My husband died. I don't have his Windows login password.

Question

My husband died. I don't have his Windows login password. How can I access his account?

Linda Johnson

Answer 1

Hello, sorry to hear about your loss.

The procedure to obtain access is described on following page:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/accessing-outlook-com-onedrive-and-other-microsoft-services-when-someone-has-died-ebbd2860-917e-4b39-9913-212362da6b2f

It isall explained there, but not easy as it concerns the privacy of an account.

Stefan

Answer 2

Hello, thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.

Even if you choose the Keep my files option during a system reset, you will still be required to enter his account password to access his personal files.

If the data is truly important, you will need to seek legal guidance so you can obtain proper authorization to access his account and reset the password. If the data is not critical and you simply want to use the device with your own Microsoft account, here’s what you can do:

Boot your PC into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE):

1. Start your device and wait for the Windows logo (or the manufacturer’s logo) to appear.
2. As soon as the logo appears, press and hold the power button until the device shuts down.
3. Turn your device on again and repeat step 2.
4. Turn your device on a third time. Windows should now display the Automatic Repair screen.

From there, select:

Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything, and choose Local reinstall when prompted.

After the reset is complete, set up the device using your own Microsoft account.

Let me know if you still need more help.

Answer 3

I’m really sorry… the only way windows lets u in now is using the sign‑in “reset password” and choosing the keep‑files option, it won’t touch his data. when it opens, go to c:\users\hisname and take what u need slowly… nothing disappears unless u tell it to.