administrator password reset

Question

Hi there! I'm having a bit of trouble with my system administrator password. I can't seem to remember it, and I had it written down somewhere, but I can't find that paper now. Do you have any tips on how I can reset it? Thanks so much!

Answer 1

The recovery process depends on whether your Windows 11 administrator account is a Microsoft account or a local Windows account. If you use a Microsoft account, you can reset its password at https://account.live.com/password/reset. If it's a local account, you may be able to reset the password from the Windows sign-in screen by selecting Reset password and answering the security questions you previously configured. Microsoft's official instructions are available here: https://support.microsoft.com/windows/security/change-or-reset-your-local-account-password-in-windows

One additional option worth checking: if you can still access Windows using your PIN or fingerprint, you may not need to reset the computer. Open Settings > Accounts > Your info to identify the account type. If another administrator account exists on the computer and you can access it, that administrator may be able to reset the forgotten local account password. I recommend avoiding a Windows reset until you have checked these recovery options.

Could you please clarify whether you are completely locked out of Windows or can still sign in but are being asked for the administrator password when installing software or changing settings? Also, is your administrator account associated with a Microsoft email address, or is it a local account?