Forgot Windows logon password. Can't access desktop. How can I bypass logon screen to access desktop

[Till21]

I forgot my Windows 10 logon password and cannot access my desktop. I am searching for a way to bypass the logon password. Microsoft has supplied various advice, but nothing I have tried has worked.

I have also followed advice from those that state their workaround has succeeded, but not for me. Every piece of advice I have followed has taken me to a password prompt. That is why I am trying to bypass my login password to access my desktop. It appears the Windows setup will not allow me to do anything without a password. If I could get to a manual boot screen, I think I could bypass the password prompt with the correct command, but nothing I have tried so far allows that.

Nothing on the recovery screens seems to work. I have tried Command Prompt but it takes me to a password prompt. I tried Startup Settings in Advanced Options to change Windows startup behavior, but when I click on the menu options, nothing happens. I do not want to reset my PC because I have many items on my desktop I cannot afford to lose. I have also tried a Safe Boot without success.

On my Windows sign-in page a message reads, 'Something happened and your PIN isn't available. Click to set up your pin again.' When I click on the Set up my PIN tab, no screen opens. Nothing happens. I have never signed in with a PIN, but I did set one the night before this problem occurred. The first time I tried to use the PIN was when I started the PC the next morning. I know the PIN I set, but the Windows sign-in screen will not accept it.

That is as complete a summary as I can come up with. I hope it helps.

[Raj_05]

Hi @Till21,

Welcome to HP Support Community.  

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

If you've forgotten your Windows logon password on an HP laptop and can't access the desktop, you can try the following methods to bypass the logon screen and regain access to your computer.

Use Password Reset Disk (Windows 10/8/7): If you had previously created a password reset disk for your user account, you can use it to reset your password. Here's how.

• Insert the password reset disk into a USB port.
• On the logon screen, click "Reset Password."
• Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your password.

Try Other User Accounts (Windows 10/8/7): If your HP laptop has multiple user accounts, try logging in with another user account that has administrative privileges. You might be able to reset your forgotten password from there.

• On the logon screen, click on the user account you want to use (if available).
• If that account has administrative privileges, you may be able to access the User Accounts settings to change or reset the password for your original account.

Use Microsoft Account Online Password Reset (Windows 10): If you're using a Microsoft account to log in to Windows 10, you can reset your password online using another device.

• Go to the Microsoft account password reset page using a web browser on another device: https://account.live.com/password/reset
• Follow the instructions to reset your password.
• Once the password is reset, try logging in to your HP laptop with the new password.

Use Safe Mode (Windows 10/8/7): Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup mode in Windows that loads minimal drivers and services. If you're lucky, you might be able to access your account without the need for a password in Safe Mode. Here's how to boot into Safe Mode.

• Restart your laptop.
• As it starts booting, repeatedly press the "F8" or "Shift + F8" key until you see the Advanced Boot Options menu.
• Select "Safe Mode" from the list and press Enter.
• If you can access your account in Safe Mode, you can reset your password from the Control Panel or Computer Management.

Use Third-Party Password Recovery Tools: There are third-party password recovery tools available that can help you reset or bypass Windows logon passwords. These tools are generally not recommended unless you have no other option and understand the risks involved.

Recovery/Reset Using Installation Media (Windows 10/8/7): If none of the above methods work, you can use a Windows installation media (DVD or USB) to access recovery options.

• Boot your HP laptop from the Windows installation media.
• Select your language preferences and click "Next."
• Click "Repair your computer" at the bottom left corner.
• Choose "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Command Prompt."
• Use Command Prompt to reset your password. For example, you can use the "net user" command to change your password.

Please note that some of these methods might result in data loss or cause other issues, so proceed with caution. It's also important to remember your passwords to avoid potential complications.

I hope this helps. 
 

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4
HP Support 

[Till21]

 Thank you for your detailed explanations, Alden4.

I have tried everything except a reset disk. Every command takes me to a password prompt. I cannot access a safe mode menu. I cannot find Command Prompt Admin menu. The Command Prompt asks me to choose my account to continue, and then takes me to a password prompt. Which does not take into account I have forgotten my password. I have tried changing password on another laptop with no success. Other messages I get suggest me logging in to my PC. Again disregarding that I have forgotten my password.

On my windows logon screen there is a message that states: 'Something happened and your PIN isn't available. Click to set up your PIN again.' When I press on the 'Set up my PIN' button, nothing happens. I go to sign in options, but apart from my PIN, which is unavailable, I can only sign in with a password, which I have forgotten. What a crazy system!!!

Surely there is a workaround that will let me sign in without a password. Safe mode would probably help, but I can't even get to that option. I have too much necessary info on my PC, and cannot afford to lose my files. So a factory reset is not an option I want to entertain. Is there a way that HP can set up an Administrator account for me. One of the suggestions I have had said I might be able to sign in with that account.

Please help. I am desperate to access the info on my PC.

[Raj_05]

Hi @Till21,

Thank you for your response, 

Due to limited support, I would request you contact our HP Support and our Support Engineers should be able to sort this out. HP Support can be reached by clicking on the following link.

https://www.hp.com/contacthp/

Please feel free to contact us here anytime you need any further assistance.

Have a great day!

Alden4
HP Support