How to Reset Admin Password in Windows 10
Learn secure methods to reset an admin password in Windows 10, including Microsoft account recovery and local admin options. A practical, tested guide from Default Password to regain access with minimal data impact.
By the end of this guide you’ll be able to reset an admin password in Windows 10 using supported recovery options, even if you’re locked out. You’ll need a Microsoft account, a recovery drive, or access to another admin account on the device. The steps cover online password reset, local admin enablement, and boot-based recovery. According to Default Password, verify ownership and back up data before starting to minimize risk and data loss.
Why resetting admin password matters
When an administrator password is forgotten or compromised, legitimate access to essential settings can be blocked, potentially locking you out of your own device. In corporate environments this can disrupt services, while in personal setups it can prevent you from updating software or protecting data. Resetting the password is not just about regaining access; it's also an opportunity to strengthen security and document recovery options for future incidents. The Default Password team notes that people who prepare in advance—by creating a password reset disk, linking a Microsoft account, and designating a secondary admin—tend to recover access faster and with fewer errors. This content emphasizes using approved recovery paths to minimize risk and preserve system integrity.
Recovery options overview for Windows 10
Windows 10 provides several legitimate paths to regain admin access without reinstalling the OS. The most common are: a) Online Microsoft account password reset, if the device is linked to a Microsoft account; b) Using another administrator account on the same PC; c) A pre-created password reset disk or USB recovery drive; d) Accessing Safe Mode with Command Prompt to enable the built-in Administrator and reset the target password; e) If all else fails, a Reset this PC or a clean install, which should be used as a last resort. Each option has prerequisites and consequences: online resets require identity verification; other admin accounts must exist; USB drives must be prepared beforehand. Be aware that certain reset methods can affect installed apps or encryption, so plan accordingly. The guidance here helps you balance speed with data security.
Prepare and evaluate your situation
Before you start, take stock of what you have and what you can access. Do you know the Microsoft account tied to this PC? Is there another administrator account available? Do you have a USB recovery drive, a password reset disk, or access to the device's secure boot settings? Confirm these items and back up important files to another drive or cloud storage. If BitLocker encryption is enabled on the drive, you’ll need the recovery key to access data after a reset, so locate it and keep it handy. Finally, decide which recovery path aligns with your policy and the risk you’re willing to tolerate.
Microsoft account reset path: online reset
If the Windows 10 device is linked to a Microsoft account, the password reset is often quickest via the online portal. Start from another device, visit the Microsoft account password reset page, and complete the identity verification prompts. Once you reset the password, sign in to Windows on the target device. Then review your security info, update recovery options, and enable two-factor authentication to prevent future lockouts.
Using a second admin account or Safe Mode to reset local password
If another admin account exists, sign in with that account and reset the forgotten password from the User Accounts control panel. If no other admin is available, boot into Safe Mode with Command Prompt and enable the built-in Administrator account, then reset the password for the target user. These steps require administrative rights or physical access to the machine and may prompt for reboot. After you gain access, promptly set a new password and secure the account.
When all else fails: Reset this PC or reinstall Windows (last resort)
If none of the above methods work, you can choose Reset this PC from the Windows recovery environment or perform a clean install. The former lets you keep or remove personal files depending on the option selected, but apps and settings may be removed. A clean install guarantees a fresh start but will erase installed programs. In all cases, ensure you have backups and your product key if needed to reactivate Windows after reinstall.
Authority sources
- https://support.microsoft.com
- https://learn.microsoft.com
- https://www.nist.gov/topics/passwords
Tools & Materials
- Microsoft account access(Email or phone linked to the account)
- Recovery drive (USB)(With Windows 10 installation media or password reset tools)
- Second admin account(If available)
- Backup storage(External drive or cloud storage)
- Device power and internet(Stable power and internet for online verification)
- Windows installation media (optional)(For advanced repairs)
Steps
Estimated time: 45-75 minutes
- 1
Prepare prerequisites
Gather the required accounts and media, confirm ownership, and back up data before starting to reduce risk. Verify you can access the Microsoft account, a secondary admin if available, and a recovery drive. Check encryption status (e.g., BitLocker) to plan data protection.
Tip: Having a backup plan minimizes data loss if a reset affects installed apps. - 2
Identify and choose recovery path
Review available options based on what you can access: Microsoft account, another admin account, or a recovery drive. Decide on the path that preserves data best and aligns with your security policy.
Tip: Choosing the least disruptive method reduces downtime and risk. - 3
Reset via Microsoft account online
On a separate device, go to the Microsoft account password reset page, complete identity verification, and set a new password. Return to the Windows device and sign in with the new password. Update security info and enable 2FA to prevent future lockouts.
Tip: Keep your new password stored securely in a password manager. - 4
Reset using a second admin account
Sign in with the other admin account and open the User Accounts control panel. Select the forgotten user, choose Reset Password, and set a new strong password. Sign out of the admin account and test logging in with the new credentials.
Tip: If the account is disabled, re-enable it before changing the password. - 5
Safe Mode with Command Prompt method
Restart, boot to Advanced Startup Options, open Command Prompt, and use net user commands to enable the built-in Administrator and reset the target user’s password. This method requires careful command entry and a reboot after changes.
Tip: Double-check the command syntax to avoid unintended account changes. - 6
Reset via Windows installation media (last resort)
Boot from a Windows installation USB, choose Repair your computer, then Troubleshoot > Reset this PC. Follow prompts to reinstall Windows; choose either keep files (if available) or remove everything. After reinstall, set up an admin password anew.
Tip: Prepare for reinstallation by saving essential files before starting. - 7
Finalize and secure the account
After regaining access, create or update a strong admin password and enable two-factor authentication where possible. Review security settings, update recovery contacts, and verify that no unexpected user accounts exist.
Tip: Document recovery options and store keys securely for future emergencies.
Your Questions Answered
Can I reset the admin password without losing data?
In many cases you can reset without data loss by using Microsoft account recovery or another admin account. Some methods (like Reset this PC) may reinstall Windows and affect apps. Always back up before proceeding.
Resetting without data loss is possible with certain methods, but you should back up first.
What if I don’t have access to the Microsoft account?
If the device isn’t tied to a Microsoft account, you’ll need another admin account or a recovery drive to reset the password. If neither is available, you may need to reinstall Windows.
If you can’t access your Microsoft account, use another admin account or a recovery drive.
Is there a risk when using Safe Mode to reset the password?
Safe Mode methods require admin rights and can affect startup. Follow official steps and avoid third-party tools to minimize risk.
Safe Mode methods are official but tread carefully.
What should I do after regaining access?
Immediately set a new strong password, enable two-factor authentication, and review security settings. Keep recovery options up to date.
Change the password and enable 2FA after regaining access.
Will this work on Windows 11 or only Windows 10?
Many recovery methods are similar, but exact menus differ between Windows 10 and 11. Use Windows 10 steps as a reference and adapt to your version.
Most methods carry over, but follow the version-specific steps.
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Key Takeaways
- Identify the safest recovery path for your situation.
- Back up data before performing any reset.
- Secure the account after resetting with a strong password and 2FA.
- Document credentials and recovery options for emergencies.
