If you forgot or lost your password for Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 7, you may be able to change or reset it. To get started, choose your version of Windows from the tabs below.
Windows 11Windows 10Windows 8.1Windows 7
If you already know your current password and want to change it
Select Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options . Under Password , select Change and follow the directions.
Reset your Windows 11 local account password
If you’ve forgotten or lost your Windows 11 password for a local account and need to sign back in to your device, the below options might help you get up and running. For more info on local standard vs. administrative accounts, see Create a local user or administrator account in Windows.
Windows 11
If you added security questions when you set up your local account for Windows 11, then you can answer security questions to sign back in.
After you've entered an incorrect password:
-
Select the Reset password link on the sign-in screen. If you use a PIN instead, see PIN sign-in issues. If you're using a work device that's on a network, you may not see an option to reset your password or PIN. In that case, contact your administrator.
Note:Ifyou don't see security questions after youselectthe Reset password link, make sure yourdevice name isn't the same as your local user account name (the name you see when you sign in). To see your device name, right-clickStart , select System, and scroll to the Device specifications section.If the device name is the same asyour account name, you can create a new administrator account, sign in as an administrator, and then rename your PC(when you view your device name, you can also rename it).
-
Answer your security questions.
-
Enter a new password.
-
Sign in as usual with the new password.
Reset your Microsoft account password you use to sign in to your computer
On the sign-in screen, type your Microsoft account name if it's not already displayed. If there are multiple accounts on the computer, choose the one you want to reset. Below the password text box, selectI forgot my password.Follow the steps to reset your password.
For more info, seeReset a forgotten Microsoft account password.
Troubleshoot problems signing in
If you're still having trouble signing to your account, see more solutions in Troubleshoot problems signing in.
If you already know your current password and want to change it
Select Start> Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options . Under Password, select the Change button and follow the steps.
Reset your Windows 10 local account password
If you’ve forgotten or lost your Windows 10 password for a local account and need to sign back in to your device, the below options might help you get up and running. For more info on local standard vs. administrative accounts, see Create a local user or administrator account in Windows 10.
Windows 10version 1803 and later
If you added security questions when you set up your local account for Windows 10, then you have at least version 1803 and you can answer security questions to sign back in.
After you've entered an incorrect password:
-
Select the Reset password link on the sign-in screen. If you use a PIN instead, see PIN sign-in issues. If you're using a work device that's on a network, you may not see an option to reset your password or PIN. In that case, contact your administrator.
See AlsoWindows sign-in options and account protectionWindows build, KB, bugs : tout savoir sur les mises à jourNote:Ifyou don't see security questions after youselectthe Reset password link, make sure yourdevice name isn't the same as your local user account name (the name you see when you sign in). To see your device name, right-clickStart in the taskbar, select System, and scroll to the Device specifications section.If the device name is the same asyour account name, you can create a new administrator account, sign in as an administrator, and then rename your PC(when you view your device name, you can also rename it).
-
Answer your security questions.
-
Enter a new password.
-
Sign in as usual with the new password.
Windows 10before version 1803
For versions of Windows 10 earlier than 1803, local account passwords can't be reset because there are no security questions. You can reset your device to choose a new password, however this option will permanently delete your data, programs, and settings. If you've backed up your files you'll be able to restore your deleted files. For more information, see Recovery options in Windows 10.
To reset your device, which will delete data, programs, and settings:
-
Press the Shift key while you select the Power button > Restart in the lower-right corner of the screen.
-
On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
-
Select Remove everything.
Warning:Resetting your device will permanently delete data, programs, and settings.
Reset your Microsoft account password you use to sign in to your computer
On the sign-in screen, type your Microsoft account name if it's not already displayed. If there are multiple accounts on the computer, choose the one you want to reset. Below the password text box, selectI forgot my password.Follow the steps to reset your password.
For more info, seeReset a forgotten Microsoft account password.
Troubleshoot problems signing in
If you're still having trouble signing to your account, see more solutions in Troubleshoot problems signing in.
Reset your password
Note:If you’ve forgotten your Windows 10 password, see Reset your Windows 10 local account password.
