Forgot administration password

[Masterboom84]

I have not used my laptop in a few months. I changed my power on password and now I can't remember it. What steps do I need to take to unlock my laptop?

[Meghana_10]

Hello @Masterboom84, Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding the HP Notebook - 15-dw0083wm.

We appreciate the opportunity to assist you and are glad we could help work toward a resolution. We hope our support has been valuable.

Below are the options available in Windows 11 based on HP’s guidance. Which ones apply depends on whether you sign in with a Microsoft account or a local account.

1. If you sign in with a Microsoft account

A Microsoft account uses an email address (for example, outlook.com, gmail.com) to sign in.

Steps:

1. On another device with internet access, go to:
   https://account.live.com/password/reset
2. Enter the email, phone number, or Skype name associated with your Microsoft account, then select Next.
3. Choose how to receive the security code (email, SMS, etc.), verify your info, and select Get code.
4. Enter the security code you receive, then select Next.
5. Create a new password, re‑enter it, and select Next.
6. Return to your HP notebook and sign in with the new password.

2. If you use a local account and know another administrator account

If there is another user account with administrator rights on your notebook, you can reset the forgotten password from that account.

Steps:

1. Sign in to Windows 11 using the other (administrator) account.
2. Open Control Panel (select the Windows icon, type Control Panel, and open it).
3. Click User Accounts, then User Accounts again.
4. Click Manage another account.
   - If this option is missing, the current account is not an administrator.
5. Select the account that has the forgotten password.
6. Click Change the password, enter a new password and hint, then confirm.
7. Sign out and sign in to the original account using the new password.

3. If you use a local account and have a password reset disk/USB

If you previously created a password reset disk or USB for this account:

1. Turn on the notebook and try to sign in.
2. When you see the password is incorrect. Try again., click OK.
3. Insert the password reset disk or USB drive.
4. Click Reset password to open the Password Reset Wizard.
5. Click Next, select the password key location, then click Next.
6. Follow the prompts to set a new password and hint, then finish.
7. Sign in with the new password.

4. If none of the above works (last resort: Reset this PC)

If you cannot recover the password by any method, you can reset Windows 11. This will erase all local files and apps, but lets you set up Windows again with a new password.

Steps (from the sign‑in screen):

1. On the sign‑in screen, press and hold Shift.
2. While holding Shift, click the Power icon and select Restart. Keep holding Shift until the Choose an option screen appears.
3. Click Troubleshoot.
4. Click Reset this PC, then choose Remove everything.
5. Select Local reinstall.
6. Choose Just remove my files, then click Reset.

Windows 11 will reinstall. Afterwards, you’ll go through setup and can create a new password.

CAUTION: Reset this PC deletes files, apps, and local passwords on the notebook. Use it only if other recovery options are not possible.

Please check the link for more information - HP PCs - Change or reset the computer password in Windows 11 | HP® Support

User guide - User Guide

Have a great day!

[Meghana_10]

Hello @Masterboom84, 

Please perform the steps provided above and let us know if it helps.

Have a great day!