Accessing my computer - Windows 11

Question

The past 2 months has been a battle just accessing my computer (windows). It repeatedly states that my password is incorrect. It most definitely is NOT. Why am I fighting this battle daily. Some days, I am unable to use my computer. The problem isn't with me, it's with you. Do you purposely make this difficult so you don't have to do any work? This isn't about a child!This AI isn't very I!

Answer 1

Hi Wayne Shannon,

Please describe more details about the issue you're having.

What is the protocol and method you're trying to access your computer? Is it Remote Desktop, SMB File sharing, or something else?

With enough information, I will be able to assist you better.

Thank you for your time.

Answer 2

Windows 11 can show “incorrect password” for several reasons even when the password is correct. Work through these steps in order on the sign-in screen:

1. Confirm the account type

• If the account is a Microsoft account (email address shown), the password must be the Microsoft account password, not a local device password.
• If it is a local account (no email address), use the local password only.

2. Try the built-in reset options on the sign-in screen

• On the sign-in screen, under the password box, select I forgot my password and follow the steps to reset it if using a Microsoft account.
• If using a PIN and that fails, select I forgot my PIN and follow the reset steps.
• For a local account, follow the guidance in Reset your Windows local account password.

3. If Windows Hello (face, fingerprint, PIN) is set up

• Try signing in with Windows Hello instead of the password if available.
• If Windows Hello fails repeatedly, use the password reset options above, then reconfigure Windows Hello after signing in.

4. If still unable to sign in Use the dedicated troubleshooting guidance for sign-in problems:

• Follow the steps in Change or reset your Windows password if the issue is with the Microsoft account password.
• If the account is locked or verification codes are not arriving, use the Microsoft account recovery and verification guidance under Forgot your Microsoft account password and Not getting verification codes.

If none of these options work and access is still blocked, a full reset or clean reinstall (as in the Dell Rugged Laptop example) may be required, which will remove apps and can remove data if backups are not available. Back up important files whenever access is possible to avoid data loss.

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References:

• Troubleshoot Problems Signing In to Windows
• User Account Access in Windows
• Help for accounts in Windows