If you've forgotten your Windows 8.1 password, there are several ways to retrieve or reset it:
-
If your PC is on a domain, your system administrator must reset your password.
-
If you're using a Microsoft account, you can reset your password online. For more info,see How to reset your Microsoft account password.
-
If you're using a local account, use your password hint as a reminder.
Ifyou still can't sign in, you must reinstall Windows.ForWindows RT 8.1, contact your PC manufacturer.
More help with passwords in Windows 8.1
If you forget or lose your password, see Reset your password above to reset or recover it.
If you think your Microsoft account password has been compromised or stolen by someone with malicious intent, we can help. For more info, see When you can't sign in to your Microsoft account.
If you're signing in to only your local PC, yes. However, we recommend that you keep your PC more secure by using a strong password. When you use a password, only someone who knows it can sign in. If you want to sign in to Windows with a Microsoft account, a password is required. For more info, see Can I sign in to Windows without a password? To learn more about Microsoft accounts and local accounts, see Create a user account.
Stronger passwords contain a variety of characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols or spaces. A strong password should also be something that is difficult for a stranger to guess or crack. It shouldn't contain a complete word, or easy-to-find details like your real name, your user name, or your birth date.
If you're signing in to a Microsoft account, your password is limited to 16 characters. For more info about Microsoft accounts, see Create a user account.
You can update your password regularly to keep it more secure. If your PC isn't connected to a domain, follow these steps:
-
Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, and then tap Change PC settings.
(If you're using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, click Settings, and then click Change PC settings.) -
Tap or click Accounts, and then tap or click Sign-in options.
-
Tap or click Change your password and follow the instructions.
If your PC is connected to a domain, your system administrator might manage how frequently you must change your password. To do so, choose one of the following:
-
If you're using a keyboard, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete, tap or click Change a password, and follow the instructions.
-
If you're using a tablet, press and hold the Windows button, press the power button, and then tap or click Change a password and follow the instructions.
It depends on whether you're using a third-party email address. If your email address ends in outlook.com, hotmail.com, live.com, or another Microsoft service, changing the password for your Microsoft account also changes it for that email service.
But you can use any email address for your Microsoft account, even an email address from a third-party web-based mail service like Google Mail or Yahoo! Mail. When you choose a password for your Microsoft account, it doesn't change the password you might need to use to sign in to web mail on a third-party site.
Create a picture password to sign in with gestures instead of by entering characters.
-
Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, and then tap Change PC settings.
(If you're using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, click Settings, and then click Change PC settings.) -
Tap or click Accounts, and then tap or click Sign-in options.
-
Under Picture password, tap or click Add, and then follow the instructions.
When you choose a password for your user account, it's important to pick something you can remember. You're going to need it again later!
Of course, you can also write your password down and keep it in a safe place. Taped to the underside of your laptop or the inside of your desk drawer is probably not a good idea, however. If you do write your password down, be sure to keep it separate from your PC.
For added security, use different passwords for different purposes. For example, it's a good idea to keep distinctly different passwords for a social networking account and your online bank account.
If you do forget or lose your password, there are still several things you can try to reset or recover it. For more info, see Reset your password above to reset or recover it.
Reset your password
The steps to reset your password will vary a bit depending on if your computer is on a domain, or in a workgroup. If your computer is part of a work or school organization there's a good chance it's part of a domain. If this is a home computer it's almost certainly in a workgroup.
My computer is on a domain
-
Sign in with a domain account that has administrator permissions to this device. If you're not sure, contact your organization's IT admin for help.
-
Select the Start button
, selectControl Panel, selectUser Accounts, selectUser Accounts, and then selectManage User Accounts. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. -
On the Users tab, under Users for this computer, selectthe user account name, and then selectReset Password.
-
Type the new password, confirm the new password, and then selectOK.
, selectControl Panel, selectUser Accounts, selectUser Accounts, and then selectManage User Accounts. 
If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.Note:If you are logged on as an administrator, you can create and change passwords for all user accounts on the computer.
Warning:If you use an administrator account to change a password for another account, any encrypted files or e mail messages for that other account will no longer be accessible to the person who was using that account.
