How to access your PC if you forgot your Windows password (2024)

Given that most PCs in the world run some form of Windows, let’sassume you’ve got a Microsoft-based computer.

Microsoft won’t help you if you have lost your password, becauseit’s their security policy. But the software company recommends that you set apassword recovery hint when setting up your computer and creating yourpassword. It also recommends that you create a password reset disk as soon asyou first start using the computer.

If you’ve not already done so and it’s not too late, Microsoftprovides a web page that explains how to set up password hints andcreate a password reset disk. It’s fairly simple.

However, if you’ve already lost or forgotten your password thereare options you can try to access your computer.

But with so many Windows operating systems now in use, methods togain access to your computer can vary. That said, listed below are a fewgeneric methods that you can try.

Accessing the computer as ‘administrator’

On Windows, there is a hidden account named Administrator. Most ofthe time, this account has no password set.

That means that you can start your computer with this account,open the Control Panel to delete or change the password of any users and fixyour problem.

To do this requires a few simple steps:

How to create a password reset disk for a localaccount in Windows

Microsoft explains how to create a passwordreset disk for a local account in Windows 11 and Windows 10.

ForWindows 11, youshould create a password reset disk using a USB flashdrive. This will enable you to reset your password if you forget it.

Youcan also add security questions to your local account in case you forget yourpassword. Here’s how: Select Start, then Settings, then Accounts, then Sign-inoptions, and finally Update your security questions.

Here’show to create a password reset disk for a local account in Windows 11,according to Microsoft instructions:

Sign in with your local account. Keep inmind that this won't work with Microsoft (connected) accounts.
Plug a USB flash drive into yourPC.Microsoft advises that, although creating a password reset diskwon't reformat your USB flash drive,you should back up any data onit before you continue.
In the search box on the taskbar, typeControl Panel. Thenchoose it from the list of results.
In the Control Panel search box, typecreate password reset.
Select Create a password reset disk andfollow the instructions.
When you're finished, remove the USBflash drive. Keep it in a safe placewhere you'll remember it.Microsoftnotes that you don't have to create a new disk whenyou change yourpassword — even if you change it several times.

Once you’ve signed back into Windows with your new password, you won’t want to deal with the pain of forgetting another password again. Norton 360 Deluxe features a built-in password manager to help you keep your passwords safe and sound in one place. Plus, it provides layers of online protection against hackers, fake websites, malicious software, and other online threats.

Get Norton 360 Deluxe

Clare Stouffer
Gen employee

Clare Stouffer, a Gen employee, is a writer and editor for the company’s blogs. She covers various topics in cybersecurity.

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