Being locked out of Windows 10 is a pain. The worst part is not even knowing if you can hack Windows to access it and solve your password problems. Much like blanking out when trying to remember your credit card details or forgetting your PIN, receiving a message that your Windows password is incorrect and being denied entry can be infuriating.
Sometimes all it takes is re-entering the password, disabling caps lock, or replacing a faulty keyboard on rare occasions. There are also times when everything works fine except your memory.
Fortunately, there is a solution to the problem, but it depends on the type of Windows account you are using.
The two types of Windows accounts
One type of Windows profile is the “Local” account, which is stored only on your computer. The second is a Microsoft account, which is linked to a registered email address, and it saves personalization settings, profile settings, etc. in the cloud for synchronization with other devices. 
When installing Windows, you are asked to choose the type of account you want to use and you can change it at any time in the Accounts section of the Windows Settings tool.
Using a Microsoft account is, unsurprisingly, Microsoft's preferred method because it automatically signs you into built-in Windows programs (like Microsoft Store, OneDrive, and Skype). This method also allows you to use a PIN code instead of your full password. Despite the advantages of a Microsoft account, many people still prefer to use a local account.
How to revert to an old password via System Restore
Maybe you've had the same password for years, then decide it's time to change. You make up a new devilishly complicated password, type it in twice as instructed, and then carry on as normal. If you go days between reboots, your new password might not be as memorable when you try to log back into Windows. Suddenly you are locked out.
If you have System Restauration enabled, this could be your ticket back to Windows 10. Be warned that Microsoft often disables System Restore after installing an update, so it's worth making sure it's running after every update. day.
Because you can't login to run System Restauration in Windows, you will need to start your computer using your original Windows installation disc. If you don't have one, move to another computer and create a Windows 10 installation USB or DVD. Typically, you use the Media Creation Tool and select which version (32-bit or 64-bit) to use on your media. Once you have inserted your "new" installation disc or USB stick, restart your computer and follow the steps below.
- Once the install/repair USB or DVD is loaded, confirm the operating system details and press Next.
- On the next screen, select Troubleshoot.
- In the next window, select System Restauration.
- When the System Restore window loads, hover over your account and click it.
- In the System Restore Password window, enter your credentials and click Continue.
- When System Restore loads, click Next to start the process.
- Choose your restore point and click Next.
- Confirm your restore point details and select Finish to start the restore process. You can also click Search the programs concerned in advance if you wish.
- When the warning window loads, select Yes to start the restoration.
- A small window appears confirming that the restore process is in progress.
- After the system restore completes and the operating system restarts, a small window appears displaying the restore status. Click on close to complete the process. If the restore failed, you'll see a notice instead, along with the details.
You can also use this method if you recently switched from a local account to a Microsoft account and cannot sign in. You will need a restore point dated before the change.
How to Reset a Local Account Password Using Sticky Keys
If the system restore method does not work, there is an alternative that handles the sticky keys shortcut on the Windows login screen (Sticky Keys in Windows allows you to use key combinations such as Ctrl + Alt + Del pressing a key). This trick only works with local accounts, so skip to the next section if you're using a Microsoft profile.
- Boot the USB or DVD installation as mentioned before, click Fix my computer, then select Command Prompt.
- You can take some of the following commands below from this Pastebin page to save you from having to type everything, but confirm all entries!
- In the command prompt, type « copier c : windowssystem32sethc.exe c : » without quotes, then press Enter (replace c: with another letter if your Windows installation is on another drive). This step ensures that you can reverse the process once you are back in Windows.
- Then type « copier c:windowssystem32cmd.exe c:windowssystem32sethc.exe » without quotes and confirm that the copy was successful. This step replaces the Sticky Keys program with the Command Prompt but retains its filename and shortcut.
- Restart your computer. When the Windows login screen appears, press the Shift key five times in quick succession. You will hear a beep, then a command prompt window will appear. If not, try repeating key presses.
- In this window, type "net user [username] [password]," replace [username] with your Windows account username and [password] with your new password. If you can't remember your username, type "net user" and press Enter to display all Windows accounts. hurry 'Enter' open a session.
- Close the Command Prompt window and log into Windows using your new password.
- Now that you are back in Windows, you can revert the Sticky Keys file to its previous state. Click on Start, taper "Cmd" without quotes, and press Enter. Taper « copier c:sethc.exe c:windowssystem32sethc.exe » without quotes and confirm that the copy was successful.
How to Reset a Microsoft Account Password
If you use a Microsoft account to sign in to Windows and you forgot the password, you may need to ask Microsoft for help to reset it.
- First, click on the I forgot my password link on the login screen.
- You will be prompted to enter the alternate email address or mobile phone number you provided when setting up your account. If neither works, you will need to complete an 'Account Recovery' Form. In addition to your word "memorable," the form asks for information such as addresses you've recently sent emails to, recent message subjects, and old account passwords.
As long as you can enter enough information, you will receive a password reset link via email. Otherwise, you will be told, "You have not provided us with enough information to confirm your identity", in which case it is best to contact Microsoft directly. You can do this via email or chat on the support page, but if online reporting is required, it may take several days before your account is finally reset.
Return to Windows
There are several ways to reset a password and get back to Windows 10 if you get stuck. Unless you want to wait for tech support to contact you after contacting, you'll want to start with another option.
Did you have any problems recovering/resetting your password? Share your experiences with Windows 10 lockdown below.
