If you cannot sign in to a Windows 10 PC, use Microsoft’s supported account-recovery methods rather than password-bypass utilities. The correct recovery path depends on whether the account is a Microsoft account, a local Windows account, or an organization-managed account.
Recover a Microsoft account password
- From another trusted device, open Microsoft’s official account password-reset process.
- Enter the email address, phone number, or account identifier used to sign in to Windows.
- Complete Microsoft’s identity-verification steps.
- Create a new password and then connect the locked PC to the internet.
- Try the new password at the Windows sign-in screen.
For a local account
Windows can offer security questions or an authorized password-reset disk if those were configured for the local account. Another administrator account on the same PC may have legitimate management options, but changing a local password administratively can affect access to some encrypted credentials or files.
PIN and password are different
If Windows Hello PIN sign-in fails, choose Sign-in options and try the account password. The “I forgot my PIN” workflow resets the PIN; it does not necessarily mean the Microsoft account password is wrong.
Work and school accounts
Contact the organization’s IT administrator. Do not attempt to bypass device management, domain, Entra ID, BitLocker, or other access controls.
If recovery is impossible
Windows recovery/reset can reinstall the operating system, but it may remove applications or data and can require a BitLocker recovery key. Backups are the safest way to recover files when credentials are lost.
Windows 10 regular support ended October 14, 2025. Microsoft recommends Windows 11 for eligible PCs or an applicable ESU option during transition.
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.