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

What to Do If You Can’t Access Your Recovery Email or Phone

If you’ve forgotten your Microsoft account password and cannot access the recovery email address or phone number linked to your account, there are still several ways to regain access to your PC.

Contact Microsoft Account Support

Microsoft provides recovery assistance even when standard verification methods are unavailable. Visit account.microsoft.com/security, select “I can’t sign in”, and follow the prompts. Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity using alternative methods, such as:

• Answering security questions you set up previously
• Confirming your account history (previous passwords, account creation date, recent purchases or subscriptions)
• Using another device where you’re already signed into your Microsoft account

Use a Previous Recovery Email or Phone

If you’ve recently changed your recovery email or phone number, Microsoft may still have your older contact information on file. The account recovery process sometimes offers the option to verify using a previous email address or phone number instead.

Access Your Account From Another Device

If you’re signed into your Microsoft account on another device—such as a phone, tablet, or a different PC—you can change your password from there without needing to access recovery methods. Simply visit account.microsoft.com on that device, go to Security settings, change your password, and use the new password on your locked Windows 11 PC.

Use Another Administrator Account

If you have access to a different administrator account on the same PC, log in with that account and reset your original account’s password through the local account management tools (Settings > Accounts > Other users). This bypasses the need for Microsoft’s online recovery process.

Contact Microsoft Support

If the above methods don’t work, contact Microsoft Support directly. They can help verify your identity through alternative means, such as confirming credit card details associated with your account or requesting a copy of your ID. Account recovery through support typically takes 24–48 hours.