are several effective methods to regain access. Below are three proven ways to reset your PC password in Windows 11/10.

Way 1. Use Security Questions when you forgot Windows 10 password

Starting from Windows 10 Version 1803 and newer releases, users can set up security questions as a backup method for password recovery. If these questions have been configured in advance, resetting your password becomes simple—just click the "Reset password" button when prompted.

Step 1. After inputting the wrong password twice, a reset password link will be under the blank. Choose it to move on.

Step 2. Answer the questions in light of the hints. And follow the guidance to continue.

Step 3. Then you can reset the password and use it to log in again.

Way 2. Try Windows 10 installation USB if you forgot PC password

If you've forgotten your Windows 10 password, creating an installation USB can help resolve the issue. However, it's crucial to pay close attention to the details, particularly the correct commands. Mistakes in the process may result in system inaccessibility.

Step 1. Connect a prepared empty USB flash drive to your computer, and then boot it from this installation disk.

Step 2. When the Windows Setup window shows up, hit the “Shift+F10” key.

Step 3. A Command Prompt window will be performed, and then input corresponding commands as “C:”. After pressing Enter key, continue to input “cd windows system32”.

Note: Generally, the system disk is named “C:” drive. To check your system partition drive letter, you can enter “diskpart” and “list volume”.

Step 4. Input the commands below in turn and press “Enter” key after typing every command.

ren sethc.exe sethc01.exe (rename sethc.exe to sethc01.exe)

copy cmd.exe sethc.exe (copy cmd.exe to sethc.exe)

Step 5. Then, type “wpeutil reboot” to restart your Windows 10 PC.

Step 6. When the user password interface shows up, constantly hit the “Shift” key to open the Command Prompt window.

Step 7. Input “net user username password” with pressing the “Enter” key to reset the Windows 10 local account password.

Note: If your username is ABC and the password is 112233, you should input “net user ABC 112233”.

Now, you can close off the CMD window and try to log in with the new password.

Way 3. Utilize a bootable USB to realize Windows 10 password reset

If you’ve forgotten your Windows 10 password and want to avoid complex commands or version restrictions, consider using AOMEI Partition Assistant to create a bootable USB. This powerful tool offers a straightforward solution, helping you bypass frustrating limitations with clear guidance to reset your password effortlessly.

Whether you're using an HP, Dell, Lenovo, or any other brand, as long as the system runs Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7, this software can efficiently remove or reset your password. Unlike traditional methods, AOMEI Partition Assistant lets you create a password reset USB on any functional Windows PC and use it on another computer running a compatible Windows system, eliminating concerns about version restrictions.

Step 1. Insert a prepared USB into a running computer and launch the installed AOMEI Partition Assistant. At the top pane, select “Tools” > “Reset Windows Password”.

Step 2. The window will notice you to create a WinPE bootable media. Read it and then click “Next” to move on.

Step 3. Choose “USB Boot Device” to create bootable USB Device and select “Proceed”.

Step 4. The USB flash drive needs to be formatted, and all the data in it will be wiped. Please make a backup on your important data in advance.

Step 5. Boot the PC from this bootable USB. And choose the Windows system with clicking “Next”.

Notice: You need to enter BIOS to change boot order under the menu, and then you can boot from the Windows PE USB flash drive, CD, or DVD

Step 6. Choose the target account, and select the choice you hope to operate. You can see two choices here: Remove Account Password and Reset Account Password

Notice:
• You can select “Remove Account Password” and click “Next” to have the operation to remove Windows 10 password.
• You can select “Reset Account Password” if you need to reset it.

Step 7. After clicking, you can input the new password and confirm it to reset. And then select “Yes” to start the operation.

Step 8. Finally, select “Reboot Computer” and log in when all the processes are finished.

Conclusion

What to do when you forgot PC password on Windows 11/10? This guide outlines three effective methods: using security questions, an installation USB, or a powerful third-party tool. Compared to other methods, AOMEI Partition Assistant offers greater versatility and ensures your data remains safe throughout the process. It's a reliable solution worth considering. For Windows Server users, AOMEI Partition Assistant Server provides dedicated support for managing server environments efficiently.