How to change my computer password

Question

I locked myself out of my computer. I changed my password and now I can’t remember what is, I tried everything. Is there a way I can change my password

Answer 1

Welcome Audra to the Q&A forum!

From what you described, after changing your Windows sign‑in password, you’re now locked out of the computer because you can no longer remember the new password and are unable to sign in.

Since Q&A Assist has already outlined the available options, here’s some additional clarification for each scenario:

The recovery options depend on what type of account you use to sign in to Windows 11. If your sign‑in screen shows an email address, you’re using a Microsoft account and the password can be reset online using Microsoft’s account recovery process, either directly from the sign‑in screen or from another device.

If you’re using a local account (no email address shown), recovery is more limited. You can reset the password only if you previously set up security questions, created a password reset disk, or have access to another administrator account on the same PC that can change the password for you.

If none of these options are available, Windows does not support bypassing or recovering a forgotten local account password.

In that situation, the only supported way to regain access is to reset the PC using the built‑in “Reset this PC” option. You may be able to choose Keep my files, but apps and settings will be removed. To avoid this in the future, it’s recommended to keep at least one additional administrator account, use a Microsoft account for sign‑in, or set up a PIN or Windows Hello for easier recovery.

Please feel free to share an update here so we can determine the best next steps.

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Answer 2

There are different options depending on what kind of account is used to sign in to Windows 11.

1. If using a Microsoft account

• On the sign-in screen, select I forgot my password and follow the steps to verify the account and set a new password.
• Or select Sign-in options > Web sign-in, follow the prompts to sign in, then choose Forgot my password.
• Alternatively, from another device, go to the Reset password page: https://account.live.com/ResetPassword.aspx and follow the instructions.

2. If using a local account (not Microsoft account) and currently locked out

• On the sign-in screen, select the password entry button.
• Select OK and then Reset password.
• Answer the security questions configured when the account was created, then set a new password.
• If a password reset disk was created earlier, choose Use a password reset disk instead and follow the wizard.

3. If there is another administrator account on the same PC

• Sign in with that administrator account.
• Open Computer Management.
• Expand Local Users and Groups > Users.
• Right-click the locked-out user and select Set Password....
• Enter and confirm a new password.
• Note: If there is no other administrator account available, the device must be reset to regain access.

4. If already signed in and just want to change the password (for future reference)

• Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
• Select Password > Change and follow the instructions.
• For Microsoft accounts, choose Forgot my current password if the current password is not remembered and complete verification.

If none of the above options work and there is no admin account to reset the password, the remaining supported option is to reset the Windows device using the Reset your PC process.

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References:

• Change or reset your password in Windows
• Change your work or school account password