How to Reset Lost Windows 10 Login Password

Lost or forgot your Windows 10 password and can't login? Here is a walkthrough on how to create a PCUnlocker Live CD/USB drive and then use it to reset forgotten Windows 10 password. This method also works with earlier versions of Windows.

Part 1: Create A PCUnlocker Live CD/USB

If you have a spare computer laying around, you can use it to make a PCUnlocker Live CD or USB drive by following these steps:

1. Download and save the PCUnlocker self-extracting Zip file to your desktop, then extract it locally and you'll get a disc image file labeled pcunlocker.iso.
2. Burn the ISO image file to a blank CD or USB flash drive using the freeware ISO2Disc. If you use a USB flash drive, make sure you choose the GPT partition style because most Windows 10 computers come with UEFI firmware.
   
   

Part 2: Reset Lost Windows 10 Password

1. Insert that freshly burned CD or USB drive into your problematic Windows 10 computer.
2. We need to boot from the CD or USB drive. If your laptop ignores the CD / USB drive and boots to Windows 10 login screen, restart and press F2, F11, F12, ESC or DEL to enter the BIOS and change the boot order. You'll know you got it right when you see the following screen:
   
3. Select a local account and then click the Reset Password button. The program will clear your forgotten password, and make your account active in case it's locked out or disabled.
   If you use a Microsoft account as your sign-in option, you'll see your email address displayed under the Description column. Choose the associated local account to proceed and the program will assign a new password which could be used to login to your Microsoft account locally.
   
4. Click the Restart button and remove the CD or USB drive. After rebooting, you can then log on to Windows 10 with your unlocked user account.