How to Reset a Lost User Password on a PC

by Jacqui Lane
A password is security for your computer.

A password is security for your computer.

Pictogramm Schloss image by www.hpunkt.de from Fotolia.com

The password on your Windows user account is an important component in keeping your system secure. It prevents other users of your computer from gaining access to your private files, and makes it more difficult for hackers to gain control of your computer. If you have forgotten the password to your user account, you can change it from the administrator account.

Resetting a Lost User Password Via the Administrator Account

Step 1

Power on your computer. On the login screen, select "Administrator" as the user account, or log into an account containing administrative privileges.

Step 2

Click "Start" and select "Control Panel."

Step 3

Click "User Accounts."

Step 4

Select "Manage Another Account" and click on the account name whose password you would like to change.

Step 5

Click "Change the Password."

Step 6

Enter the new password in the first two text boxes. Create a password hint that will help you remember the password in the future.

Step 7

Click "Change Password" to save your new password.

Resetting a Lost User Password Using a Password Reset Disk

Step 1

Boot up your computer. On the login screen, select "Reset Password."

Step 2

Insert your password reset disk into your disk drive. If you installed the password reset utility on a flash drive instead, insert that drive into a USB port.

Step 3

Click "Next." Select the drive on which the password reset is located and click "Next" again.

Step 4

Enter your new password into the first two boxes on the screen. Create a password hint to remind yourself of your password if you forget it in the future. Click "Next."

Step 5

Click "Finish." You can log into your user account with the new password now.

Tip

  • You must have access to an administrator account or a password reset disk for your account to change your password. If you do not have either, you will not be able to reset your password.

About the Author

Jacqui Lane has been writing professionally for print and the web since 2004. She got her start at a small publisher, where she wrote, edited, designed advertising and handled page layout for up to five magazines a month. She writes primarily about video games, technology and internet culture. Lane holds a Bachelor of Arts in online journalism from Marshall University.

Photo Credits

  • Pictogramm Schloss image by www.hpunkt.de from Fotolia.com