What is the advanced startup command prompt password?

The Advanced Startup Command Prompt typically expects the password for the Windows account selected on that screen, not the PIN.

If the PC uses a Microsoft account:

1. At the sign-in or recovery prompt, try the Microsoft account password.
2. If the password is no longer accepted, reset it here: Recover your account.
3. After resetting, use the new password instead of the PIN.

If the PC uses a local account:

1. On the Windows sign-in screen, select the arrow next to the password box.
2. Select OK > Reset password.
3. Answer the security questions for that local account.

If the password is correct but still fails in Advanced Startup or WinRE, one documented cause is the keyboard layout in the recovery environment. A mismatched layout can make special characters enter incorrectly.

If normal sign-in also fails:

• On the Windows sign-in screen, use I forgot my password or I forgot my PIN if shown.
• Restart the device and try again.
• Use the Sign-in helper for Microsoft account sign-in issues.

Important:

• A PIN is different from the account password.
• Microsoft support cannot retrieve or bypass a lost or forgotten password.
• Support agents cannot send password reset links or change account details.

References:

• My username and password have stopped working
• Change or reset your Microsoft account password in Windows
• User Account Access in Windows
• Troubleshoot Problems Signing In to Windows
• Windows Recovery Environment Password Windows 10 - Microsoft Q&A