To reset a Windows 10 admin password without logging in, use the Shift + Restart trick to access advanced options and the Command Prompt (either via Safe Mode or by replacing sethc.exe), allowing you to use net user [Username] * to set a new password or net user Administrator /active:yes to enable the hidden administrator account for password changes. A bootable Windows installation media offers another command prompt route to access recovery options.
If your Windows 10 account is linked to a Microsoft account, recovery is simple:
Case 1: How to Remove Administrator Password without Login
Here you may need to use a Windows password reset tool such as iSumsoft Windows Password Refixer. This is a powerful tool that can be used to reset/remove forgotten/lost user/administrator passwords on Windows 11/10/8/7 without losing any data.
How To Reset Forgotten Admin Password on Windows
One of the easiest ways to reset your PC without a password is by issuing the Restart command while pressing the SHIFT key. This allows us to invoke the same Reset operation as from the Windows Repair menu. On the Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot: Reset your PC or see advanced options. Choose Reset this PC.
F11 is commonly used for factory resets by many brands like HP and Lenovo, entering the recovery environment to restore the system, while F12 usually opens the boot menu to select a boot device, though keys vary by manufacturer, so check your specific model's manual. To factory reset, restart your PC and repeatedly press the correct key (often F11) before the Windows logo, then navigate to "Troubleshoot" and "Reset this PC" in the recovery screen.
Logon to Microsoft's “Reset your Password” page from an alternate computer Click on “I forgot my password” and then click on the “Next” button. Type your Microsoft account name and the characters displayed on your screen in the relevant fields. Click "Next".
To find your administrator password, you'll need to access the Windows registry. However, you must be extra careful — one wrong click could seriously disrupt your computer's operating system. You'll need to use the command prompt to access the registry and, in turn, your administrator password.
Method 1: When the Error Message States the Computer Is Locked by domain\username
Reset a Lost Password on Windows 10 with Command Prompt
You can use the Settings app to change your password. If you forgot your password, select I forgot my password and follow the directions to verify your account and create a new one. Answer your security questions. Enter a new password.
Method 1: Using Command Prompt
To configure the built-in administrator account: Type net user Administrator /active:yes to enable the account. Type net user Administrator /active:no to disable the account.
You will need to configure your router again before you can access the Internet. You cannot retrieve the forgotten Wi-Fi password, so you can only restore the factory settings and set the Wi-Fi password again.
Log in to the administrator account. Open the Control Panel by typing “Control Panel” in the search bar. Navigate to User Accounts > Manage Another Account. Select the locked account and choose Change the Password or Remove the Password.
Contact the PC manufacturer
They may be able to help you reset the BIOS admin password, or provide you with a new one. Keep in mind that this process may involve sending your computer in for service, which can take time and may not be covered under warranty.
Boot into Safe Mode from the sign-in screen in Windows 11 or Windows 10
Even if you don't remember your password, you can remove the admin password via Settings or by logging in with another admin account. Here's how to reset the Administrator password in Windows 10: Note: If you don't remember the admin password, check out our article on how to change administrator on Windows 10.
Reset your PC from Settings
How to Fix PC Lag
In Windows 11, the Administrator account does not have a default password. During installation, you are prompted to create an administrator account and set a password. If you forget the administrator password, you can try the following methods to reset it: 1.
To enable the Administrator account, follow these steps:
Part 1: Use Command Prompt to View the Admin Password
Step 1: Type CMD in the Search bar. And then right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. Step 2: Type net user and press Enter. All the user accounts on the PC will be displayed here.
Step 2: Press Ctrl + Alt+ Delete, this will bring up a list of options, click on Change a Password. Continue to the next step. Step 3: A screen like this will appear. Enter the old password, then enter the new password in the next two fields.
Insert the password reset disk or USB flash drive into the computer, and then click Reset password. The Password Reset Wizard opens. Click Next, select the password key location from the drop-down menu, and then click Next. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new password and password hint.
Method 3: Use Windows 10 password reset tool