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I changed the password on my Windows 10 account earlier today but can't for the life of me remember what I changed it to. Therefore, when I log out or turn the computer off, I will not be able to log back in to my account.

The computer is still on, and I am still logged into the account in question. I currently have access. What can I do from here to reset the password?

Thanks gents! Sorry to be so stupid, I am kicking myself

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3 Answers 3

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If your user is a local user (not a Microsoft account like [email protected]), you can do this:

  1. Create a new user with admin privileges.
  2. Log off.
  3. Log in with the new user and change other user's password.

If it is a Microsoft account, try to login to that Microsoft service and change the password or try "I don't remember my password" and change it before you log off.

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What can I do from here to reset the password?

If you are still logged on you can use net user from a cmd shell to change the password.

Solution 1 (with prompts):

net user user_name *

Now enter a new password and retype the password to confirm the password.

Solution 2 (no prompts):

net user user_name new_password

Further Reading

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  • That's a good one. but I think it wont work with a Microsoft account, because it's not a "local user". In example, you can't use net user with an Active Directory user... even if your are logged in with it.
    – edumgui
    Apr 26, 2016 at 12:16
  • @Santeador Really? /domain : Performs the operation on the domain controller in the computer's primary domain.
    – DavidPostill
    Apr 26, 2016 at 12:18
  • My apologizes, you're right. Can you test it with a Microsoft account? I don't have a W10 nearby...
    – edumgui
    Apr 26, 2016 at 12:21
  • I don't have Windows 10 or AD to test it either :/
    – DavidPostill
    Apr 26, 2016 at 12:22
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    Tested. First, when you add a new user using Microsoft account, W10 adds a local user using first 5 characters of Microsoft user ID. You can see it at the users MMC (lusrmgr.msc). But if you try net user LocalID password it will tell you this: "System error 8646 has occurred. The system is not authoritative for the specified account and therefore cannot complete the operation. Please retry the operation using the provider associated with this account. If this is an online provider please use the provider's online site." ;-)
    – edumgui
    Apr 26, 2016 at 12:45
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Since you are still logged in this is easy.

While at the desktop do a Ctrl+Alt+Del on your keyboard

this will bring up a menu, select Change Password. You can change it as many times as you want if you do not log out, restart or shutdown.

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