Forgetting the administrator password to your Windows Server 2016 can be a frustrating experience. It can lock you out of important files and settings, and in some cases, even prevent you from accessing your server completely. However, the good news is that there are several methods you can use to reset your Windows Server 2016 administrator password, even if you don’t have a CD or installation media. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to reset the Windows Server 2016 administrator password and provide step-by-step instructions on how to implement them.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we start, let’s clarify what you’ll need to reset your Windows Server 2016 administrator password. Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need:
1. A working computer with internet access.
2. A USB flash drive or a blank CD/DVD.
3. Administrative access to your Windows Server 2016 system (if you don’t have administrative access, you won’t be able to perform these methods).
What Requires Your Focus?
Resetting the Windows Server 2016 administrator password is a delicate process that requires your full attention. Make sure to carefully read and follow the instructions provided in each method. Additionally, it’s essential to create a backup of your important files and settings before attempting any password reset. This will help you avoid any potential data loss or further complications during the process.
Different Methods to Reset Windows Server 2016 Administrator Password
Now let’s dive into the different methods you can use to reset the Windows Server 2016 administrator password. Each method offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so pick the one that suits your needs the best.
Method 1: Reset Password with Windows Password Recovery Tool
1. Download and install the Windows Password Recovery Tool on a working computer.
2. Launch the program and insert a USB flash drive or blank CD/DVD.
3. Select the device you inserted and click "Burn" to create a password reset disk.
4. Once the disk is created, remove it from the computer and insert it into your Windows Server 2016 system.
5. Restart your Windows Server 2016 system and boot from the password reset disk.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset the administrator password.
Pros:
– Easy to use and user-friendly interface.
– Supports multiple versions of Windows Server, including Server 2016.
– Can create a password reset disk without needing administrative access to your Windows Server.
– Fast password recovery process.
Cons:
– Requires a working computer to create the password reset disk.
– As with any password reset tool, there is a slight risk of data loss if not used correctly.
Method 2: Reset Password with Command Prompt
1. Boot your Windows Server 2016 system and press Shift + F10 to open the Command Prompt during the boot process.
2. Type the command "copy c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe.bak" and press Enter.
3. Type the command "copy c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe" and press Enter.
4. Restart your Windows Server 2016 system and let it boot normally.
5. At the login screen, click on the "Ease of Access" button located at the bottom-right corner.
6. In the Command Prompt window, type the command "net user Administrator NewPassword" (replace "NewPassword" with your desired new password) and press Enter.
Pros:
– Doesn’t require any additional software or tools.
– Can be done directly from the Windows Server 2016 system.
– Fast password reset process.
Cons:
– Requires physical access to the Windows Server 2016 system.
– If someone else has unauthorized access to your system, they can follow the same steps to reset the password.
Method 3: Reset Password with Windows Installation Media
1. Insert the Windows Server 2016 installation media into your server’s DVD drive or USB port.
2. Boot your Windows Server 2016 system from the installation media.
3. Select your language preferences and click "Next."
4. Click on the "Repair your computer" link located at the bottom-left corner.
5. In the System Recovery Options, select "Troubleshoot" and then "Command Prompt."
6. Type the command "copy c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe.bak" and press Enter.
7. Type the command "copy c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe" and press Enter.
8. Restart your Windows Server 2016 system without the installation media.
9. At the login screen, click on the "Ease of Access" button located at the bottom-right corner.
10. In the Command Prompt window, type the command "net user Administrator NewPassword" (replace "NewPassword" with your desired new password) and press Enter.
Pros:
– Doesn’t require any additional software or tools.
– Can be done directly from the Windows Server 2016 system (if using USB installation media).
– Can be used if you have lost your administrator password and have installation media available.
Cons:
– Requires booting from the installation media, which may not always be readily available.
– If someone else has unauthorized access to your installation media, they can follow the same steps to reset the password.
Method 4: Reset Password with Offline NT Password and Registry Editor
1. Download Offline NT Password and Registry Editor from its official website and burn it to a USB flash drive or a CD/DVD.
2. Insert the USB flash drive or CD/DVD into your Windows Server 2016 system.
3. Boot your Windows Server 2016 system from the USB flash drive or CD/DVD.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions of Offline NT Password and Registry Editor to reset the administrator password.
Pros:
– Can be used without administrative access to your Windows Server 2016 system.
– No need for an internet connection during the password reset process.
– Works with multiple versions of Windows, including Server 2016.
Cons:
– Requires creating a bootable USB flash drive or CD/DVD.
– Not as user-friendly as some other methods.
– May appear complex for those unfamiliar with command-line tools.