My computer is in a workgroup
-
If youtype the wrong password when you attempt to log on, Windows displays a message that the password is incorrect. SelectOK to close the message.
-
SelectReset password, and then insert your password reset disk or USB flash drive.
-
Follow the steps in the Password Reset wizard to create a new password.
-
Log on with the new password. If you forget your password again, you can use the same password reset disk. You don't need to make a new one.
Change your password
-
Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete, and then selectChange a password.
-
Type your old passwordfollowed bya new password as indicated, and then typethe new password again to confirm it.
-
Press Enter.
Related articles
Reset a forgotten Microsoft account password
Change your Microsoft account password
Reset your Windows local account password
FAQs
Is there a way to reset your Windows password? ›
If you're using a keyboard, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete, tap or click Change a password, and follow the instructions. If you're using a tablet, press and hold the Windows button, press the power button, and then tap or click Change a password and follow the instructions.
What is the difference between change password and reset password in Windows? ›Both Password Reset and Password Change log different IDs for both the events. Also, a Password Change requires that the user authenticate himself/herself by remembering the old password while Password Reset doesn't require the user to remember his/her Old Password.
How do I remove or change my password on Windows 10? ›At the desktop, press the Windows key and type "sign." Select Sign-in options from the menu. Under the Password section, click Change and follow the instructions to add a password. To remove a password, enter the current password and leave all other fields blank.
Why is Windows asking me to reset my password? ›This is a security feature of all Microsoft accounts which cannot be turned off. If the option for 72 days password expiration is enabled in your account then it will automatically ask you to reset password.
How do I find my current Windows password? ›- Launch the "Control Panel" app using the "Search" bar on your Windows OS.
- Click on the "User Accounts" tab to access the administrator details for your PC.
- Now, select the "Windows Credentials" button, and you should see all your credentials listed below.
- Log In with Another Account. On the login screen, log in with another administrator account..Full steps.
- Reset the Microsoft Account. Use another computer and go to https://account.live.com/password/reset...Full steps.
- Run Windows 10 Installation Media.
Reset password is the action of invalidating the current password for an account on a website, service, or device, and then creating a new one. A password may be reset using the settings of the software or service, or by contacting the customer service department.
Why should I reset my password? ›PREVENTS CONSTANT ACCESS
A hacker may attempt to access your account more than once over a period of time. Changing your password often reduces the risk that they will have frequent access.
For clarification, Windows 10 credentials are the ones you use to access your computer, while Microsoft account credentials are being used to access Microsoft products (e.g. Outlook, OneDrive etc.). To change your Windows 10 password, kindly press Ctrl+Alt+Del, then select Change a password.
How do I log into Windows without a password? ›Under Password, tap or click Change. Verify the current password for your local account. Leave the New password, Reenter password, and Password hint fields blank, tap or click Next, and then tap or click Finish. Now, you (or anyone) can sign in to your local account and use your PC without a password.
How to login to Windows 10 without password? ›
Step 1: Open the “Run” dialog box again with the shortcut [Windows] + [R] and enter “netplwiz”. Step 2: The “User accounts” menu will open. Uncheck the box beside “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer”. Uncheck the box to disable the password prompt in Windows 10.
Why is my Windows 10 not letting me log in? ›Make sure Caps Lock is off. Check that you're entering the right information: a password in the Password field or a PIN in the PIN field. If you're using a Microsoft account, you can switch between entering a PIN and a password by selecting Sign-in options.
How to reset Windows 10 password without security questions? ›Step 1: First, connect a USB disk to your computer. In the Windows 10 search box, type Create a password reset disk and choose the first result. Step 2: In the Forgotten Password process, click Next, choose the USB disk, and then click Next again. Step 3: Enter your existing account password and press the Next button.
How do I create a password reset disk if I forgot my password? ›- Log in to Windows using the local account to create a password reset disk.
- Insert a USB drive or SD card into the computer.
- Type Password Reset in the search box and click Create a password reset disk.
- Click Next.
- Select the location to create the password key disk, and then click Next.