Forgotten password HP Pavillion windows 10

[Sally1763]

Hi my laptop was stolen and only got it back,

I have completely forgotten what my start-up password is for Windows 10 can someone please help me I have tried but nothing has worked and I don't want to lose what may still be on my laptop,

It is a hp pavillion

[Max3Aj]

@Sally1763, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
I'm really sorry to hear about your laptop being stolen, but I'm glad you got it back. I understand how frustrating it can be to forget your Windows 10 password, especially when you're concerned about losing your data. Let's work through this together.

Here are a few steps you can try to regain access:

Use Microsoft Account Password Reset (if applicable)

If you were using a Microsoft account to sign in:

1. Go to the Microsoft Password Reset page.
2. Choose "I forgot my password" and follow the prompts.
3. Once reset, use the new password to log in.

This only works if your laptop was connected to the internet and you used a Microsoft account to sign in.

Use HP Recovery Manager to Back Up Files (if you can't log in)

If you're unable to reset the password and want to back up your data before resetting the PC, HP provides a way:

1. Turn off the laptop.
2. Turn it back on and immediately press the F11 key repeatedly until the Choose an option screen appears.
3. Select Troubleshoot > Recovery Manager.
4. Choose File Backup to save your files to an external drive.

Reset Your PC (if recovery isn't possible)

If you're unable to recover the password and have backed up your data:

1. On the sign-in screen, hold Shift and click Restart.
2. Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
3. Choose Keep my files (if you haven’t backed up yet) or Remove everything.

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