The blog of Windows Wally, a Windows Support Technician helping common people solve frustrating computer problems.



How To Reset Password in Windows 10

Reader Question:
“Hi Wally, I forgot my computer’s password. So, I used another computer to change the password, and now I can’t get into the first computer. Please help! It was running Windows 10. Thanks.“ - Casey K., USA

Before addressing any computer issue, I always recommend scanning and repairing any underlying problems affecting your PC health and performance:

  • Step 1 : Download PC Repair & Optimizer Tool (WinThruster for Win 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP and 2000 – Microsoft Gold Certified).
  • Step 2 : Click “Start Scan” to find Windows registry issues that could be causing PC problems.
  • Step 3 : Click “Repair All” to fix all issues.

Setting up weekly (or daily) automatic scans will help prevent system problems and keep your PC running fast and trouble-free.

Wally’s Answer: Not being able to log into your own computer is annoying. Luckily, there are some ways you can gain access to the Windows 10 desktop no matter how bad the situation might be.

Problem

The user forgot their password for a Windows 10 computer and can’t log in anymore.

Solution

Here are some things that might help:

Reset Password - Administrator Account - WindowsWally

You Must Have Another Administrator Account

An Administrator Account is one that can make changes to other user accounts on the computer. If there’s another account that you can log into, and that account is an administrator account, then you can reset your password.

In An Office Network

Just contact your network administrator. That person should be able to reset the password for you easily. This will only work if your computer is part of a domain of the office.

Did you Leave a Password Hint?

Every user is asked to provide an optional password hint when setting up a new account on Windows 10. Look at the login screen and you may find that you’ve left your future self a hint about the password.

Did You Use Your Email To Login?

If you were using your Microsoft account to log into Windows 10, then you’re in luck. You should be able to change the password using any computer or mobile device. You can log into your Microsoft account by clicking here. Click the Forgot Password link to answer a few questions and change the password.

Tried Everything, Nothing Worked!

If you tried all these instructions but you were still unable to log into the Windows account, then you’re stuck. Unfortunately, the only way forward is reinstalling Windows 10. The easiest might be using the Factory reset feature.

Factory Reset Your Computer

The Factory Reset option resets the computer to the way it was when you first bought it. It also deletes all data, so you might want to copy important data before going through with this. You can copy important data using a bootable Linux DVD or USB among other methods. Good Luck!

I Hope You Liked This Blog Article! If You Need Additional Support on This Issue Then Please Don’t Hesitate To Contact Me On Facebook.

Image: via Pixabay

Is Your PC Healthy?

I always recommend to my readers to regularly use a trusted registry cleaner and optimizer such as WinThruster or CCleaner. Many problems that you encounter can be attributed to a corrupt and bloated registry.

Happy Computing! :)

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About the Author

Windows Wally is a helpful guy. It’s just in his nature. It’s why he started a blog in the first place. He heard over and over how hard it was to find simple, plain-English solutions to Windows troubleshooting problems on the Internet. Enter: Windows Wally. Ask away, and he will answer.