How to Reset Windows 11 Password via Command Prompt

Learn how to reset your Windows 11 password using Command Prompt. Discover step-by-step guides for both locked-out scenarios and logged-in situations.

Roxanne

By Roxanne / Updated on December 4, 2024

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Resetting a Windows 11 password can be daunting, especially if you've been locked out of your system. This guide provides comprehensive instructions on how to reset a Windows 11 password with Command Prompt in different scenarios, whether you are locked out or have administrator access. Additionally, we'll introduce an alternative, user-friendly password reset tool: AOMEI Partition Assistant.

Reset Windows 11 Password Using Command Prompt When Locked Out

If you're locked out of your Windows 11 system, resetting your password using Command Prompt is possible, but it involves technical steps and can be risky if done incorrectly. For users seeking a safer and easier alternative, AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional offers an intuitive solution. Below, we’ll discuss both methods in detail.

Method 1: Use AOMEI Partition Assistant to Reset Windows 11 Password (Recommended)

AOMEI Partition Assistant is a comprehensive disk management tool that simplifies complex tasks like resetting forgotten passwords. Unlike Command Prompt, it doesn’t require advanced technical knowledge and significantly reduces the risk of errors or data loss.

Free DownloadWin 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
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  • Ease of Use: Its graphical interface is straightforward, even for beginners.
  • Versatility: Supports password reset, disk partitioning, boot sector repairs, and more.
  • Safety: Reduces the risk of accidental data loss or system damage.
  • Convenience: Works even if you can’t log into your computer

Follow the steps and learn how to reset the Windows 11 password via the command prompt alternative:

Step 1: Connect a USB drive to any functioning computer. Download and install AOMEI Partition Assistant.

Step 2: Launch the software, click on Tools in the top menu, and select Reset Windows Password.

Reset password

Step 3: In the pop-up window, choose to create a bootable media. Select your USB drive and click Next to continue.

Next

Step 4: The USB drive will be formatted, so ensure you've backed up any important data. Once confirmed, proceed with the creation process.

Select USB

Step 5: After creating the bootable USB, remove it and insert it into the locked computer. Boot the computer from the USB by accessing the boot menu (typically by pressing F12 or Esc during startup).

Step 6: In the AOMEI Partition Assistant interface, click Reset Password, select your Windows system, and click Next.

Select system

Step 7: Choose the target account, and either remove account password or reset account password. Confirm your changes to reset the password successfully.

Select account

This method is ideal for users who want a reliable, user-friendly tool to reset their password without diving into complex command-line operations.

Besides, AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional serves as a full-featured disk computer management tool that also supports other features such as creating bootable disks to:

Download AOMEI Partition Assistant to better manage and improve your computer performance!

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Method 2: Use the Command Prompt to Reset Windows 11 Password

Command Prompt offers a manual way to reset the Windows 11 password when locked out. However, this method requires a higher level of technical knowledge and should be used cautiously.

Steps to Reset Password Using Command Prompt When Locked Out

Step 1. Click the power button and select Restart from the dropdown menu.

Step 2. Continuously press F8 during startup, before the Windows logo appears. If you miss the window, restart and try again.

Step 3. In the Advanced Boot Options menu, choose Command Prompt and execute Commands to Modify System Files:

  • c:  
  • cd windows\system32  
  • ren sethc.exe sethc01.exe  
  • copy cmd.exe sethc.exe  

These commands replace the Sticky Keys utility with Command Prompt, allowing you to bypass the login screen.

Step 4. Enter wpeutil reboot to restart your computer.

Step 5. At the login screen, press the Shift key five times to open Command Prompt.

Command Prompt

Step 6. In Command Prompt, use the following command to reset the password:

  • net user username newpassword  

Replace username with the account name and newpassword with the desired password.

This method is suitable for advanced users comfortable working with system files and commands. It’s a last-resort option if you don’t have access to additional tools. If you are a beginner, try AOMEI Partition Assistant with a simple and quick feature to reset passwords.

Reset Windows 11 Password Using Command Prompt When Logged In

When you have administrator access to your Windows 11 computer, resetting a password via Command Prompt is straightforward and efficient.

Step 1: Open the Start menu, type cmd, and right-click on Command Prompt to select Run as Administrator.

Step 2: Use the following command to reset a local administrator password:

net user username newpassword

For example:

net user admin 123456  

Reset Windows 10 password cmd

Step 3: Alternatively, you can create a new administrator account with these commands:

  • net user newusername /add  
  • net localgroup administrators newusername /add  

This method is ideal for users with administrator access who need to reset their own password or manage other user accounts.

Conclusion

Resetting your Windows 11 password via Command Prompt is a viable option, but it can be challenging for those unfamiliar with technical procedures. Tools like AOMEI Partition Assistant provide a more user-friendly and reliable solution, making password reset straightforward even for beginners.

Download AOMEI Partition Assistant today to access its password reset and other advanced features for enhanced PC management.

Free DownloadWin 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

FAQs About Windows 11 Reset Password Command Prompt

If you’re exploring ways to reset your Windows 11 password, you may have lingering questions about the process, its requirements, and potential risks. Below are answers to some commonly asked questions to help you make informed decisions.

Q1: How can I reset a password using Command Prompt in Windows 11?

To reset a password with Command Prompt, follow these steps:

  • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

Use the command net user username newpassword to update the password. Replace username with the account name and newpassword with the desired new password.

  • This method works best if you already have administrator access to the system.

Q2: How do I reset my Windows 11 password without logging in?

If you’re locked out of your account, you can:

  1. Use AOMEI Partition Assistant to create a bootable USB drive and reset the password easily.
  2. Alternatively, access Command Prompt through the Advanced Boot Options menu, though this method is more technical and requires precise execution of commands.

For non-technical users, the first method is recommended for its simplicity and safety.

Q3: How can I reset the administrator password in Windows 11 without admin rights?

If you don’t have administrator rights or access to a secondary account:

  • Restart your computer and enter Advanced Boot Options by pressing F8 during startup.

Use Command Prompt to rename system files and bypass the login screen by following the steps outlined earlier.

  • However, this method involves advanced commands and should be used cautiously to avoid system damage.

Q4: Is it safe to use Command Prompt to reset a Windows 11 password?

Yes, but with caveats. When used correctly, Command Prompt is a powerful tool for password resets. However:

  • Risk of Error: Incorrect commands can lead to unintended consequences, such as data loss or system instability.
  • Administrator Rights: You must have appropriate privileges or access to Advanced Boot Options.
  • For a safer alternative, consider using a professional tool like AOMEI Partition Assistant.
Roxanne
Roxanne · Staff Editor
Roxanne is an English editor of AOMEI Technology. She has got thorough training in offering solutions to common computer issues. With systematic training, her articles have helped the many users who need to be plagued by computers. In her spare time, Roxanne loves to paint pictures and read books.