Reset Password Windows 10 Via Command Prompt CMD [Tutorial]

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of resetting your Windows 10 password using the Command Prompt. If you've forgotten your password, this method is straightforward and can be done with a bootable flash drive or Windows 10 DVD. This guide is applicable to various Windows 10 devices, including desktops, laptops, and tablets.

Step 1: Prepare a Bootable Flash Drive

To reset your password, you first need to create a bootable flash drive containing the Windows 10 ISO file.

1. Download Windows 10 ISO:

   • Visit the Microsoft Software Download page.
   • Select the option to download the ISO file.

2. Create a Bootable Flash Drive:

   • Use the Media Creation Tool provided on the Microsoft site.
   • Insert a USB flash drive (at least 8 GB).
   • Run the Media Creation Tool and follow these steps:
     • Accept the license terms.
     • Choose "Create installation media" for another PC.
     • Select your language, edition, and architecture (64-bit is standard).
     • Choose "USB flash drive" as your media type.
     • Follow on-screen instructions until the process completes.

Step 2: Boot from the Flash Drive

Next, you will need to boot your computer from the flash drive you just created.

1. Access Boot Menu:

   • Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F12, ESC, or DEL during startup; the key varies by manufacturer).
   • Locate the boot order settings and set the USB drive as the first boot device.

2. Boot from USB:

   • Save changes and exit the BIOS.
   • Your computer will now boot from the USB flash drive.

Step 3: Access Command Prompt

Once you've booted from the flash drive, you need to access the Command Prompt.

1. Select Language Preferences:

   • Choose your language and click "Next."

2. Repair Your Computer:

   • Select "Repair your computer" at the bottom left corner.

3. Choose Troubleshoot:

   • Click on "Troubleshoot."
   • Select "Advanced options."
   • Click on "Command Prompt."

Step 4: Reset the Password

You will now reset your password using the Command Prompt.

1. Identify the Windows Drive:

   • Type the following command to check the drives:

     diskpart
     list volume
     

   • Identify your Windows drive (usually labeled as C:).

2. Replace Utilman.exe with cmd.exe:

   • Type the following commands, replacing 'X' with the appropriate drive letter:

     exit
     X:
     cd Windows\System32
     ren Utilman.exe Utilman.exe.bak
     copy cmd.exe Utilman.exe
     

3. Reboot the Computer:

   • Type exit to close the Command Prompt.
   • Remove the USB flash drive and restart your computer.

Step 5: Reset Your Password via the Login Screen

After rebooting, you will use the accessibility feature to open Command Prompt.

1. Open Command Prompt:

   • At the login screen, click the "Ease of Access" icon at the bottom right corner. This will open Command Prompt.

2. Reset the Password:

   • In the Command Prompt, type the following command, replacing 'username' with your account name:

     net user username newpassword
     

   • Press Enter to execute the command.

3. Close Command Prompt:

   • Type exit and hit Enter.

Conclusion

You have successfully reset your Windows 10 password using the Command Prompt. Remember to restore the original Utilman.exe file if needed for future use. If you encounter any issues, consider seeking professional assistance. This method is a practical solution for regaining access to your system without losing data.