How to Reset Your Forgotten Windows 10 Password
Did you forget the password for your Windows PC? You can change it using a Microsoft Account, or a new trick enabled by the Windows 10 April 2018 Update.
You try to sign into your Windows 10 PC, but there's one problem. You've forgotten your password.
Don't panic. Windows 10 has long offered the ability to help you reset your password if you use a Microsoft Account. And now with the Windows 10 April 2018 Update, you can also reset it if you're using a local account. With a local account, you just need to set up several security questions to answer in the event you can't remember your login. After you successfully answer them, you can reset your password and access your account.
If you use a Microsoft Account in Windows 10, you can perform this trick no matter which version or update you have. If you use a local account, however, you'll need to be running the April 2018 Update.
To check which one you're running, open Settings > System > About. Scroll down to Windows specifications. If the Windows version says 1803, you're in business. If not, go to the Update & security category in Settings. You should see an update called "Feature Update to Windows 10, version 1803." Install that. If you don't see it, you can always jump to Microsoft's Windows 10 Download page to manually kick off the April 2018 Update.
Microsoft Account
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Let's try the password reset with a Microsoft Account first. You're at the Windows 10 sign-in screen and don't remember your password. Click on the link for "I forgot my password."
Recover Your Account
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At the screen to recover your account, type the characters for the CAPTCHA. Click Next.
Verify Your Identity
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At the screen to verify your identity, choose how you wish to receive your security code to confirm your account. Click the button to Send code.
Enter the Code
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Check your email or text message for the code. Enter it in the appropriate field. Click Next.
Type New Password
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At the screen to reset your password, type a new password for your Microsoft Account. Click Next.
Password Changed
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The next screen tells you that your password has been changed. Click Next.
Log Back In
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You’re returned to the sign-in screen. Type your new password to log in.
Local Account
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Now, let’s say you use a local account for Windows 10. One of the first tasks you should complete is to set up the necessary security questions to help you if you ever need to recover your account. In Windows, open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. In the Password section, click on the link to Update your security questions.
Enter Password
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Type the password for your local account.
Security Questions
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Select your security questions, type the answers, and then click Finish.
Try to Sign In
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Okay, you're at the sign-in screen, and your password has left your brain. You can either try to guess the password or leave the password field blank. Click the arrow next to the password field or press the Enter key.
Incorrect Password
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Windows tells you that the password is incorrect. Click OK.
Reset Password
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Click the link to Reset password.
Answer Security Questions
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Enter the answers for your security questions. Click the arrow next to the last answer or press Enter.
Create New Password
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Windows prompts you to create a new password. Type and then confirm your new password. Press Enter. Windows grants you access via your new password.
