Reset Windows 10 Password with USB [Tutorial]
2 min read
1 year ago
Published on May 19, 2024
This response is partially generated with the help of AI. It may contain inaccuracies.
Table of Contents
How to Reset Your Windows 10 Administrative Password
-
Determine Account Type:
- If you have a local account without an email linked to your computer, this tutorial is for you.
- If you have a Microsoft-based account, there is a different process, but you can still follow along for general knowledge.
-
Prepare Windows 10 Installation Media:
- Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.
- Create a bootable DVD or USB flash drive using the tool.
- Boot your computer from the DVD or USB drive. Adjust boot order in BIOS settings if needed.
-
Access Elevated Command Prompt:
- Boot from the Windows 10 installation media.
- Hold down
Shift
andF10
simultaneously to open the elevated command prompt window.
-
Enter Commands:
- Type
diskpart
and pressEnter
. - Type
list volume
and pressEnter
. - Select the main partition of your system (usually the largest volume).
- Type
-
Navigate to System Partition:
- Type
CD D:
(replaceD
with your system partition letter). - Type
exit
to close the command prompt window. - Type
CLS
to clear the screen.
- Type
-
Copy Utility Manager:
- Type
copy utilman.exe utilman1.exe
and pressEnter
. - Type
copy cmd.exe cmd1.exe
and pressEnter
. - Type
del utilman.exe
and pressEnter
. - Type
rename cmd.exe utilman.exe
and pressEnter
.
- Type
-
Reset Password:
- Close all open windows.
- Cancel the Windows installation.
- On the lock screen, click on the Ease of Access icon.
- Open a command prompt window by typing
control userpasswords2
and pressingEnter
. - Select the username, click on "Reset Password," enter and confirm the new password.
-
Log In with New Password:
- Enter the new password and confirm.
- Click "OK" to save the changes.
- Close the command prompt window.
- Log in using the new password.
-
For Microsoft Account Users:
- If you have a Microsoft account, create an administrator account using
net user administrator /active
. - Sign in with the new administrator account to manage other accounts.
- If you have a Microsoft account, create an administrator account using
-
Conclusion:
- You have successfully reset your Windows 10 administrative password.
- Remember to keep your new password secure.
By following these steps, you can regain access to your Windows 10 computer even if you forgot the administrative password.