Losing access to a Windows 11 PC is stressful — but you can usually recover it using built-in Microsoft/Windows features without downloading anything. Below is a clear, up-to-date, practical guide (steps, warnings, and a short FAQ) showing how to reset a forgotten password or PIN using only Windows/Microsoft tools and official recovery options.
1) If you sign in with a Microsoft account (email like @outlook.com, @hotmail.com)
- This is the easiest case — reset the password online from any device
- On the sign-in screen click “I forgot my password” (or go to Microsoft’s account recovery page from another device).
- Enter your Microsoft account email and follow the verification flow (security code to email/phone or other verification method).
- Create a new password, then use it to sign in on the PC. If Windows asks, complete any on-device verification prompts.
(Source: Microsoft account/password reset instructions.)
Tip: After signing in, enable Windows Hello (PIN/biometrics) or register passkeys so you’ll have faster recovery options next time.
2) If you use a Local account (not linked to Microsoft)
Windows supports resetting a local account only if you prepared recovery options ahead of time:
- Security questions: If you set security questions when creating the account, choose Reset password on the sign-in screen and answer them to make a new password.
- Password reset USB (best pre-prepared option): If you previously created a password reset disk (USB) you can use it now to reset the local account password. Steps: insert the USB at the login screen → choose the reset wizard → follow prompts. If you didn’t create one earlier, you can’t make one from the locked PC. (How to create: Control Panel → User Accounts → Create a password reset disk.)
If you didn’t set security questions or a reset disk: see Section 5 (last resort & recovery options).
3) Forgot PIN (Windows Hello)?
If you use a PIN and forgot it:
-
On the sign-in screen select Sign-in options → choose PIN → click I forgot my PIN. You’ll verify your Microsoft account and create a new PIN. If the PC is offline, you may need to connect to the network or use alternate sign-in methods first.
4) Use another administrator account on the same PC
- If the machine has another admin user you can:
- Sign in with that admin account.
Open Settings → Accounts → Family & other users (or Control Panel → User Accounts) and change the forgotten account’s password, or create a new admin user to recover files.
If no other admin account exists, go to Section 5.
5) Advanced recovery options (when the easy methods fail)
These are more intrusive and must be used carefully.
- Reset this PC (factory reset / keep my files option): From the Windows sign-in screen select Power → Restart while holding Shift to open recovery options → Troubleshoot → Reset this PC. You can try “Keep my files” first, but apps/settings will be removed; “Remove everything” wipes everything. This is a last-resort option when login recovery is impossible.
- Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) + Command Prompt tricks: Some advanced guides describe booting WinRE and using Command Prompt to create a temporary admin account (e.g., replacing utilman.exe to launch cmd at the sign-in screen). This can work but is risky, technically advanced, and may violate policy or warranty on some machines; only use if you understand the implications and have backups. Microsoft community threads and many how-tos cover this—treat with caution.
6) Why Microsoft account sign-in is recommended (and the passwordless trend)
Microsoft is moving many users toward passwordless sign-in (passkeys, authenticator push, Windows Hello) and enabling easier online recovery for Microsoft accounts — making account recovery smoother than managing local passwords. If possible, switch to a Microsoft account or enable Windows Hello/passkeys after you regain access.
Short walkthrough checklist (do these in order)
- Determine account type: Microsoft account vs Local account vs PIN.
- Microsoft account → use I forgot my password / Microsoft recovery page.
- Local account → try Reset password on sign-in screen (security questions) or use password reset USB if available.
- PIN → I forgot my PIN option.
- If none work → try to sign in with another admin or use Reset this PC (expect app loss).
Warnings & best practices
-
Don’t download unknown “password reset” tools from random websites — they can be malware. Use Microsoft’s built-in paths or reputable vendor guidance.
-
Back up regularly. If you must use “Reset this PC” you may lose applications and settings.
-
Create a password reset USB for local accounts now that you have access again — it’s simple and can save headaches.
Quick FAQ
Q: Can I reset Windows password without losing files?
A: Yes — if you can reset via Microsoft account, security questions, password reset disk, or another admin account. A factory reset will remove apps and possibly files unless you choose “Keep my files” (not guaranteed).
Q: Is the Command Prompt / utilman trick safe?
A: It’s an advanced workaround found in community guides. It can work but carries risk, can be blocked by some OEMs, and could corrupt system files if done wrong. Prefer official recovery flows first.
Q: How do I avoid this in future?
A: Link your account to a Microsoft account or enable Windows Hello/passkeys, set security questions for local accounts, and create a password reset USB. Also keep recovery phone/email up to date.
