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Identify which kind of account you use
A Microsoft account is associated with an email address and can be used across Microsoft services and devices. A local account is specific to that Windows device and is not connected to Microsoft cloud services. If you are unsure, check the email address shown on the sign-in screen; Microsoft explains the distinction in its account-type guidance.
| Account | What you need | What the route does | File-loss risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft account | Access to an available recovery email or phone, or another identity-verification option | Resets the Microsoft account password | Not a device reset; the password-recovery route itself does not reinstall Windows |
| Local account | Configured security-question answers, a reset disk created earlier, or an existing administrator account on the PC | Resets the local account password | Not a device reset; the password-recovery route itself does not reinstall Windows |
Reset a Microsoft account password
Use one of Microsoft’s sign-in recovery routes. The labels can vary with device configuration, but Microsoft documents these options for a Windows sign-in screen:
- At the sign-in screen, select I forgot my password and follow the prompts.
- If that option is not shown, select Sign-in options, then choose Web sign-in if it is available.
- Alternatively, reset the password in a browser using Microsoft’s forgotten-password instructions.
Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity, typically by sending a code to a recovery email address or phone number already associated with the account. Choose a method you can access and enter the code when prompted. If the displayed methods are unavailable or you do not recognize them, use Microsoft’s sign-in helper and account recovery guidance.
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If you cannot complete identity verification
Microsoft’s recovery form asks account-specific questions to establish that you own the account. If you enabled two-step verification but cannot access any alternate verification method, Microsoft says support cannot help restore access. Do not expect support to manually retrieve or bypass a forgotten password.
Reset a local account password
At the Windows sign-in screen, select the password entry control, select OK, then choose Reset password. Answer the security questions you set up for that account. Microsoft’s local-account instructions also describe two alternatives:
- Password reset disk: Choose the reset-disk option if you created one for this local account before being locked out.
- Another administrator account: If you can sign in to a different administrator account already on the PC, Microsoft documents using Computer Management to set a new password for the locked local account.
Microsoft Support states: “If these options don’t work, Microsoft support cannot help you retrieve or circumvent a lost or forgotten password.”
A reset disk only helps if you made it beforehand
A password reset disk is a USB flash drive prepared while you are signed in to the local account. Microsoft says this option is for local accounts and is not available for Microsoft accounts. Buying a USB drive after a lockout will not create a reset disk for the account you can no longer access.
You can prepare a reset disk in advance for a local account, or use a USB drive to create Windows recovery or installation media for a different purpose. Recovery media does not reveal or bypass the forgotten password.
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If you forgot your PIN, use PIN recovery
A Windows Hello PIN is separate from the account password. Face recognition and fingerprint are also distinct sign-in methods, and the choices shown depend on the device’s configuration. If you forgot your PIN, select the PIN recovery link on the sign-in screen, such as I forgot my PIN, and follow the prompts for the account. Microsoft’s sign-in options guidance covers Windows Hello methods.
Use device reset or reinstall only as a last resort
Resetting or reinstalling Windows is not a password-recovery method. Microsoft recommends trying less disruptive recovery options first. Reset this PC offers choices that may keep personal files or remove everything; reinstalling Windows from installation media can remove files, apps, and settings. Back up important files whenever possible before choosing a recovery route.
- If BitLocker is enabled, many Windows Recovery Environment options require the BitLocker recovery key.
- Review the specific reset or reinstall choice before proceeding: some options erase personal data, while others keep files but still remove apps or settings.
- Use a separate device to create recovery or installation media if needed; it can help repair or reinstall Windows, but it does not reset the forgotten account password.
Microsoft describes the available approaches in its Windows recovery options guide.
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025
Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. Since that date, Microsoft no longer provides free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. The account recovery routes above remain the relevant steps for regaining access, but they do not change Windows 10’s support status. See Microsoft’s Windows 10 support notice.
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