How to reset your account password on Windows 11

On Windows 11, forgetting your account password is no longer a major problem. Unlike older versions of the operating system, Windows 11 includes built-in recovery options that allow you to reset your password easily, regardless of whether you’re using a Microsoft account or a local account.

The recovery experience is integrated directly into the sign-in screen, making it possible to regain access without reinstalling Windows or using complex workarounds. As long as your account has recovery options configured, you can reset the password in just a few minutes.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to reset the password for a Microsoft account and a local account on Windows 11. These instructions apply to both standard and administrator accounts.

Reset Microsoft account password from the sign-in screen

If you’re using a Microsoft account to sign in to Windows 11, the password recovery process is handled through Microsoft’s secure verification system.

To reset a Microsoft account password on Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Open the sign-in screen on Windows 11.
2. Click Sign-in options (if available).
3. Select the Microsoft account password option.
4. Click the I forgot my password link.
5. Choose a verification method, such as a recovery email address or the Microsoft Authenticator app.
6. Click Get code (if using email verification).
7. Check your recovery email and copy the verification code.
8. Enter the code on the sign-in screen and click Next.
9. Create a new password for your Microsoft account.
10. Click Next, then click Finish.

After completing the steps, you’ll be signed back into Windows 11. Keep in mind that changing your Microsoft account password also updates the password used for Microsoft services such as Outlook, OneDrive, and Microsoft Store.

Note: You can also reset your Microsoft account password from any device using the online Microsoft account recovery page.

Reset local account password from the sign-in screen

Windows 11 also allows you to reset a local account password directly from the lock screen, as long as you previously configured security questions. This recovery method was introduced in Windows 10 and continues to work in Windows 11.

If you still have access to your account, it’s recommended to add security questions to avoid being locked out in the future. If you didn’t set them up, you’ll need to use advanced recovery methods instead.

To reset a local account password on Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Open the sign-in screen.
2. Click Sign-in options (if applicable).
3. Enter an incorrect password once and click OK.
4. Click the Reset password option.
5. Answer the three security questions associated with the account.
6. Create a new password and press Enter.

Once you complete the steps, the system will unlock your account, and you’ll need to use the new password the next time you sign in.

Windows 11 makes it much easier to recover from a forgotten password compared to older versions of Windows. Whether you’re using a Microsoft account or a local account, the built-in recovery options allow you to reset your password directly from the sign-in screen without reinstalling the operating system. To avoid future issues, make sure your account has updated recovery options, such as a recovery email or security questions, so you can regain access quickly if you ever get locked out again.