Microsoft account

Go to account.live.com/password/reset on another device. Verify via email/SMS. Log in — Windows syncs automatically.

Local account — Security questions

On the login screen, click "I forgot my PIN" or "Reset password". Answer your security questions.

Local account — Windows RE method

  1. Boot from Windows 10/11 USB → Repair your computer → Troubleshoot → Command Prompt.
  2. Run: net user [username] [newpassword]
  3. Example: net user Curtis NewPass123
  4. Reboot and log in with the new password.

Third-party tools

Offline NT Password & Registry Editor (Pogostick) is a free bootable tool that blanks local account passwords. Works on Windows 7 through 11.