How to reset Windows 10 login password

The Windows password is the first line of defense for your Windows computer. Ideally, it is recommended to set up a long, complex password. However, this may result in the user forgetting the password. In case you have encountered this mishap, do not panic! This guide has a few ways of how you can reset your Windows 10 password.

Method #1: Reinstall Windows

Note: This method will result in the loss of all personal data on the computer.

A fresh install of Windows will reset the password automatically. You need a bootable Windows media to perform this exercise.

Method #2: Reset your password online

You need a working internet connection as well as a smart device to conduct this method successfully.

Step 1

You need to open your browser and go to the URL below:

https://account.live.com/password/reset

Once there, you will be greeted by the page below. You need to enter either your Skype name, phone number or email then hit ‘Next’ to proceed.

Step 2

The next page is where verification happens; you should choose one of the options provided to get a security code. You should choose a method which you have direct access to. In case you don’t have access to any options provided, you should select the ‘I don’t have any of this ’ option. You will be redirected to a page where you can input your current email.

Step 3

After inputting the security code when prompted, you will be redirected to the page shown in the image below. You should write down the password set somewhere for reference.

Step 4

You should now try to log into your computer using the new password set.

Note: This method only works if you have set your Microsoft account as your default account. If this is not the case, you should move to the next method.

Method #3: Using CMD in safe mode

This method is ideal if you have been locked out of your computer.

Step 1

Restart your computer and press & hold down the F8 key to open the Advanced boot Options as illustrated below. You now need to select the ‘Safe Mode with Command Prompt’ option as shown below then press Enter.

Step 2

The command prompt that will open has administrative privileges. First, you can type ‘net user’ the hit Enter to show all the available users of the computer. Once you identify the user, you want to change the password for, type ‘net user username new password’ to reset the password. You need to replace the username with your username and new password with the new password as shown below:

You can now restart your computer and use the new password to log in.

Conclusion

You now know how to reset your Windows password. Which method worked best for you? Let us know in the comment section below.