How to reset and recover a forgotten Windows 11 local account password

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to reset and recover a forgotten Windows 11 local account password. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Forgetting your Windows 11 local account password can be frustrating, but there are several reliable methods to regain access to your PC. This guide walks you through the most effective recovery options, from answering security questions to using a password reset disk. The best method depends on how your account was originally set up, so we recommend trying each option in the order presented below.

If your PC is signed in with a Microsoft account instead of a local account, the recovery process is simpler. Microsoft handles password resets online, and you can use any device with internet access to restore your sign-in. For more information on account types, see our guide on Managing User Accounts in Windows 11.

Before You Begin

Take a moment to identify which type of account you're using, as this determines which recovery method applies:

• Microsoft account — Your sign-in uses an email address (such as [email protected]) and is tied to Microsoft's online services. Password resets are handled through Microsoft's website.
• Local account — Your sign-in uses a username that only exists on that PC, with no email address attached. Recovery must be performed locally using the methods below.

Method 1: Use Security Questions on the Sign-In Screen

If you set up security questions when creating your local account, you can use them to reset your password directly from the Windows 11 sign-in screen.

1. On the lock screen, type an incorrect password into the password field.
2. Click Reset password when it appears below the input field.
3. Answer the three security questions that appear. Type each answer carefully and press Enter after each one.
4. Enter your new password, then re-enter it to confirm.
5. Press Enter to save the new password.
6. Sign in with your new password.

Method 2: Reset Using a Password Reset Disk

A password reset disk is a USB drive you created previously using Windows 11's built-in password reset tool. If you made one before forgetting your password, this method will restore access quickly.

1. Insert the password reset USB drive into your locked PC.
2. On the sign-in screen, type an incorrect password.
3. Click Reset password when the option appears.
4. The Password Reset Wizard will open. Click Next.
5. Select the USB drive from the dropdown menu and click Next.
6. Type your new password, then re-enter it to confirm.
7. Create a new password hint (optional but recommended) and click Next.
8. Click Finish to complete the reset.
9. Remove the USB drive and sign in with your new password.

Method 3: Sign In With a PIN and Change Your Password

If you previously set up a Windows Hello PIN on your local account, you can use it to sign in and then change your forgotten password from within Windows.

1. On the sign-in screen, click Sign-in options.
2. Select the PIN icon.
3. Enter your PIN to sign in to Windows.
4. Once signed in, press Windows + I to open Settings.
5. Go to Accounts > Sign-in options.
6. Under Password, click Change and follow the prompts to set a new password.

Method 4: Reset Windows 11 (Last Resort)

If none of the above methods work, you can reset Windows 11 itself. This option reinstalls Windows while either keeping or removing your personal files. Use this only when other recovery options have failed.

Reset from the Sign-In Screen

1. On the sign-in screen, click the Power icon in the bottom-right corner.
2. Hold down the Shift key and click Restart.
3. Your PC will reboot into the Windows Recovery Environment.
4. Select Troubleshoot, then Reset this PC.
5. Choose Keep my files to preserve personal documents, or Remove everything for a complete reset.
6. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the reset process.

For detailed instructions on reinstalling Windows from scratch, see our guide on How to Perform a Clean Installation of Windows 11.

Preventing Future Lockouts

Once you've regained access to your PC, take a few minutes to set up safeguards that will prevent this situation from happening again.

• Switch to a Microsoft account — Microsoft accounts allow online password resets and are generally easier to recover. Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info and click Sign in with a Microsoft account instead.
• Create a password reset disk — Search for create a password reset disk in Windows Search and follow the wizard using a spare USB drive.
• Set up Windows Hello — Enable facial recognition or fingerprint sign-in via Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options for a faster, password-free experience.
• Use a password manager — Store your Windows password in a reputable password manager so you never lose access again.

If You Use a Microsoft Account Instead

If your Windows 11 PC signs in with a Microsoft account, password recovery is handled online rather than locally. You'll need access to another device with internet connectivity.

1. Open a web browser on any phone, tablet, or computer.
2. Navigate to account.live.com/password/reset.
3. Select I forgot my password and click Next.
4. Enter the email address, phone number, or Skype name associated with your Microsoft account.
5. Complete the CAPTCHA verification and click Next.
6. Choose a verification method — either Email a recovery code or Text a code to your phone number.
7. Enter the security code you receive and click Next.
8. Type your new password, confirm it, then click Next.
9. Return to your Windows 11 PC and sign in using the new password.

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