Getting into a password-protected computer can be challenging, especially when you don’t have access to the password or any login credentials. However, there can be several reasons why you might need to access your computer when you forget your password or can’t log in to your account. Maybe you need to recover some essential files, fix a system issue or prepare for any emergency incident. In case you ever find yourself stuck in a similar situation, don’t worry. This blog post will guide you on how to get into a password-protected computer on Windows and Mac computers.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Get Into a Password-Protected Computer?
If we look at the scenario of a forgotten password, then we all agree that it can be very frustrating to try to get into our computers, especially when we need to access some critical information quickly. Many individuals save multiple passwords on a password saver or browser, and forgetting them sometimes is inevitable. But don’t let a forgotten password to annoy you anymore. By reading this post, you’ll shortly find easy ways to enter a password-protected computer without any difficulties.
Method 1: Via Administrator Account
One of the straightforward methods is to utilise an administrator account to regain access to your password-protected device. In case the administrator account is already functioning but the user account is unavailable, then the method can be helpful. Follow the below steps to proceed with the method:
Step 1: Boot your computer and select an available Administrator account.
Step 2: After selecting the account, click on “Start” and move to “Control Panel”.
Step 3: Then, select “User Accounts > Manage User Accounts” if you’re operating on Windows 10,8 or 7. In case if you’re running on Windows XP, then select “User Account.”
Step 4: Press on the locked account, and you’ll find the option to change the password. Set up the new password for your account.
Step 5: Reboot the computer and use the new password to login.
Pros:
– The method is relatively easy to use and implement.
– One can create a new account and utilise it for any available programs.
– Does not require any particular technical skills.
Cons:
– Assumes that there is already an existing account on the computer
– Can’t be used if there is no administrative access to the computer.
Method 2: Via Safe Mode
If you have forgotten the password of your regular account or want to get rid of the password-protected windows account, then you can utilise Safe Mode to enter into the computer. It allows you to access if the system starts only with the minimum software and hardware required. Follow the instructions mentioned below to get into safe mode:
Step 1: Start the computer and press the “F8” key after the first logo screen appears.
Step 2: Once you access the advanced boot options screen, use the arrow keys to reach “Safe Mode with Networking” and hit “Enter.”
Step 3: Click on “Start” and open the ‘Control Panel. ’
Step 4: Choose “User Account,” then select “Manage another account”.
Step 5: After opening the user’s account page, choose “Remove Password” to get it unlocked, and you can set a fresh password if you want.
Pros:
– Easy and efficient method to use when you don’t have administrative privileges.
– Safe Mode permits you to enter with minimum software installations and hardware adjustments.
Cons:
– Can’t be used if the password was encrypted or not visible.
– Requires the computer to have safe mode access.
Method 3: Via Password Reset Disk
This method can be useful if you have created a password reset disk ahead of time. A password reset disk is an additional tool that you can create during the initial account creation in Microsoft. It can be a USB, CD, or any other removable device you have at that moment. Below are the steps to get into a password-protected computer using a password reset disk:
Step 1: Insert the password reset disk into the computer and start your system.
Step 2: After, you input an invalid password, you’ll find the option saying "Reset password."
Step 3: Select the option and proceed with the ‘Password Reset Wizard.’
Step 4: The password reset wizard will guides you to reset the password and proceeds to the wizard’s instruction accordingly.
Pros:
– Effective when a password reset disk has already been generated.
– Very efficient and quick to use.
Cons:
– If you don’t have a pre-generated password reset disk, then it won’t work relating to this method.
– The generating password reset disk might take some effort.
Method 4: Using a Third-party Software Tool
The above-discussed methods are beneficial only when you have administrative access to the computer or have already produced a password reset disk. What if you don’t have access to the machine or lost the reset disk? In this situation, a third-party tool can come to the rescue. These tools allow you to bypass the password-protected computer and regain access without erased or lost data. Some of the most commonly used third-party tools are – Lazesoft Recovery Suite, PCUnlocker, TunesBro Windows Password Geeker, etc.
Step 1: After installing the software, initiate the interface that launches the tool.
Step 2: Connect your USB drive, which saves the password-protected computer program, create a bootable file.
Step 3: Insert the USB flash drive to the locked computer and reboot to the boot menu accordingly.
Step 4: Select the boot from the USB option to load the password unlocker software.
Step 5: It’s going to detect the operating system, then select the right user account that you want to bypass.
Pros:
– The method doesn’t require you to have any specific expertise.
– Doesn’t lead to permanent data loss for the computer.
Cons:
– Third-party softwares can be risky.
– Free software comes with some limitations.
What to Do If You Can’t Get into a Password-Protected Computer?
In case you have tried all the above methods, and still you can’t access the computer, then don’t worry. In this scenario, you can count on a technician or an expert to help you recover data or restore access to your computer.
Bonus Tips
Tip 1: If you forget your password, try to recall the old passwords you’ve used. Maybe you will suddenly come across a similar one you might have put.
Tip 2: Password savers or any password manager app can help you to recoup the password in case you forget it.
Tip 3: To prevent such scenarios, it’s beneficial to keep a record of passwords in a Safe place where you could look it up once you don’t remember the password.
5 FAQs
Q1: What is a password reset disk?
A: A Password reset disk is a disk made when you create your password for the first time. It can be a CD, USB, or anything similar.
Q2: Can we get into a password-protected computer without admin privileges?
A: Yes. Safe mode can help in getting into it in case admin rights are not available.
Q3: Is It Possible To Recover My Forgotten Password Without Losing Data?
A: Yes, that is possible via third-party software.
Q4: Can Data Be Recovered If A Password-Protected Computer is Formatted?
A: No, once a computer is formatted, it deletes all the data entirely.
Q5: Is it safe to use a Third-party tool?
A: It’s essential to choose a reliable and well-known recovery tool to ensure data safety.
Final Thoughts
Accessing a password-protected computer may seem impossible, but it is possible to regain access without any significant data loss. Hopefully, this blog post provides some helpful tips and step-by-step instructions to get into a password-protected computer. Trying out the above-listed methods can save you from such scenarios in the future. Remember to keep your passwords in a secure location and use a password manager app to prevent getting into a password-locked device situation.