This browser is no longer supported.
Upgrade to Microsoft Edge to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and technical support.
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(195.2, 93%, 28%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3ECS%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Hello,
I am having an issue accessing the recovery command prompt. I am trying to run some commands on a computer I don't have the admin password to. I used to be able to access the recovery command prompt anytime and I did not have to enter any passwords. I remember the prompt always started at x:/ it said administrator at the top title bar. Now I can get into recovery mode and click command prompt, but it requires a password. That was not the way I used to access it. I know this is confusing so please ask any questions. Thanks.
Thanks for that answer. I understand what you are saying and usually, I would totally agree with you. I do not have the admin password to this pc. Previously, with this same pc and the same predicament, I was able to access the command prompt through a separate area. I think it was in a recovery partition that can only be accessed if the computer thinks it needs it. I appreciate any assistance in getting back to that menu.
Cheers,
Cal
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(19.2, 10%, 11%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EJF%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
What you remember (the prompt starting at X:\ with “Administrator” in the title) is still WinRE, but newer Windows 10 builds can make WinRE ask for credentials where it previously didn’t, especially if the device has stronger security settings enabled (for example: BitLocker/device encryption, certain policy settings, or newer WinRE behavior after updates).
This is a old computer. It has not had internet in years and has not been logged in for years. Can it update w/out internet or logging in? I havent changed any settings or anything because I havent been able to log in.
Hi! In Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), Command Prompt is an elevated recovery tool, and depending on the Windows build and the device’s security configuration, it may require you to select an administrator account and enter that account’s password before it will open.
If you don’t have the admin password for that PC, Support can’t assist with bypassing that protection. The supported path is to contact the device owner/IT admin to enter credentials.
If this is a personal device on which you are having troubles, then you will need to setup an administrator account to be able to use Command Prompt.
If this is a personal device on which you are having troubles, then you will need to setup an administrator account to be able to use Command Prompt.
Could you tell me how to do this?
