Have you lost or forgotten your user account password and can no longer log in to Windows 10 ? Don't panic! In this article, we'll see how to reset your user account password , whether it's a Microsoft account or a local account, so you can access your computer again.
What is the difference between a Microsoft account and a local account?
In Windows 10, there are two types of user account :
- A Microsoft account : an online user account that provides access to more services and features. With a Microsoft account, you can download apps from the Microsoft Store, sync your settings across multiple devices, sync your files with OneDrive, and more.
- The local account : a user account registered only on your computer.
How do I reset a Microsoft account password?
If you have lost or forgotten your Microsoft account password , you can easily reset it using the password reset Windows sign-in screen or on the Microsoft website. Here are the steps to follow:
- 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, select Forgot Password .
- Follow the procedure to reset your password . You may need to verify your identity by using an alternative email address or phone number, or by answering security questions.
- Enter a new password and confirm it.
- Log in using the usual procedure with the new password.
How do I reset the password for a local account?
If you have lost or forgotten the password for a local account , resetting the user account password is more complicated but not impossible! Several methods are available:
- If you added security questions when you set up your local account for Windows 10, you can answer them to sign back in. To do this, select the Reset password on the sign-in screen and answer the questions. Then enter a new password and confirm it.
- If you haven't added security questions or don't know the answers, you can use a third-party tool like Rescatux or Offline NT Password & Registry Editor to reset the password from removable media ( USB drive or CD/DVD ). These tools allow access to the operating system without the password and can modify the Windows to remove or change the local account password .
- If you have another administrator account on the computer, you can use that account to reset the password for the forgotten local account. To do this, log in with the administrator account and go to User Accounts settings. Then select the account whose password you want to change and click Change . Enter a new password and confirm it.
Comparative table of methods for resetting the password
| Method | Microsoft account | Local account | Benefits | Disadvantages |
| Online form | Yes | No | Simple and fast | Requires an internet connection and identity verification |
| Security issues | No | Yes | Practical and secure | Requires that questions have been configured beforehand |
| Third-party tool | No | Yes | Effective and free | Requires a removable stand and technical knowledge |
| Other administrator account | No | Yes | Easy and risk-free | Requires another administrator account on the computer |
FAQs
How to avoid forgetting your Windows 10 password?
To Windows 10 password , it's recommended to use a password manager that allows you to store and generate secure passwords . Several free and open-source managers are available, such as Bitwarden or KeePass. You can also use the Diceware method to create passwords that are easy to remember but difficult to guess. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you've lost or forgotten your password, you can Windows 10 password .
How do I change my Windows 10 password?
If you already know your current password and wish to change it, here's how:
- Select Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options .
- Under Password , select Edit and follow the instructions.
How do I remove my Windows 10 password?
If you want to remove your Windows 10 password for faster access to your computer, here's how:
- Select Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options .
- Under Password , select Edit and follow the instructions.
- When asked to enter a new password, leave the fields blank and click Next .
How do I disable the password prompt when waking from sleep on Windows 10?
If you want to disable the password prompt when waking from sleep on Windows 10 so you don't have to enter your password every time your computer goes to sleep, here's how:
- Select Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options .
- Under Require a connection , choose Never from the drop-down list.
How do I make a user account an administrator on Windows 10?
If you want to make a user account an administrator on Windows 10 to have more rights and control over your computer, here's how to do it:
- Select Start > Settings > Accounts > Family & other users .
- Under Other users , select the account you want to edit and click Edit account type .
- Choose Administrator from the drop-down list and click OK .
Conclusion
You now know Windows 10 password if you've lost or forgotten it. Whether it's for a Microsoft account or a local account , there are solutions to regain access to your computer. Remember to choose a strong password and save it in a safe place. This will prevent you from ending up with a locked Windows account if you enter the wrong password too many times.
