How to Reset Admin Password in Windows 11/10

By Pranob Mehrotra Updated July 8, 2024 Reviewed & Updated by Supreeth Koundinya

Quick Tips

The hidden administrator account is helpful to reset and create new accounts.
You can reset your PIN without a password if you are logged into another device using the same Microsoft account.
Advanced Recover helps you enable hidden accounts and reset passwords for local accounts.

Method 1: Reset Microsoft Account Password

Windows now uses Microsoft Account to sign into your computer. So, if you have an admin account connected to a Microsoft account, you can reset it online using another device or from a Windows PC Lock Screen.

Step 1: On the Windows login screen, click on I forgot my password > I forgot my PIN. It will only appear if you use a PIN to sign in. If you use the password, it will directly take you to the password reset screen.

Step 2: Next, Windows shows the prompt where it can send a notifcation to another device where you are already signed in, or you can choose the Use your password instead link. It will take you to the Microsoft login page. From there, you can follow the onscreen steps to enter your Microsoft account and password and reset your Windows login.

Step 3: Once you reset your password, return to the PC and sign in again.

Method 2: Use Another Administrator Account (Local Account)

If you have another Administrator account on your Windows, use it to reset the password for the other account.

Step 1: Log in to your Windows PC using the other Administrator account.

Step 2: Next, press Windows Key + R to open the Run prompt, type compmgmt.msc, and press Enter.

Step 3: Go to Local Users and Groups > Users. Right-click on the user name and select Set password.

Step 4: Finally, enter a new password, and you’re all set.

Method 3: Using Net User Command on Terminal (Local Account)

If you don’t have additional Windows accounts, you can enable a hidden Admin account on Windows and use it to reset the password.

Step 1: First, restart your computer while pressing the Shift key.

Step 2: Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.

Step 3: Run the following command and press Enter.

net user administrator /active:yes

Step 4: After executing the command, close Command Prompt and click Continue.

After that, your computer will boot up normally, and on the login screen, you will see an account named Administrator without a password. You can now use this hidden Admin account to reset the password for the existing user account using Method 2, or you can create a new user account.