Windows 10 Local Password Recovery

TL;DR

Generally, you can’t directly *retrieve* a forgotten Windows 10 local account password. However, you can *reset* it using a password reset disk, security questions (if set up), or by reinstalling Windows (as a last resort). Microsoft accounts have different recovery options.

Resetting Your Local Account Password

1. Check for a Password Reset Disk: If you created a password reset disk when setting up your account, this is the easiest method.
   • Insert the USB drive containing the reset disk.
   • On the login screen, click ‘Reset password’.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new password.
2. Use Security Questions (If Enabled): If you set up security questions during account creation:
   • On the login screen, click ‘Reset password’.
   • Select ‘Answer your security questions’.
   • Correctly answer the questions to create a new password. Note: This option is only available if you previously configured security questions.
3. Use Another Administrator Account: If another administrator account exists on the computer:
   • Log in with the other administrator account.
   • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
   • Type netplwiz and press Enter.
   • Select the user account you want to reset the password for.
   • Click ‘Reset Password’.
   • Enter a new password and confirm it.
4. Enable the Built-in Administrator Account (Advanced): This requires booting into Recovery Environment.
   • Restart your computer. While restarting, repeatedly press Shift while clicking ‘Restart’ from the power menu.
   • This will boot you into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
   • Navigate to: Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
   • In the command prompt, type

     net user administrator /active:yes

     and press Enter.

   • Restart your computer. The built-in Administrator account should now be available.
   • Log in with the enabled Administrator account (no password initially).
   • Follow steps from ‘Use Another Administrator Account’ to reset the target user’s password using netplwiz.
   • After resetting, disable the built-in administrator account for security:

     net user administrator /active:no

5. Reinstall Windows (Last Resort): This will erase all data on your drive.
   • Boot from a Windows 10 installation media (USB or DVD).
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall Windows.
   • Choose ‘Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)’ during setup.
   • Delete the existing partitions and create new ones. Warning: This will delete all your files!

Important Considerations

• Microsoft Accounts vs Local Accounts: These instructions apply to *local* accounts only. Microsoft account passwords can be reset online through the Microsoft website.
• Password Recovery Tools: Be extremely cautious when using third-party password recovery tools. Many are scams or contain malware.
• Data Backup: Regularly back up your important data to prevent loss in case of forgotten passwords or other issues.