Windows login - forgotten password

Question

I renamed an existing "user" and made another one.

I logged in to the old one using a PIN number.

To log in to it I need a password which I can't remember and cannot find out how to reset it.

Answer 1

1

If you log into Windows with a Microsoft Account, try the steps on this page:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/reset-a-forgotten-microsoft-account-password-eff4f067-5042-c1a3-fe72-b04d60556c37

2

If you log into Windows with a Local Account, try the steps on this page:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/reset-your-windows-10-local-account-password-86912508-e584-37cc-86eb-6e9b0542b5ba

Answer 2

To get back into the renamed/old account when the password is forgotten, use one of these supported methods depending on the account type and what access is still available.

1. If it is a Microsoft account (email-based sign-in)

• On the Windows sign-in screen, under the password box, select I forgot my password and follow the prompts to reset it online.
• Alternatively, from another device or browser, go to the Microsoft password reset page: Reset password and complete the verification steps.
• After resetting, use the new password to sign in; the PIN can then be changed or re‑set from Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

2. If it is a local account and you can still sign in to Windows with another account

• Sign in with an administrator account that still works.
• Open Computer Management.
• Expand Local Users and Groups > Users.
• Right‑click the user whose password is forgotten and select Set Password....
• Enter and confirm a new password.
• Sign out and log in to the renamed/old account using the new password, then optionally set a PIN again from Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

3. If it is a local account and you cannot sign in with any account

• On the sign‑in screen, select the password option, then OK and Reset password.
• Answer the security questions configured when the account was created, then set a new password.
• If security questions were never set and there is no other administrator account, the documented option is to reset the PC: see Reset your PC from the password reset article. This will reinstall Windows and can affect apps and data depending on the reset choice.

4. If you normally sign in with a PIN and still know it

• While signed in with the PIN, open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
• Under Password, select Change and follow the instructions. If the account is a Microsoft account and the password is forgotten, choose Forgot my current password and complete the verification to create a new one.

If sign‑in problems continue (for example, the account type is unclear or the reset links are not working), use the Windows sign‑in troubleshooting guidance and the Microsoft account recovery guidance referenced below.

---

References:

• Change or reset your password in Windows
• User Account Access in Windows
• Troubleshoot Problems Signing In to Windows
• I can't sign in to my Microsoft account
• Sign in to and out of your Surface