If you forgot or lost your password for Windows 10, Windows 8. To get started, choose your version of Windows from the tabs below. Under Passwordselect the Change button and follow the steps. For more info on local standard vs. If you added security questions when you set up your local account for Windows 10, then you have at least version and you can answer security questions to sign back in.
Select the Reset password link on the sign-in windows 10 change another users password free download. If you're using a work device that's on a network, you may not see an option to reset your password or PIN. In windows 10 change another users password free download case, contact your administrator. Note: If you don't see security questions after you select the Reset password link, make sure your device name isn't the same as your local user account name the name you see when you sign in.
To see your device name, right-click Start in the taskbar, select Systemandscroll to the Device specifications section. If the device name is the same as your account name, you can create a new administrator accountsign in as an administrator, and then rename your PC when you view your device name, you can also rename it. For versions of Windows 10 earlier thanlocal account passwords can't be reset because there are no security questions.
You can reset your device to choose a new password, however this option will permanently delete your data, programs, and settings. If you've backed up your files you'll be able to restore your deleted files. For more information, see Recovery options in Windows To reset your device, which will delete data, programs, and settings:.
Warning: Resetting your device will permanently delete data, programs, and settings. On the sign-in screen, type your Microsoft account name if it's not already displayed. If there are multiple accounts on the computer, choose the one you want to reset.
Below the password text box, select I forgot my password. Follow the steps to reset your password. If you're still having trouble signing to your account, windows 10 change another users password free download more solutions in Troubleshoot problems signing in.
If you're using a Microsoft account, you can reset your password online. For more info, see How to reset your Microsoft account password. If you still can't sign in, you must reinstall Windows. For Windows RT 8. If you forget or lose your password, see Reset your password above to reset or recover it. If you think your Microsoft account password has been compromised or stolen by someone with malicious intent, we can help. For more info, see When you can't sign in to your Microsoft account.
If you're signing in to only your local PC, yes. However, we recommend that you keep your PC more secure by using a strong password. When you use a password, only someone who knows it can sign in. If you want to sign in to Windows with a Microsoft account, a password is required. For more info, see Can I sign in to Windows without a password? To learn more about Microsoft accounts and local accounts, see Create a user account. Stronger passwords contain a variety of characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols or spaces.
A strong password should also be something that is difficult for a stranger to guess or crack. It shouldn't contain a complete word, or easy-to-find details like your real name, your user name, or your birth date.
If you're signing in to a Microsoft account, your password is limited to 16 characters. For more info about Microsoft accounts, see Create a user account. You can update your password regularly to keep it more secure. If your PC isn't connected to a domain, follow these steps:. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settingsand then tap Change PC settings. If you're using a mouse, point windows 10 change another users password free download the lower-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, click Settingsand then click Change PC settings.
Tap or click Accountsand then tap or click Sign-in options. If your PC is connected to a windows 10 change another users password free download, your system administrator might manage how frequently you must change your password. To do so, choose one of the following:. If you're using a tablet, press and windows 10 change another users password free download the Windows button, press the windows 10 change another users password free download button, and then tap or click Change a password and follow the instructions.
It depends on whether you're using a third-party email address. If your email address ends in outlook. But you can use any email address for your Microsoft account, even an email address from a third-party web-based mail service like Google Mail or Yahoo! When you choose a password for your Microsoft account, it doesn't change the password you might need to use to sign in to web mail on a third-party site. Under Picture passwordtap or click Addand then follow the instructions.
When you choose a password for your user account, it's important to pick windows 10 change another users password free download you can remember. You're going to need it again later! Of course, you can also write your password down and keep it in a safe place. Taped to the underside of your laptop or the inside of your desk drawer is probably not a good idea, however. If you do write your password down, be sure to keep it separate from your PC. For added security, use different passwords for different purposes.
For example, it's a good idea to keep distinctly different passwords for a social networking account and your online bank account. If you do forget or lose your password, there are still several things you can try to reset or recover it.
For more info, see Reset your password above to reset or recover it. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. On the Users tab, under Users for this computerselect the user account name, and then select Reset Password.
Type the new password, confirm the new password, and then select OK. If you type the wrong password when you attempt to log on, Windows displays a message that the password is incorrect. Select OK to close the message. Select Reset passwordand then insert your password reset disk or USB flash drive.
Log on with windows 10 change another users password free download new password. If you forget your password again, you can use the same password reset disk. You don't need to make a new one. Note: If an administrator resets your password, you might lose access to some of your files. Type your old password followed by a new password as indicated, and then type the new password again to confirm it.
Note: If you are logged on as an administrator, you can create and change passwords for all user accounts on the computer. Warning: If you use an administrator account to change a password for another account, any encrypted files or e mail messages for that other account will no longer be accessible to the person who was using that account.
Protect your passwords. Reset a forgotten Microsoft account password. Change your Microsoft account password. Reset your Windows 10 local account password. Table of contents. Windows account help. Sign in. Windows Hello. Reset your password. Reset your PIN. Manage accounts on your PC.
Change or reset your Windows password Windows 10 Windows 8. Windows 10 Windows 8. Windows 10 version and later If you added security questions when you set up your local account for Windows 10, then you have at least version and you can answer security questions to sign back in.
After you've entered an incorrect password: Select the Reset password link on the sign-in screen. If your PC isn't windows 10 change another users password free download to a domain, follow these steps: Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settingsand then tap Change PC settings.
Tap or click Change your password and follow the instructions. Does my Microsoft account password affect the password on my email account? Create a picture password to sign in with gestures instead of by entering characters.
My computer is in a workgroup If you type the wrong password when you attempt to log on, Windows displays a message that the password is incorrect. Follow the steps in the Password Reset wizard to create a new password. Need more help? Join the discussion. A subscription to make the most of your time.
