how to reset windows password

You can reset a Windows password in several ways, depending on whether you use a Microsoft account or a local account, and whether you remember any recovery info.

First check: Microsoft vs local account

• If you sign in with an email address (like outlook.com, hotmail.com, live.com), that is a Microsoft account.
• If you sign in with just a name (no “@something.com”), that is usually a local account.

If it’s a Microsoft account

1. On another device, go to the Microsoft password reset page (search “Microsoft reset password”).

2. Choose “I forgot my password,” enter your Microsoft account email, and follow the security verification (code via email, SMS, or app).

3. Set a new password, then go back to your PC and log in with that new password.

If it’s a local account (you see security questions)

1. On the Windows sign‑in screen, type a wrong password to show extra options.

2. Select the arrow or “OK” button near the password box, then choose “Reset password.”

3. Answer the security questions you set when you created the account, then create a new password and sign in.

If it’s a local account (no security questions, but you have another

admin)

1. Log into Windows with another administrator account on the same PC.

2. Open Computer Management → Local Users and Groups → Users.

3. Right‑click the locked account → “Set password…” → enter a new password and confirm.

If none of the above works

• If you have a “password reset disk” USB you created earlier, plug it in, click “Reset password” on the sign‑in screen, and follow the wizard to set a new password.

• If you have no Microsoft account recovery, no security questions, and no other admin user, the official recommendation is to reset or reinstall Windows, which can remove apps and may remove files depending on the reset option you choose.

If you tell what kind of account you use (Microsoft vs local) and whether you see a “Reset password” link or security questions, more specific step‑by‑step guidance can be given.