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HP Recommended

How do I reset my password without having a password key disk

2 REPLIES 2
HP Recommended

@Kim483, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

 

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

If you've forgotten your Windows password and don't have a password reset disk, there are still a few ways to regain access to your HP desktop. Here are some options you can try:

Option 1: Reset Microsoft Account Password (if using Microsoft login)

If you're using a Microsoft account to sign in (most common on Windows 10/11), you can reset your password online:

  1. Go to Microsoft Password Reset.
  2. Choose "I forgot my password" and click Next.
  3. Enter your Microsoft account email and follow the prompts to verify your identity.
  4. Once reset, use the new password to log in.

Option 2: Use Another Admin Account (if available)

If there's another administrator account on the PC:

  1. Log in to that account.
  2. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
  3. Select your account and click Change account type or Reset password.

Option 3: Use Safe Mode with Command Prompt (Advanced Users)

This method works only if you have access to recovery options and command prompt.

  1. Restart the PC and press F11 or Esc + F11 during boot to enter Recovery Environment.
  2. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
  3. In Command Prompt, type:net user username newpassword Replace username with your account name and newpassword with the new password.

Option 4: Reset the PC (if all else fails)

This will remove all apps and settings, but you can choose to keep your personal files.

  1. Boot into Recovery by pressing F11 or using a recovery USB.
  2. Go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
  3. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Tips:

  • If you’re using a local account and none of the above work, you may need to reinstall Windows.
  • Always create a password reset disk or enable password recovery options for future safety. 

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. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

HP Recommended
Windows 10 / 11 If you use a Microsoft account Reset the password online at account.microsoft.com/password/reset from another device, then sign in with the new password. From the Sign-in screen (no extra media needed) Click the Power icon → hold Shift and click Restart. Choose Troubleshoot → Reset this PC. You can pick Keep my files (this reinstalls Windows but preserves personal files) or Remove everything. This will remove the account password requirement because Windows is reinstalled. If there’s another admin account on the PC Log in with that account and change or remove the forgotten account’s password from Settings → Accounts → Family & other users (or Control Panel → User Accounts). If you can boot into Safe Mode and an Administrator account exists You can sometimes sign into the built-in Administrator there and reset passwords — but that only works if the Administrator account is enabled and you know its credentials. If none of the above work Back up data (if possible) and either create Windows installation media on another PC to repair/reset, or take the machine to a technician. Reinstalling Windows will restore access but may require you to reinstall apps. macOS Apple ID linked account At the login screen, try the option to reset with your Apple ID. Recovery Mode (no external disk required) Restart and hold Command (⌘) + R to boot into Recovery. Use Utilities → Terminal → resetpassword or use the Reset Password tool shown there. Note: If FileVault is enabled you’ll need the FileVault recovery key or an iCloud/Apple ID associated with the account. If those fail Boot to Recovery and reinstall macOS (this won’t erase your data if you choose the reinstall option), or contact Apple Support / an Apple authorized service provider. procalculadora.com Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, etc.) Single-user / recovery mode On boot, from GRUB choose Advanced options → recovery mode → root to drop to a root shell and use passwd username to reset the user password. (This assumes no full-disk encryption.) If encrypted or GRUB is locked You’ll need a live USB to mount the disk and reset the password, or seek professional help. Important notes & precautions Back up your files first if you can (use another PC or a live USB) — some recovery/reset operations can remove apps or data. If BitLocker/FileVault or full-disk encryption is enabled you’ll need the recovery key — without it data will likely be inaccessible. If you’re uncomfortable doing this yourself, take the computer to a reputable repair shop or contact the manufacturer’s support — they can verify ownership and help safely restore access. I won’t help with detailed bypass/hacking tricks for devices you don’t own — that’s illegal.
Mark Kavin
† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.