Forgetting the administrator password on your Windows 10 computer can be a frustrating experience. It can lock you out of important files, programs, and settings, and limit your ability to perform basic tasks on your computer. Thankfully, there are several methods you can use to regain access to your Windows 10 computer if you forget the administrator password. In this blog post, we will explore these methods in detail, providing step-by-step instructions and highlighting the pros and cons of each method.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Change Administrator Password on Windows 10 If Forgotten
There are several reasons why you may need to change the administrator password on your Windows 10 computer if you have forgotten it. Firstly, it is important to have access to your computer’s settings and programs to perform routine maintenance tasks, such as installing updates and optimizing performance. Additionally, you may need to access files and documents stored on your computer, which can be impossible without the administrator password. Furthermore, if you are sharing your computer with other users, it is crucial to have control over the administrative account to protect your privacy and security.
Method 1: Using the Built-in Administrator Account
The first method to change the administrator password on Windows 10 if forgotten is by using the built-in Administrator account. This account is created during the Windows 10 installation process and is disabled by default. However, it can be enabled and used to reset the password for the main administrator account. The steps to use this method are as follows:
Step 1: Start your computer and press the "Shift" key repeatedly while it is booting to access the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
Step 2: Select "Troubleshoot" from the WinRE menu.
Step 3: Choose "Advanced options" and then click on "Command Prompt".
Step 4: In the Command Prompt window, type "net user Administrator /active:yes" and press Enter. This will enable the built-in Administrator account.
Step 5: Restart your computer and log in with the newly enabled Administrator account.
Step 6: Open the Control Panel and navigate to "User Accounts" and then "Manage another account".
Step 7: Select the main administrator account whose password you want to change.
Step 8: Click on "Change the password" and follow the prompts to create a new password.
Pros:
1. It does not require any third-party software or tools.
2. It is a relatively simple and straightforward process.
3. It can be done without the need for the original administrator password.
Cons:
1. Enabling the built-in Administrator account may pose security risks if not properly managed.
2. It may not work if the built-in account was not created or if it has been disabled.
Method 2: Via Microsoft Account
Another method to change the administrator password on Windows 10 if forgotten is by using a Microsoft Account. If you have linked your Windows 10 computer to a Microsoft Account, you can reset the administrator password online through the Microsoft website. Here are the steps to use this method:
Step 1: Go to the Microsoft Account password reset page using any web browser on a different device.
Step 2: Enter the email address associated with your Microsoft Account and click on "Next".
Step 3: Choose the method to verify your identity, such as email or phone.
Step 4: Follow the prompts to verify your identity and reset your password.
Step 5: Once the password has been reset, log in to your Windows 10 computer using the new password.
Pros:
1. It does not require access to the computer itself, making it useful in situations where you cannot physically access the computer.
2. It leverages the security measures and account recovery options provided by Microsoft.
Cons:
1. It requires an active internet connection to access the Microsoft Account password reset page.
2. It may not work if you have not linked your Windows 10 computer to a Microsoft Account.
Method 3: Using Password Reset Disk
If you have previously created a password reset disk for your Windows 10 computer, you can use it to change the administrator password. A password reset disk is a removable storage device that contains the necessary information and tools to reset the password. Here is how you can use this method:
Step 1: Insert the password reset disk into your computer.
Step 2: On the Windows sign-in screen, click on "Reset password".
Step 3: Follow the Password Reset Wizard prompts to reset the password using the password reset disk.
Pros:
1. It is a highly reliable method for resetting the administrator password.
2. It does not require an active internet connection.
Cons:
1. You must have previously created a password reset disk before forgetting the administrator password.
2. The password reset disk needs to be created and updated regularly to ensure its effectiveness.
Method 4: Using Third-Party Software
If the previous methods do not work or are not feasible, you can use third-party software to change the administrator password on your Windows 10 computer. There are a variety of password recovery tools available that can help you reset the administrator password. Here are the general steps to follow when using this method:
Step 1: Download a reputable password recovery tool from a trusted source.
Step 2: Create a bootable USB or CD/DVD using the password recovery tool.
Step 3: Insert the bootable USB or CD/DVD into your computer and restart it.
Step 4: Boot your computer from the bootable USB or CD/DVD.
Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the password recovery tool to reset the administrator password.
Step 6: Remove the bootable USB or CD/DVD and restart your computer.
Pros:
1. It can be used as a last resort if other methods fail.
2. It is effective in recovering and resetting the administrator password.
Cons:
1. It requires downloading and using third-party software, which may pose security risks.
2. Some password recovery tools may not be free and may require a purchase to use the full features.
What to Do If You Can’t Change Administrator Password on Windows 10
If you are unable to change the administrator password on your Windows 10 computer using the methods mentioned above, here are some additional fixes you can try:
1. Use a different administrator account: If there are other administrator accounts on your Windows 10 computer, try logging in with one of those accounts and changing the password from there.
2. Password recovery services: If all else fails, you can consider hiring professional password recovery services that specialize in recovering lost or forgotten passwords. However, this option can be costly and may not guarantee success.
3. Reinstall Windows 10: As a last resort, you can reinstall Windows 10 on your computer. This will remove all the existing data, programs, and settings on your computer, including the forgotten administrator password.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to help you manage and prevent future issues with forgotten administrator passwords on Windows 10:
1. Create a password reset disk: As mentioned earlier, creating a password reset disk can be a lifesaver in situations where you forget the administrator password. Make sure to create a password reset disk and update it regularly.
2. Use a password manager: Utilizing a password manager can help you manage and remember complex passwords without the risk of forgetting them. There are numerous password manager applications available that can securely store your passwords.
3. Implement a password recovery plan: Establishing a password recovery plan, such as creating and storing secure backup passwords or using additional authentication methods, can help you regain access to your Windows 10 computer if you forget the administrator password.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I change the administrator password on Windows 10 without knowing the current password?
A: Yes, there are methods outlined in this blog post that allow you to change the administrator password without knowing the current password, such as using the built-in Administrator account or third-party password recovery tools.
Q2: How often should I update my administrator password on Windows 10?
A: It is recommended to update your administrator password regularly, at least every few months, to ensure the security of your Windows 10 computer.
Q3: Can I use the same password for my administrator account and Microsoft Account?
A: While it is not recommended to use the same password for multiple accounts, including your administrator account and Microsoft Account, it is crucial to ensure that both passwords are strong and unique.
Q4: What should I do if I forget the password for my password reset disk?
A: If you forget the password for your password reset disk, unfortunately, there is no way to recover it. It is important to store the password reset disk in a secure location and remember the password associated with it.
Q5: Can I reset the administrator password on Windows 10 without losing any data?
A: Yes, the methods outlined in this blog post are designed to reset the administrator password without affecting the data stored on your Windows 10 computer.
Final Thoughts
Forgetting the administrator password on your Windows 10 computer can be a stressful and frustrating experience. However, with the methods outlined in this blog post, you can regain access to your computer and change the administrator password. Whether you use the built-in Administrator account, a Microsoft Account, a password reset disk, or third-party software, it is essential to follow the steps carefully and consider the pros and cons of each method before proceeding. Additionally, implementing the bonus tips and following a password recovery plan can help prevent future issues and maintain the security of your Windows 10 computer.