How to Reset Password in Windows 11 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Forgot your Windows 11 password? Whether you’re using a Microsoft account or a local one, this guide shows how to reset the password for Windows 11 using simple, clear steps. We’ll start with the easiest methods and move toward more technical solutions if you’re completely locked out.

Reset Password Windows 11: All Methods Explained

If You Use a Microsoft Account

Most Windows 11 users sign in with a Microsoft account. Here’s how to reset it:

1. Go to the login screen
   Start your PC and wait for the password screen.
   
2. Click “I forgot my password”
   You’ll find this option under the password field.
   
3. Verify your identity
   Choose a recovery method (email, phone number, or authenticator app) and follow the prompts.
   
4. Set a new password
   Once verified, enter a new password and sign in.
   

✅ This method only works if your PC is linked to your Microsoft account.

If your password seems to have changed without your knowledge, check out what to do if your Windows 11 password changed on its own for possible causes and fixes.

If You Use a Local Account

Option 1: Reset with Security Questions

If you previously set up security questions, follow these steps:

1. Enter an incorrect password
   Type anything wrong once on the login screen.
   
2. Click “Reset password”
   This will appear after one failed attempt.
   
3. Answer your security questions
   Provide the correct answers to proceed.
   
4. Create a new password
   Enter and confirm your new password to regain access.
   

Option 2: Use Another Admin Account

If another administrator exists on the PC, you can reset your password from their account:

1. Sign into the admin account
   Use the working admin credentials to log in.
   
2. Open Settings
   Press Win + I, then go to Accounts > Other users.
   
3. Ensure the locked account is an Administrator (if needed)
   Change account type if it’s not.
   
4. Open Control Panel
   Go to User Accounts > Manage another account.
   
5. Select your account and reset the password
   Choose Change the password, set a new one, and you’re done.
   

If you’re using Windows 10 and face a similar issue, here’s how to recover a lost Windows 10 admin password safely.

If You’re Completely Locked Out

Use a Windows 11 Installation USB (Advanced)

Use this only if no recovery options work. It requires a USB stick and basic command line access.

1. Create a Windows 11 USB drive
   Use the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.
   
2. Boot from the USB
   Restart your PC and enter the BIOS to boot from USB.
   
3. Open Command Prompt
   At the setup screen, press Shift + F10.
   
4. Replace the Ease of Access tool with Command Prompt
   Type the following:
   move c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe c:\
   copy c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe
   
5. Reboot and click the Ease of Access icon
   This opens Command Prompt.
   
6. Reset your password
   Type:
   SQL
   net user yourusername newpassword
   Replace yourusername with your actual Windows account name.
   

If you want to prevent future login issues, you can bypass the Windows 11 login screen entirely by enabling auto sign-in.

⚠️ Only use this method on your own device. Bypassing security on other systems is illegal.

FAQs