[Step-by-Step Guide] How to Change Password Server 2012

Why need to change password Server 2012?

In today's digital world, ensuring the security of your Windows server is of critical importance. One crucial aspect of server security is to change password Server 2012 to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.

By changing your password periodically, you ensure that even if a password is compromised or outdated, reducing the likelihood of an attack.

How to change password in Windows Server 2012 (R2)?

The methods presented below are applicable to both Windows Server 2012 and Server 2012 (R2). Once you have successfully logged in, you will discover the method to reset the password for Windows Server 2012. Alternatively, if you find yourself unable to log in, we will explore how to reset the lost password without requiring login password. Hence, refer to the following content and select the approach that suits your situation.

Part 1. Change password Server 2012 after login

If you can still recall the current password or successfully gain access to the system, there are several methods available to change admin password server 2012. By employing these ways, you can effectively reset the forgotten password and regain control over your Server 2012 system.

Method 1. Change administrator password Windows Server 2012 using Control Panel

To proceed with resetting the admin or user account password in Server 2012, follow these step-by-step instructions:

Step 1. Access Control Panel and navigate to the "Change account type" option.

Step 2. Select the specific admin or user account that requires modification.

Step 3. Locate and click on the "Change the password" option.

Step 4. Enter your current password and then type in the desired new password. Additionally, set up a password hint for future reference. Finally, click on the "Change password" button to initiate a system restart.

Method 2. Change admin password Server 2012 via Command Prompt

To change password Windows Server 2012 command line, just follow these steps:

Step 1. Begin by pressing the Windows + X keys simultaneously to open the power user menu. From the options provided, select "Command Prompt (Admin)".

Step 2. In the newly opened Command Prompt window, input the following command line and press the Enter key:

net user [username] [password]

Once you see the message "The command completed successfully," it indicates that you can now log into Windows Server 2012 using the newly set password during your next login attempt.

Part 2. Reset password Server 2012 without login

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to reset the password on a Windows Server due to the loss of the previous password, this section offers two effective methods to assist you.

These methods are applicable to a range of Windows Server versions, including 2008 R2, 2012 R2, 2016, 2019, and 2022. By following the instructions provided in this section, you will be equipped with the necessary knowledge to reset the lost password and regain access to your Windows Server.

Method 1. Reset Windows Server 2012 password via installation disk

To reset the administrator password on Windows Server R2, please follow these step-by-step instructions:

Step 1. Start by inserting a Windows Server R2 installation USB or DVD and booting the system from it. On the "Language and other preferences" screen, click "Next".

Step 2. Select "Repair your computer".

Step 3. Choose "Troubleshoot".

Step 4. Click on "Command Prompt".

Step 5. In the Command Prompt, enter the following command:

MOVE C:\Windows\System32\Utilman.exe C:\Windows\System32\Utilman2.exe

COPY C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe C:\Windows\System32\Utilman.exe

This command replaces the Utilman file with the Command Prompt, enabling password reset functionality.

Step 6. Reboot the Windows system. On the login screen, click the "Ease of Access" icon.

Step 7. Enter the following command: net user [username] [new password]

Step 8. Set and confirm the desired password for the specified user.

Now, it is necessary to restore the changes made to the Utilman file back to its original state.

Step 1. Reboot the computer again using the Server R2 installation USB.

Step 2. Open the Command Prompt.

Step 3. Execute the following command:

MOVE C:\Windows\System32\Utilman2.exe C:\Windows\System32\Utilman.exe

Restart your server once more, and the process is complete. Your administrator password has been successfully reset, and the Utilman file is restored to its initial configuration.

Method 2. Change password Server 2012 with a password manager

If you encounter difficulties following the previous steps to reset the password on Server 2012 R2, there is an alternative solution that is easier to implement. AOMEI Partition Assistant Server is a powerful tool specifically designed for Windows Servers. It offers a convenient "Reset Password" function, enabling you to quickly reset passwords on Server 2025/2022/2019/2016/2012 in case of password loss. This tool ensures a straightforward and user-friendly process, even for beginners.

Here is a step-by-step guide to utilizing AOMEI Partition Assistant Server to reset the password on Server 2012 R2:

Step 1. Download and install AOMEI Partition Assistant Server on a PC that is operational. Launch the program and click on "Tools" followed by "Reset Windows Password" on the main interface.

Step 2. Click "Next" to initiate the creation of a bootable USB.

Step 3. Select the USB drive you have prepared and click "Proceed".

Step 4. Read the information provided and click "Yes" to proceed.

Step 5. Wait for the creation process to complete.

Step 6. After successfully creating the bootable USB, insert it into the Server 2012 R2 device. Adjust the boot drive settings to prioritize booting from the bootable USB device.

Step 7. When AOMEI Partition Assistant appears, click on "Reset Windows Password" and then click "Next".

Step 8. In this step, select the desired "User Name" and "Reset Account Password". Then, click "Next" to enter a new password.

Step 9. After completing the previous step, reboot the computer and log into Server 2012 R2 using the newly set password.

Conclusion

It is a vital step to change password Server 2012 for the security and overall well-being of your system. By carefully following the detailed instructions provided in this guide, you will be able to successfully change and reset the admin or local password in Window Server 2012.