Many people search for a way to "find" the administrator password in Windows 10 using Command Prompt. The important thing to know is that Windows does not store passwords in a form you can simply look up, for good security reasons, so no legitimate command reveals an existing password. What Command Prompt can do is show you which accounts are administrators and, if you already have administrator access, reset a password on your own PC. This guide explains what is possible, and how to regain access to your own computer if you are locked out.
Quick Answer
You cannot view an existing Windows password. To see which accounts are administrators, run net localgroup administrators. If you are signed in as an administrator, you can reset another local account's password with net user username *. If you forgot your own password, use Reset password on the sign-in screen (security questions for local accounts) or reset your Microsoft account password online.
What Command Prompt Can and Cannot Do
| Task | Possible? |
|---|---|
| Show an existing password | No; Windows stores only protected hashes |
| List user accounts | Yes: net user |
| List administrator accounts | Yes: net localgroup administrators |
| Reset a local account password | Yes, from an administrator Command Prompt |
| Reset a Microsoft account password | No; reset it online |
See Which Accounts Are Administrators
- Click Start, type cmd, and open Command Prompt.
- Run
net localgroup administrators. - The Members list shows every administrator account.
Run net user to see all accounts, and net user username to see details such as whether an account is active and when its password was last set.
Reset a Local Account Password (If You Are an Administrator)
- Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
- Run
net user "Account Name" *. - Type a new password when prompted (characters do not appear as you type), press Enter, and confirm it.
Resetting a local account's password this way can make that user lose access to some encrypted data, such as files protected with EFS and some saved credentials. Only do this on accounts you manage, with the user's knowledge.
You can do the same in Settings > Accounts > Family & other users or Computer Management > Local Users and Groups.
If You Forgot Your Own Password
Microsoft account
On the sign-in screen, choose I forgot my password, or go to Microsoft's account recovery page on another device. After resetting, sign in with the new password (the PC needs an internet connection).
Local account
Enter a wrong password, then click Reset password and answer your security questions. If you created a password reset disk earlier, use it here.
Another administrator on the PC
If someone else has an administrator account on the same PC, they can reset your password using the steps above.
No other option
If none of these work, you can reset the PC from the sign-in screen (hold Shift, click Power > Restart, then Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything). This removes your files unless they are backed up, so use it as a last resort. For work or school PCs, contact your IT department.
Prevent Future Lockouts
- Use a Microsoft account, which can be reset online.
- Set security questions or create a password reset disk for local accounts.
- Store passwords in a password manager.
- Keep a second administrator account you can use if needed.
On Windows 11? See how to reset a forgotten Windows 11 password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a default administrator password in Windows 10?
No. The built-in Administrator account is disabled by default and has no default password you can look up.
Can I enable the built-in Administrator account?
Yes, from an elevated Command Prompt with net user administrator /active:yes, but only if you are already an administrator. Disable it again when done.
Are password recovery tools safe?
Many are unnecessary or risky. Use Microsoft's official reset options first.
Summary
- Windows passwords cannot be viewed, only reset.
- Use
net localgroup administratorsto see admin accounts. - Administrators can reset local passwords with
net user username *. - Reset forgotten passwords with Microsoft account recovery or security questions.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.