In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to reset your password to regain access to your Windows 10 account using your Microsoft account credentials, or if you’re using a traditional local account without having to create a reset disk. These instructions will also work to change the password for a standard or administrator account.

How to reset a Windows 10 Microsoft account password How to reset a Windows 10 local account password

How to reset a Windows 10 Microsoft account password

If you’re using a MSA to use Windows 10, you can use these steps to reset your password, in case you forgot it, to regain control of your account: Once you’ve completed the steps, you’ll again have access to your account, but bear in mind that changing your credential will also change the password you use to check your emails online with the same Microsoft account. Lock screen with I forgot my password option Recover your account Verify your account Enter security code Reset your password Alternatively, you can reset your account password online using the Microsoft account recovery process.

How to reset a Windows 10 local account password

Starting with version 1803 (April 2018 Update) and later, Windows 10 includes a new recovery mechanism to reset your local account password without having to hacks, and it works very similar to the Microsoft account recovery process. If you’re reading this guide while you still have access to your account, you should update your local account with security questions, which makes it possible to regain access to your account after you’re locked out. If you’re already locked out of your account, and you didn’t add security questions, you can use this advanced workaround to reset your password.

Updating local account security questions

To update the security questions on your existing Windows 10 local account, do the following: After completing the steps, you’ll be able to quickly recover your account if you forgot your password without having to resource to complicated workarounds. Windows 10 (version 1803) Sign-in Options Update security questions Windows 10 local account Starting with Windows 10 version 1803 and later, you’ll be prompted to add security questions while creating a new local user account. However, you can always use the above steps to update your answers.

Resetting local account password

In order to reset your local account password on Windows 10, do the following: Once you’ve completed the steps, the password will be updated, your Windows 10 account will load, and moving forward, you’ll need to use the new password to access your account. Windows 10 lock screen with Reset password option Reset local account answering security questions on Windows 10 Although the instructions to recover your Windows 10 account using your Microsoft account credentials has been around for a while, the steps to add security questions to reset a local account password are only available on April 2018 Update and later versions. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.