Computer login question.

Question

If the Microsoft account linked to my computer was compromised, and I can't remember the password to my computer, is it possible to factory reset it? I know My buddy factory reset his computer, but needed the current Microsoft account info/password

Additionally, if my email was removed from my compromised Microsoft account, and I made a new one with the same email, would I be able to recover my PC password with that one, if the old account was linked to that same email? I assume not, but I am not expert.

And finally, if I do need to factory reset my computer, and don't have the microsoft account info connected to the computer, is there anyway to recover my PC? Or is it a very expensive brick now?

Would appreciate some feedback or Info on this issue.

Answer 1

Hi leah Graves,

Thank you for getting back to us.

Account credentials are actually used all the time, for example every time you log on to a Windows device.

In most of our personal experiences with Windows in the past, generally speaking, the advanced options under Windows Recovery Environment do not prompt for the need for credentials (passwords).

The reset process is simply a matter of following the steps.

• Recovery options in Windows - Microsoft Support

But in any case, it is always an important move to create alternate local accounts in advance, which can prevent some unexpected situations.

• Create a local user or administrator account in Windows - Microsoft Support

Best Regards,

Kyo - MSFT | Microsoft Community Technical Support

Answer 2

So if I'm understanding this right, I only need the account credentials if I'm using advanced options? Such as like resetting my computer while keeping the files etc?

So If I wanted to just clean factory reset I would just have to follow the steps with that?

Answer 3

Hi leah Graves,

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

Valid account credentials (such as password matching the local account) are a prerequisite for using advanced options (for example, Command Prompt) in Windows Recovery Environment.

We may not be able to use the new Microsoft account to modify the old credentials stored on the device, the password/Microsoft account password corresponding to the local account/Microsoft account is not stored directly in plaintext on the device and may need to be encrypted and converted. The new Microsoft account password for the new Microsoft account does not directly have a direct impact on the original credentials.

If the credentials are unavailable, one possibility is an anomaly specific to the account Profile that is not easily traceable.

If there is no other alternate local account and resetting the computer prompts for a password but the password is invalid, it means that a clean install of Windows almost needs to be considered.

In addition to clean installation, content in the following threads mentioned unconventional ideas summarized by other community members.

• Log in error - Microsoft Community
• Κόλλησα στην οθόνη ξεκλειδώματος των Windows 10 στο HP laptop μου - Κοινότητα της Microsoft

  	The content in the link is not presented in English, and you can use the translation tool to help you understand it.

If I misunderstand your situation, feel free to correct me and share the information.

Best Regards,

Kyo - MSFT | Microsoft Community Technical Support