How to Reset a Windows 11 Password

There are two types of Windows 11 account — Microsoft accounts (signed in with an email address) and local accounts (account exists only on that PC). The reset process is different for each. Neither requires you to reinstall Windows or lose your files.

Resetting a Microsoft Account Password

If you sign in to Windows with a Microsoft account (your account name is an email address), you reset the password online — the same password works across all Microsoft services:

1. On the Windows 11 lock screen, click Sign-in options
2. Click the key icon to ensure you are on the password sign-in option
3. Below the password field, click I forgot my password
4. Windows may redirect you to account.live.com — on a phone or another device, go to account.live.com/password/reset
5. Enter your email address and follow the verification steps (code sent to your phone or backup email)
6. Set a new password and use it to sign in

Resetting a Local Account Password (With Security Questions)

If you use a local account and set up security questions when creating it:

1. At the lock screen, click below the password field where it says Reset password
2. Answer your three security questions
3. Set a new password

Resetting a Local Account Password (No Security Questions)

If your local account has no security questions set up, you have two main options:

Option A — Use another administrator account:

1. Log in with the other administrator account
2. Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users
3. Click on the locked account and select Change account type — then change the password from Computer Management

Option B — Use Windows Recovery Mode:

1. Restart the PC and press F8 or F11 at startup to enter recovery options (method varies by manufacturer)
2. Open Command Prompt from the recovery environment
3. Use the net user [username] [newpassword] command to reset the password

This is an advanced method. If you are not comfortable with the command line, a computer repair shop can assist.

Can You Reset a Windows Password Without Losing Files?

Yes — all of the methods above preserve your files. You only lose data if you perform a full factory reset or reinstall Windows, which is not required to reset a password.

Prevent Being Locked Out in Future

• Use a Microsoft account rather than a local account — online password reset is much simpler
• Set up security questions if using a local account (Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options)
• Enable Windows Hello PIN or fingerprint as an alternative sign-in method so you have a backup
• Store your password in a password manager so you have a record of it

Related Guides

• Forgot Windows 11 PIN — How to Reset It
• Windows 11 Account Locked Out Fix
• How to Switch to a Local Account in Windows 11
• Best Password Managers