how to reset admin password if forgotten

enz 0 Reputation points
2026-09-01T11:34:01.09+00:00

I need help my computer was given to me and the person that gave it to me doesn't remember the admin password how do I reset it?

Windows for home | Other | Recovery and backup
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-01T11:34:18.1966667+00:00

    Whether this can be reset depends on what kind of Windows account it is.

    • If it is a Microsoft account used to sign in to Windows:
      1. On the sign-in screen, select I forgot my password.
      2. Or select Sign-in options > Web sign-in, sign in, then select Forgot my password.
      3. Or use Reset password from another browser.
      4. After receiving the verification code, enter it, select Next, type a new password, and select Next.
    • If it is a local account and the password was forgotten:
      • From the sign-in screen, select OK > Reset password.
      • Answer the security questions that were set up when the account was created.
      • If a password reset disk was created earlier, use Use a password reset disk instead.
    • If already signed in to another administrator account on the same PC:
      1. Open Computer Management.
      2. Expand Local Users and Groups > Users.
      3. Right-click the user account and select Set Password...
      4. Enter and confirm the new password.
    • If none of those options are available:
      • Microsoft support cannot retrieve or bypass a lost or forgotten password.
      • If there is no other administrator account and no supported reset option works, the supported path is to reset the Windows device.

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  2. DaveM121 932.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-01T12:10:08.54+00:00

    1

    If the person who gave you the PC, ask them if they can reser their Microsoft account password using the steps provided on this link, then try to log into the PC with the new password.

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/reset-a-forgotten-microsoft-account-password-eff4f067-5042-c1a3-fe72-b04d60556c37

    2

    If they cannot reset their password, if that is a PC you have just been provided, and there is no other administrator account on the PC. then the best option to make that device your own, is to reset Windows while keeping nothing, if you have files on the PC, back them up first to ensure you do not loose any data.

    Click the power button on the login screen.

    Press the Shift Key and click Restart

    Your PC will boot into the Windows Recovery Environment

    Go to Troubleshoot - Advanced Options - Reset this PC

    Choose to keep nothing

    Then start the Reset

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