If you’ve forgotten your Windows password and so can’t log in, here’s what to do next.

While this is probably a memorable combination of numbers, letters and characters, what if the unthinkable happens and you forget it? Or perhaps to improve your security, you’ve got a different password for every device you own?

The purpose of this tutorial is to help you gain access to a personal PC that you’ve been locked out of. We do not suggest, or condone, that you use these tips to gain access to someone else’s device.

1.Use the hidden administrator account

We’ll mainly deal with Windows 7 here because in Windows 10 you’re likely to be using a Microsoft account, rather than a local Windows login.

Windows 7 (and some previous versions) have an administrator account which isn’t visible in normal use.

Note: this method may not work if the account has been disabled, which it is by default in some Windows 7 installations.

1. Start up (or re-start) your computer and press F8 repeatedly
2. From the menu that appears, choose Safe Mode
3. Key in “Administrator” in Username (note the capital A), and leave the password blank.
4. You should be logged in to safe mode.
5. Go to Control Panel, then User Accounts
6. Select the account you want to reset the password
7. Change the password

2.Use the Windows boot disc or USB drive

If you can find a Windows DVD or bootable USB drive with Windows on it, you might be able to use the command prompt to enable a disabled administrator account.

Alternatively, you can also try to force Windows to launch startup recovery by turning on your computer and when you see the Windows loading screen, hold down the power button for four seconds to turn it off.

Next time you start it up, Windows should offer a boot menu with an option: Launch Startup Repair.

3.Use a password reset utility

In Windows 10, you’re probably using a Microsoft account. If you forget the password, go to the password reset page and follow the instructions.

We have various other password-related tutorials for Windows 10. Here’s how to set a temporary one, change another user’s password or remove it altogether. 

4.Windows 10 password reset

In Windows 10, you’re probably using a Microsoft account. If you forget the password, go to the password reset page and follow the instructions.

We have various other password-related tutorials for Windows 10. Here’s how to set a temporary one, change another user’s password.

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