You can’t use a Microsoft-supported Command Prompt procedure to reset a forgotten Windows 10 password. Command Prompt is available in Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) for advanced troubleshooting, but Microsoft’s documented account-recovery methods depend on whether you use a local account or a Microsoft account. Start by identifying the account, then follow the matching recovery path below.
Identify whether you use a local or Microsoft account
A local account is specific to one PC. A Microsoft account uses an email address and password across Microsoft services. The recovery steps differ, so confirm which credential you are trying to recover before proceeding. See Microsoft’s explanation of account types.
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Reset a local account from the sign-in screen
If you set up security questions when creating the local account, use them to reset its password:
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute- At the sign-in screen, select the password entry button.
- Select OK.
- Select Reset password.
- Answer the security questions, then follow the prompts to set a new password.
If you made a password reset disk before getting locked out, use it from the reset flow instead. Microsoft documents these options in its local account password reset instructions.
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- Step 1: Boot from the USB Flash Drive - Insert the USB flash drive into an available USB port on your computer. - Turn on your computer or restart it if it’s already on. - As the computer starts, press the key that opens the boot menu. This key varies by manufacturer and model, but it’s often F2, F10, Esc, or Delete. - In the BIOS/UEFI setup menu, locate the Boot Options or Boot Order section. - Use the arrow keys to select your USB drive and move it to the top of the boot priority list. - Save your changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI setup. Your computer will now boot from the USB flash drive.
- After that its will take few minutes to reset Windows login password
- Package includes instruction how to use "Password reset USB" software
Use another administrator account to reset a local password
If a different administrator account is already available on the PC, sign in to it and reset the locked-out local account through Computer Management:
- Open Computer Management.
- Go to Local Users and Groups > Users.
- Right-click the account to change and select Set Password, then follow the prompts.
If there is no other administrator account available and the sign-in-screen options do not work, Microsoft’s documented fallback is to reset the Windows device.
Recover a Microsoft account password online
For a Microsoft account, use Microsoft’s password recovery flow, not the local-account reset process. You must verify your identity using a method Microsoft offers, such as a code sent to a recovery email address or phone number. Follow the prompts to choose a verification method and create a new password.
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Why Command Prompt is not a supported password-reset method
WinRE includes Command Prompt as an advanced troubleshooting tool. That feature does not make Command Prompt a supported way to bypass Windows sign-in or reset a forgotten account password. Microsoft’s account-recovery instructions instead direct users to the sign-in-screen reset options, an existing administrator account, online Microsoft account recovery, or a device reset. See Microsoft’s WinRE overview.
Avoid instructions that alter accessibility launchers, replace Windows system files, or edit the offline Security Accounts Manager (SAM) database to get around sign-in. These are not part of Microsoft’s documented recovery process and can undermine access controls or damage the Windows installation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Reset the device only when other recovery options fail
Microsoft’s recovery guidance lists Reset this PC as a Windows 10 recovery option. Depending on the choices shown, you may be able to keep personal files or remove everything. Resetting can still affect apps and settings, and some recovery choices can cause data loss. Back up important files if you can before proceeding. Review Microsoft’s Windows recovery options and read the prompts carefully before confirming a reset.
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Prepare a local-account password reset disk for next time
A password reset disk is a USB flash drive created while you are signed in to the local account. It must be prepared in advance, works for local accounts, and is not an option for Microsoft accounts. A newly purchased USB drive will not recover a password you have already forgotten; the reset disk has to exist beforehand. Follow Microsoft’s instructions to create a local-account password reset disk.
Windows 10 support status
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft says that after that date it no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. See Microsoft’s Windows Recovery Environment page for the lifecycle notice.
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