Locked Computer Forgot Password: How to Regain Access to Your Device

Why does a computer get locked?

Before we delve into the solutions, it's essential to understand why your computer gets locked in the first place. Security is a top priority for all operating systems, and setting up a password is a standard method to protect your data from unauthorized access.

However, when you forget your password, your computer becomes inaccessible, safeguarding your personal information from potential threats. It's a common problem that can happen to anyone, but fear not! we've got you covered with easy-to-follow methods to get into the locked computer when forgot password.

Four solutions on opening locked PC when forgot password

When faced with the situation of forgetting the password to access a locked PC, computer users have four objective solutions to resolve this issue effectively.

★ Solution 1. Answer the secure questions

To address a lost password situation with a method that upholds objectivity and security, users can opt for the process of answering the designated security questions to facilitate the password change.

Step 1. Click the "Reset password" button displayed on the login screen.

Step 2. On the subsequent interface, answer the security questions one by one. Follow the provided instructions to input a new password, and then use this new password to log in to Windows.

 ★ Solution 2. Using the prepared password reset disk

For computer users seeking a reliable method to change a forgotten password, employing a prepared password reset disk serves as an objective and effective solution. But there’s a premise: the disk need to be created before you losing the password.

Step 1. Insert the password reset USB and click on "Reset password".

Step 2. The Password Reset Wizard will appear, click "Next".

Step 3. In the new window, select the password reset disk and click "Next".

Step 4. Input the new password and a password hint, then click "Next".

Step 5. Once you see the following interface, click "Finish".

 ★ Solution 3. Change the password on the Microsoft page

If you are locked out of computer when forgot password, you can try to reset the password with related email. To change the password on the Microsoft page, you can follow the objective process without any data lose.

Step 1. Turn to the Microsoft password reset page and enter your email address (or phone number). Then, click "Next".

Step 2. The system will verify your identity. Follow the provided steps to complete this verification.

Step 3. In the new window, you can proceed to reset the lost password for your Windows 10 account.

 ★ Solution 4. Reset the PC password with Windows installation disk

Resetting the PC password using a Windows installation disk involves a straightforward and technical process. By utilizing the installation disk, users can efficiently reset the password.

Step 1. Connect the installation disk to the HP laptop and boot the PC from it. Once the Windows installing screen appears, press "Shift + F10" to access the Command Prompt (CMD).

Step 2. In the CMD window, type the following commands: "copy c:\windows\system32\sethc.exe c:" and "copy c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe c:\windows\system32\sethc.exe" and then press "Enter." Remove the installation disk and run the "wpeutil reboot" command to restart the PC.

Step 3. When the logging-in interface appears, press "Shift" five times to trigger the CMD window again. Input "net user cocosenor *" and press "Enter." You will be prompted to type a password for the user. Press "Enter" to set the password as blank.

Step 4. Restart your PC, and you will find that your PC can now be unlocked without a password.

The best method to access PC without password

There is an alternative method to unlock a PC without a password-utilizing AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. This powerful tool supports various devices running on Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP.

Once you create a bootable USB, you can easily reset or remove the forgotten password for your HP laptop using Windows PE. Rest assured, the user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) and step-by-step guidance will simplify the process for you, eliminating any concerns about complicated operations.

Furthermore, it offers advanced functionalities, such as Delete large files, Convert between MBR and GPT, Wipe hard drive and so on, making it an all-encompassing solution for managing your PC effectively.

Step 1. Connect an empty USB to a functional Windows computer. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. In the main interface, click on "Tools" and select "Reset Windows Password".

Step 2. A pop-up window will appear. Click "Next" to create a WinPE bootable media.

Step 3. Choose the "USB Boot Device" option and select the prepared USB drive. Click "Proceed" to continue.

Step 4. Keep in mind that the USB flash drive will be formatted during this process. Click "Yes" to confirm.

Step 5. Once the bootable USB is created, insert it into the target computer and modify the boot order to prioritize booting from the USB.

Step 6. As the computer starts, the AOMEI Partition Assistant interface will automatically appear. Click "Reset Windows Password" and select the desired Windows system (e.g., Windows 10). Click "Next" to proceed.

Step 7. Next, choose the account you want to work on and select the desired action: "Remove Account Password" or "Reset Account Password". Click "Next".

Step 8. Enter the new password and confirm it, then click "Yes". You can now log in to your computer using the newly set password.

Last word

Getting into the locked computer when forgot password is a solvable issue. Remember to stay calm and try to remember your password first. If that doesn't work, utilize the password reset options available to you, such as using your Microsoft account, trying a password reset disk, or asking AOMEI Partition Assistant for help.

In addition, to change the Windows Server PC password, you need to upgrade to the Server Version.