3/2/2020 Reset your Windows 10 local account password

Reset your Windows 10 local account

password
Applies to: Windows 10

If you forgot your Windows 10 password, the easiest way to get back into
your account is to reset the password for your Microsoft account. You'll
need internet access, but it's the usual way to sign in, and it allows access to
services like Outlook and Skype. If you can't sign in that way, you'll need to
use a local account. A local account signs you in on your device offline, and
doesn't link to your other devices.
Reset local account password for Windows 10, version 1803 and beyond
If you added security questions when you set up your local account for
Windows 10, then you have at least version 1803 and you can answer
security questions to sign back in.
After you've entered an incorrect password:
1. Select the Reset password link on the sign-in screen. If you use a
PIN instead, see PIN sign-in issues. 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 that case, contact your administrator.
2. Answer your security questions.
3. Enter a new password.
4. Sign in as usual with the new password.
Reset local account password for Windows 10, before version 1803
For versions of Windows 10 earlier than 1803, local 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 10. 
To reset your device, which will delete data, programs, and settings:
1. Press the Shift key while you select the Power  button > Restart
in the lower-right corner of the screen. 
2. On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Reset this
PC.
3. Select Remove everything. 

Last Updated: May 24, 2019

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