How to Change or Reset Your Windows Password, A Step-by-Step Guide

December 19, 2025 - 4:52 pm

Table of contents: [Hide] [Show]

Identify the Type of Account You Use
Resetting a Microsoft Account Password When You Cannot Sign In
Changing a Microsoft Account Password While Signed In
Using a PIN to Recover a Forgotten Password
Resetting a Local Account Password From the Sign-In Screen
Changing a Local Account Password While Signed In
Resetting a Local Account Password Using Another Administrator Account
Practical Tips to Avoid Future Lockouts
Final Thoughts

HowToForYou.com – Getting locked out of a Windows device is inconvenient, but it is rarely permanent. Microsoft has built several recovery paths into Windows, depending on how you sign in and whether you still have access to the device. Below is a clear, list-based guide that explains every practical option, with context that helps users choose the right method quickly.

Identify the Type of Account You Use

Before attempting a reset, it helps to know which account is tied to your device:

Microsoft account
- Uses an email address
- Syncs across devices and Microsoft services
Local account
- Exists only on one PC
- Does not require internet access

Each account type has its own recovery process.

If you are locked out of a Windows device that uses a Microsoft account, you have several options:

Select “I forgot my password” on the Windows sign-in screen
Use Web sign-in from the sign-in options menu, then choose password recovery
Reset the password from any browser using Microsoft’s official password reset page

Once completed, the new password works across all Microsoft services linked to that account.

Changing a Microsoft Account Password While Signed In

If you still have access to Windows, changing your password is simple:

Open Settings
Go to Accounts
Select Sign-in options
Choose Password and select Change

You will be asked to confirm your current password before creating a new one. If you do not remember it, Windows guides you through identity verification.

Using a PIN to Recover a Forgotten Password

Many users rely on a PIN and forget their actual password. If you know your PIN:

Open Settings
Navigate to Accounts > Sign-in options
Select Password
Choose Change or Forgot my current password

This allows you to reset your Microsoft account password without being locked out first.

For local accounts, recovery usually depends on security questions:

On the sign-in screen, select the password entry arrow
Choose Reset password
Answer the security questions set during account creation
Create a new password

If you previously created a password reset disk, you can use it instead.

Changing a Local Account Password While Signed In

If you can still access Windows:

Open Settings
Go to Accounts > Sign-in options
Select Password and choose Change

If the old password is forgotten, Windows will prompt you to verify your identity before allowing a reset.

Resetting a Local Account Password Using Another Administrator Account

If another administrator account exists on the same PC:

Open Computer Management
Expand Local Users and Groups
Select Users
Right-click the account and choose Set Password
Enter and confirm the new password

This method is effective but may affect access to encrypted files created under the old password.

Practical Tips to Avoid Future Lockouts

To reduce the risk of being locked out again:

Keep Microsoft account recovery details up to date
Set security questions carefully for local accounts
Consider using a PIN or biometric sign-in
Create a password reset disk if you rely on a local account

Final Thoughts

Windows offers more password recovery options than most users realize. The process becomes far easier when you understand your account type and prepare recovery tools in advance. As Microsoft moves toward passwordless authentication, traditional passwords may be used less often, but knowing how to reset them remains an essential skill for any Windows user.