How to reset Windows 10 password without losing data

Forgetting your Windows 10 password can be a frustrating experience, especially when you need to access important files. I’ve “encountered” this situation with many users, and the immediate concern is often whether they’ll lose their precious data. The good news is that Windows 10, as of April 2025, offers several methods to reset your password without losing any of your personal files. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process for both Microsoft accounts and local accounts, ensuring you regain access to your computer quickly and safely.

Step 1: Determine Your Account Type – Microsoft Account or Local Account

The password reset process differs depending on whether you use a Microsoft account or a local account to log in to Windows 10.

• Microsoft Account: If you log in using an email address (like Outlook, Hotmail, or Gmail) and password, you’re likely using a Microsoft account.
• Local Account: If you log in using a username and password that you specifically created for your computer, and it’s not tied to an email address for login, you’re likely using a local account.

Knowing your account type is the first crucial step.

Step 2: Resetting a Microsoft Account Password (April 2025)

If you’ve forgotten your Microsoft account password, the easiest way to reset it is through Microsoft’s online recovery process.

1. On the Login Screen, Click “I forgot my password”: When you see the Windows 10 login screen, click on the “I forgot my password” link below the password field.
2. Enter Your Microsoft Account Email Address or Phone Number: You’ll be asked to enter the email address or phone number associated with your Microsoft account. Type it in and click “Next.”
3. Verify Your Identity: Microsoft will offer several ways to verify your identity. Choose the option that works best for you. Common options include:
   • Get a code via email: A verification code will be sent to the alternate email address you provided when setting up your account.
   • Get a code via phone: A verification code will be sent to the phone number associated with your account.
   • Use an authenticator app: If you have the Microsoft Authenticator app set up, you can use it to verify your identity.
4. Enter the Verification Code: Once you receive the code, enter it in the designated field and click “Next.”
5. Create a New Password: You’ll now be prompted to create a new password for your Microsoft account. Choose a strong and unique password that you haven’t used before. Enter it in both fields and click “Next.”
6. Follow the On-Screen Instructions: Microsoft might ask you to take additional security measures, such as updating your security information. Follow the prompts to complete the process.
7. Log In with Your New Password: Once the password reset is complete, you can log in to your Windows 10 computer using your new Microsoft account password.

This is the most straightforward method for resetting a forgotten Microsoft account password without losing any data.

Step 3: Resetting a Local Account Password Using Security Questions (If Set Up – April 2025)

If you are using a local account and you set up security questions when you created the account, you can use them to reset your password.

1. On the Login Screen, Click “Reset password”: If you enter an incorrect password multiple times on the Windows 10 login screen, you might see a “Reset password” link appear below the password field. Click on it.
2. Answer Your Security Questions: You’ll be asked to answer the security questions you set up for your local account. Type in the answers carefully (they are usually case-sensitive) and click the arrow button.
3. Create a New Password: If you answer the security questions correctly, you’ll be prompted to create a new password for your local account. Enter your new password in both fields and click the arrow button.
4. Log In with Your New Password: Once the password reset is complete, you can log in to your Windows 10 computer using your new local account password.

Important Note: This method only works if you set up security questions for your local account beforehand. If you didn’t, you’ll need to use one of the other methods.

Step 4: Resetting a Local Account Password Using a PIN (If Set Up – April 2025)

If you’ve set up a PIN for your local account, you can often use it to sign in even if you’ve forgotten your password. Once logged in, you can then change your password.

1. On the Login Screen, Look for PIN Sign-in Options: On the Windows 10 login screen, look for different sign-in options. You might see an option to sign in with your PIN.
2. Enter Your PIN: If you remember your PIN, enter it to log in to your computer.
3. Change Your Password: Once logged in, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. Under the “Password” section, click “Change” and follow the on-screen instructions to set a new password for your local account.

This is a convenient way to reset your password if you remember your PIN.

Step 5: Resetting a Local Account Password Using Another Administrator Account (If Available – April 2025)

If you have another administrator account on your Windows 10 computer that you know the password for, you can use it to reset the password for the locked account.

1. Log In with the Other Administrator Account: Restart your computer and log in using the other administrator account.
2. Open Computer Management: Right-click on the Start button and select “Computer Management.”
3. Navigate to Local Users and Groups: In the Computer Management window, expand “Local Users and Groups” in the left-hand pane and click on “Users.”
4. Right-Click on the Locked Account: In the right-hand pane, find the user account for which you want to reset the password, right-click on it, and select “Set password…”
5. Proceed with Password Reset: You’ll see a warning message. Click “Proceed.”
6. Enter and Confirm the New Password: Enter the new password you want to set for the account in both fields and click “OK.”
7. Log Out and Log In with the Reset Password: Log out of the current administrator account and you should now be able to log in to the previously locked account using the new password you just set.

This method requires having another administrator account with a known password on the computer.

Step 6: Using a Password Reset Disk (If Created Previously – April 2025)

If you had the foresight to create a password reset disk for your local account in the past, you can use it to reset your password.

1. On the Login Screen, Click “Reset password”: Similar to using security questions, if you enter an incorrect password multiple times, a “Reset password” link might appear. Click on it.
2. Follow the Password Reset Wizard: The Password Reset Wizard will appear. Click “Next.”
3. Select Your Password Reset Disk: Choose the drive letter corresponding to your USB drive or floppy disk that you used to create the password reset disk. Click “Next.”
4. Enter a New Password: You’ll be prompted to enter a new password for your local account. Enter it in both fields and click “Next.” You can also choose to create a new password hint.
5. Click “Finish”: Once the process is complete, click “Finish.” You can now log in to your Windows 10 computer using the new password you just set.

Important Note: This method only works if you created a password reset disk before you forgot your password.

My Personal Insights on Windows 10 Password Resets (April 2025)

I’ve assisted many users with forgotten Windows passwords, and the key takeaway is that the process varies significantly depending on whether you’re using a Microsoft account or a local account. For Microsoft accounts, the online recovery is generally reliable. For local accounts, having security questions or a password reset disk set up beforehand is incredibly helpful. If those options aren’t available, having another administrator account is the next best solution. Remember that all these methods aim to help you regain access without losing your valuable data.