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How Do You Reset Your Password on Windows?

Published in Computer Security 2 mins read

You can reset your password on Windows in a few different ways, depending on your situation:

If You Know Your Current Password

  1. Go to the "Settings" app: Click the Start menu and select "Settings."
  2. Navigate to "Accounts": Click on "Accounts" in the left sidebar.
  3. Choose "Sign-in options": Select "Sign-in options" in the right pane.
  4. Click "Change" under "Password": This will open a window where you can enter your current password and set a new one.

If You Forgot Your Password

  1. Use a local administrator account: If you have another account with administrator privileges, you can reset the forgotten password from there.
  2. Use a password reset disk: If you created a password reset disk, you can use it to reset your password.
  3. Use a Microsoft account: If you're using a Microsoft account, you can reset your password using a web browser.

Resetting a Microsoft Account Password

  1. Go to the Microsoft account website: Visit https://account.microsoft.com/.
  2. Click "Forgot password": This will open a window where you can enter your email address or phone number associated with the account.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions: Microsoft will send a verification code to your email or phone, which you can use to reset your password.

Resetting a Local Account Password

  1. Boot into "Advanced Startup Options": Restart your computer and press the "F8" key repeatedly during startup.
  2. Choose "Troubleshoot": Select "Troubleshoot" from the Advanced Startup Options menu.
  3. Select "Reset this PC": Click on "Reset this PC" and follow the on-screen instructions. You can choose to keep your files or remove everything.

Practical Insights:

  • Create a password reset disk: It's a good idea to create a password reset disk for your local account to ensure you can reset your password if you forget it.
  • Use a strong password: Choose a strong and unique password for your account. Avoid using common words or phrases.
  • Enable two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your account, making it harder for someone to access it.

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