How do I get back into my computer with a locked account

Question

Good afternoon. My laptop is locked as I attempted to get into my personal laptop to complete my charting for my job but since I entered a requested a passcode I'm completely locked out.. the system is offering me to use an email address that I have no idea what the password is so I can't even use the other email address and I need to get into my system.. please walk me through the steps to be able to get back into my personal laptop

Answer 1

Hi!

...the system is offering me to use an email address that I have no idea what the password...

Is your email address different from your main email? It should show your email address, unless it's a recovery email that you don't remember.

First, access your Microsoft account on another device (smartphone browser or another computer) to verify that it doesn't have any restrictions.

https://account.microsoft.com/

See this article if you are unable to log in to your account:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/unblock-my-outlook-com-account-f4ad2701-d166-4d8b-8a6a-9af2a1f8a4c4

If your account is okay, try this:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/troubleshoot-problems-signing-in-to-windows-298cfd5f-df1f-c66b-36ad-f2a61a73baad

Other solutions

1. Restart the computer > Make sure it is connected to the internet correctly > Enter your new password. On the lock screen, click Login Options > Key icon to enter your Microsoft password.
2. Another solution that may help is to disconnect the Internet or Wi-Fi cable from your PC > Restart your computer > Connect the Internet cable > Restart your computer > Enter the PIN or password again.

Point Recovery If the problem persists, try to restore your PC to a previous point.

1. Hold down the SHIFT key and restart your computer in the Lock Screen.

• Hold SHIFT until you access the Recovery Screen

NOTE: If the computer cannot access Windows, before turning on the device, press the F8 key until it enters the Recovery Mode (do not stop pressing the key until you enter the option).

• Some manufacturers can change this key, such as SHIFT, ESC, F11, F12.
• Also try holding the key (do not stop holding the key until you enter the option).
• Try holding the WINDOWS key and the On/Off button, and when the computer starts, release them.

2. In Recovery Mode, select Troubleshooting > System Restore
3. Scroll through the Restore Window until you reach the available Restore Points > Choose the latest > Advance the options.

Answer 2

Follow these steps based on how the account is set up.

1. At the Windows sign-in screen, confirm what type of account is being used:
   • If it shows an email address (like outlook.com, hotmail.com, etc.), it is a Microsoft account.
   • If it only shows a name with no email, it is likely a local account.
2. If it is a Microsoft account and the password is forgotten:
   • On another device (phone or another PC), go to https://account.microsoft.com and try to sign in with the email shown on the lock screen.
   • Use the I forgot my password option and follow the steps to reset it using a phone number or alternate email.
   • If the account is locked, follow the guidance in Microsoft account has been locked to unlock it and get a security code, then create a new password.
3. If it is a local account and there is another administrator account on the laptop:
   • Sign in with the administrator account.
   • Open Computer Management.
   • Expand Local Users and Groups > Users.
   • Right-click the locked user account and select Set Password....
   • Enter and confirm a new password, then sign out and sign back in with that account using the new password.
4. If it is a local account and there is no other administrator account available:
   • The documented option is to reset the Windows device. This will reinstall Windows; depending on the reset option chosen, apps and some settings may be removed. Follow the guidance in Reset your PC from the sign-in or recovery options.
5. If sign-in issues persist (PIN or Windows Hello not working):
   • On the sign-in screen, use I forgot my password or I forgot my PIN if available.
   • For local accounts, follow Reset your Windows local account password from another device as referenced in the sign-in help.

If the Microsoft account itself is locked (for example, no Next button or a message that the account is locked), use the aka.ms link shown on the sign-in page to submit the unlock form and follow the instructions provided.

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References:

• Change or reset your password in Windows
• User Account Access in Windows
• Microsoft account has been locked