If the laptop uses a Microsoft account:
- On the sign-in screen, select I forgot my password.
- If available, select Sign-in options > Web sign-in, sign in, then select Forgot my password.
- From another device or browser, use Reset password and follow the identity verification steps.
- If verification options are missing or no longer accessible, use the Sign-in Helper tool.
If the laptop uses a local account:
- On the Windows sign-in screen, select the arrow next to the password box.
- Select OK > Reset password.
- Answer the security questions that were set for that account.
If the security questions were not set by the account owner or the answers are unknown, Microsoft support cannot retrieve or bypass a lost or forgotten password for a local account.
If access is still available with a PIN and the device is already signed in:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Accounts > Sign-in options.
- Select Password > Change.
- If the current password is forgotten, select Forgot my current password and follow the verification steps.
If this is a new laptop with no important data yet, a reset through Windows Recovery Environment is a last resort because it removes data and settings:
- On the lock screen, hold Shift and select Power > Restart.
- In recovery, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
- Choose the reset option that fits the situation.
Creating a password reset disk can help in the future, but it only works for local accounts and must be created before the password is forgotten.