How to Recover a Forgotten Windows Password
Real options for recovering access to your Windows account without losing your files.
You forgot your Windows account password — the fix depends on whether it is a Microsoft account or a local account.
Microsoft account
From another device (phone, another PC): go to
account.live.com/password/reset and follow the recovery
process — it will ask you to verify your identity via email or SMS
linked to the account.
Local account
This is more limited — if you set up security questions when creating the account, you can use them from the sign-in screen (Reset password link under the password field). If you did not set them up, there is no simple official recovery.
If you have another administrator account on the same PC
Sign in with that other account → Control Panel → User Accounts → select the locked account → Change the password — you don't need the old password for this.
Warning: be wary of third-party programs that promise to simply "remove" Windows passwords — many are unreliable or outright malicious. The options above are the official, safe ones.
Frequently asked questions
Can I recover the password without another device?
For a Microsoft account, you need access to another device or browser for the recovery process. For a local account, only if you previously set up security questions.
Is it safe to use third-party programs to remove the password?
It is not advisable — many of these programs are unreliable or bundle unwanted software. Use the official routes: Microsoft account recovery, or changing it from another administrator account on the same machine.