Unable to log into my computer

Question

I own an older computer that cannot be updated to Windows 11. I created a Microsoft account to get the security updates for one year. I can log into this account (using my tablet) and see that my computer is enrolled but during the enrollment process my PIN for my computer was disabled. I have always used the PIN to log into this computer and cannot remember the computer password. What can I do to regain access to my computer. Mod moved from Community Center

Answer 1

Welcome Ferdnip BeGoogies,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A forum. I am sorry to hear about your issue when you cannot log into your computer, and you want to regain it.  

You can try a few steps to troubleshoot the issue:  

Option 1: Use Microsoft's online password reset 

• Go to this link Recover your account  
• Follow the instruction to reset your password. After that, log into again your PC to see if the issue is resolved 

To use this method, you need to prepare a few things:  

• Windows 10 Installation USB or DVD 
• You need a USB (at least 8GB) that contains the Windows 10 installation files. 

Option 2: Windows 10 Password Recovery via Command Prompt Trick

• Boot off a Windows 10 DVD (or USB) reset-windows-10-password-replace-utilman 
• When the WINDOWS SETUP screen appears, press SHIFT+F10 to launch a CMD window 
• Type ren d:\windows\system32\utilman.exe utilman.exe.bak and press the ENTER key 
• Type copy d:\windows\system32\cmd.exe d:\windows\system32\utilman.exe and press the ENTER key 
• Exit the Windows 10 setup (just power down) 
• Boot normally to your hard drive 
• At the Login Screen click the EASE OF ACCESS icon (beside the Power icon in the bottom right corner of the screen). Because of step reset-windows-10-password-create-admin4, this will launch a CMD window 
• Type net user test /add and press the ENTER key 
• Type net localgroup administrators test /add and press the ENTER key 
• Press ALT+F4 to close the CMD prompt 
• Click the Power icon (bottom right corner of the screen) and select RESTART 
• Sign in as TEST without a password 

I really hope that the information I gave above was helpful to you. Please feel free to reply below and let me know if you have further concern on this matter.   

Thank you for your patience and understanding.  

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