Changing your Windows password is essential when you feel that your account has been compromised or if you want to keep your system secure. There may be cases where you forget your password, or it gets corrupted by malware, leaving you locked out of your account. In such cases, changing your password becomes challenging, especially if you don’t remember your current password. This article will give you insights and step-by-step instructions on how to change a Windows password without knowing it.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Change A Windows Password Without Knowing It
There are several reasons why you may need to change a Windows password without knowing it.
Firstly
if you forget your password, you can’t access your account. To mitigate this issue, you can change your password without knowing the current one to get back into your account.
Secondly
In case the password is corrupted or compromised by malware, you can’t log in to your account, but you can change the password without knowing the current password to protect your system. Being unable to change your password puts the system at increased risk.
Thirdly
If you think someone else knows your password, it’s better to change the password without logging in to secure your system.
Method 1: Using A PCUnlocker Disk
PCUnlocker Disk is a live bootable CD/DVD/USB, and it can help you reset lost or forgotten Windows Admin/User password without knowing it. It is one of the quickest and easiest ways to change a Windows password. The tool supports all Windows versions, including Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP/2016/2012/2008/2003/2000.
Step 1:
Download the ISO image of PCUnlocker Disk from their official website and burn the ISO file to a CD/DVD or USB drive.
Step 2:
Insert the CD/DVD or USB drive into the locked computer and reboot it. You need to change the computer’s boot order to boot from the CD/DVD or USB.
Step 3:
Now, the PCUnlocker Disk will boot on your computer, and you need to select the user account whose password you want to change.
Step 4:
Click on the "Reset Password" button and enter the new password twice. Now click on the "Finish" button, and you have successfully changed the Windows password without logging in.
Pros:
- It supports all versions of Windows.
- It’s easy to use and saves time.
- The tool is extremely useful if you don’t have access to the admin account.
Cons:
- You need to have a working CD/DVD or USB drive.
- You may need to go to BIOS to change the boot order.
- It’s a paid tool.
Method 2: Using SAC (Sticky Keys) Trick
The Sticky Keys trick is a built-in feature in Windows that lets you replace the "Shift" key with the "Ctrl" key in a keyboard shortcut. This trick requires access to the Command Prompt from the Windows login screen.
Step 1:
At the Windows login screen, press the Shift key five times, and the sticky keys option will appear. Next, click on the "Yes" button.
Step 2:
The command prompt will open, and enter "net user username newpassword," replacing the word "username" with your account name and "newpassword" with your new password.
Step 3:
Close the command prompt and enter the new password to log in to your Windows account.
Pros:
- It is a straightforward method that doesn’t require third-party software.
- It takes less time to reset the password.
- This method is useful if you don’t have access to the admin account.
Cons:
- You need to have access to the login screen and the Command Prompt.
- This method may not work if Fast Startup is enabled in Windows 10.
- You may face issues if sticky keys are disabled on your computer.
Method 3: Using Windows Installation Media
This method requires a Windows Installation Media CD/DVD or USB drive.
Step 1:
Insert the Windows Installation Media and reboot the computer.
Step 2:
Change the boot order to boot the computer from the Windows Installation Media.
Step 3:
Once the Windows installation screen appears, press "Shift+F10" to open the Command Prompt.
Step 4:
In the Command Prompt, enter "move c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe.bak" and press Enter.
Step 5:
Next, enter "copy c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe" and press Enter.
Step 6:
Close the Command Prompt and restart your system.
Step 7:
Once you reach the Windows Login Screen, click on the "Ease of Access" option that appears at the bottom of the screen.
Step 8:
The Command Prompt will open, and you need to enter "net user username newpassword," replacing the "username" with your account name, and "newpassword" with your new password.
Step 9:
Close the Command Prompt and log in to your Windows account with the new password.
Pros:
- This method can be used if Option 1 or 2 fails to reset the password.
- You don’t need third-party software to use this method.
Cons:
- You need to have access to a Windows Installation Media CD/DVD or USB.
- Changing the utility manager may affect Windows normal functionality.
- The instructions may not be easy to follow for new users.
What to Do If You Can’t Change the Windows Password?
If you face any difficulties when attempting to change your Windows password, follow the instructions below:
Firstly,
check that your caps lock and num lock keys are disabled before entering the password.
Secondly,
log out of your system and attempt to log back in using the new password.
Thirdly,
if the new password isn’t working, try to restart your system and attempt to log in again.
If the above methods fail, consider reaching out to Microsoft’s support team for further assistance.
Bonus Tip
Make sure to avoid using easily guessable passwords like "1234" or "password." Use complex passwords with a mix of characters, numbers, and symbols to increase your account’s security.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I change my Windows password without logging in?
A: Yes, you can change your password without logging in using the Sticky Keys method or PCUnlocker Disk.
Q2: Can I use a Windows Installation Media to change a password?
A: Yes. You need to use the Windows Installation Media to enter the Command Prompt to reset the password.
Q3: Why can I no longer log in to my Windows account?
A: There may be various reasons why you can’t log in to your Windows account, ranging from a corrupted password to malware. In such cases, try the methods outlined in this article.
Q4: Is using a PCUnlocker Disk Hack-Proof?
A: Yes, PCUnlocker Disk is highly secure and hack-proof. The tool doesn’t make any changes to your Windows Registry or files and deletes itself once you reset your password.
Q5: Why is the sticky keys method not working?
A: The method may not work if sticky keys are disabled on your computer or if fast startup is enabled in Windows 10.
Final Thoughts
Losing or forgetting your Windows password can be frustrating, but these methods outlined in this article make it easy to change the password without knowing the current one. Always choose a complex password to secure your system and avoid easily guessable passwords. Additionally, try to change your password regularly to keep your account secure.