If Windows keeps rejecting the password at the lock screen, first identify whether you use a Microsoft account or a local account. The recovery path is completely different.
These steps apply to Windows 10 and Windows 11 for Microsoft accounts, local accounts, password reset disks, and Windows Hello PIN problems.
Does This Affect You?
A Microsoft account usually shows an email address under your name on the sign-in screen and connects to services like OneDrive and the Microsoft Store. A local account exists only on that PC and usually shows just a username. If you know which one you have, jump to the matching method.
Reset a Microsoft Account Password Online
Use this if your Windows sign-in uses an email address from Microsoft, Outlook, Hotmail, Live, or another Microsoft account alias.
- On another phone, tablet, or computer, open
account.live.com/password/reset. - Choose I forgot my password and enter the email address used on the locked PC.
- Verify your identity using the recovery phone number, backup email, authenticator, or other option Microsoft offers.
- Create a new password.
- Return to the locked PC and sign in with the new password. If it still fails, restart once and make sure the PC has internet access so it can verify the change.
If you no longer have access to the listed recovery method, use Microsoft’s additional recovery options on the same page.
Reset a Local Account with a Password Reset Disk
This only works if you created the reset USB before you were locked out.
- On the sign-in screen, enter an incorrect password and press Enter.
- Click Reset password below the password box.
- Insert the password reset USB drive.
- Follow the Password Reset Wizard to create a new password.
- Sign in with the new password.
A reset disk must be created ahead of time from Control Panel. If you never made one, use another administrator account if available.
Reset a Local Password from Another Administrator Account
Use this when a second administrator account exists on the same PC.
- At the sign-in screen, select the other administrator account and sign in.
- Open Settings > Accounts > Other users on Windows 11, or Family & other users on Windows 10.
- Confirm the locked account is listed, then open Control Panel > User Accounts > Manage another account.
- Select the locked account and choose Change the password.
- Set a new password, sign out, and sign in to the original account.
Harder Password Scenarios
No Second Administrator and No Reset Disk
If the locked local account is the only administrator and no reset disk exists, Windows does not provide a normal built-in recovery path. Your files may still be recoverable by booting from Windows installation media or connecting the drive to another computer, but the account password itself cannot simply be revealed.
Forgot PIN but Know the Password
If only the Windows Hello PIN is forgotten, click I forgot my PIN on the sign-in screen. Verify with the account password and set a new PIN.
Prevent the Problem Next Time
After you regain access, set up a PIN, fingerprint, or face recognition from Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. Also update Microsoft account recovery email and phone details while you can sign in.
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Reset a forgotten Windows password
- Microsoft Support: Reset your Windows password
- Microsoft Support: Create a password reset disk