How to Change Your Password from the Windows Lock Screen

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Modify your Windows login password if you forgot it

Co-authored by Brandon Phipps and Rain Kengly

Last Updated: October 2, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Microsoft Account Password
|
• Changing Your Sign-in PIN
|
• Changing Local Account Password
|
• Video

|Show more |Show less

If you've forgotten the password to a computer that runs Windows 10 or 11, or you simply want to change your password, you can do so directly from the login screen on your computer or laptop. This wikiHow will show you how to change your password from your Windows lock screen.

Easy Steps to Change Your Lock Screen Password

To reset or change your password, select a user account on the login screen. Select I forgot my password or I forgot my PIN. Verify the email associated with your Microsoft account, then use your Microsoft account log in information. Once you're back in, reset your PIN in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

Steps

Section 1 of 3:

Resetting Your Microsoft Account Password

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1. 1
   On the lock screen, select a user account. To reset a forgotten password from the Windows lock screen, you'll need access to the Microsoft account it's linked to.

   • If you're trying to get back into a local account that is not linked to a Microsoft account, see the Changing Local Account Password section instead.
   • If you already know your password or PIN, skip to this step to change the lock screen PIN from your settings.
2. 2
   Click I forgot my password. If you don't see this option, click the arrow next to the password field.

   • Alternatively, you can select Sign-in options and then Web sign-in.
   • You can also reset your password from any browser by visiting account.live.com/ResetPassword.aspx.
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3. 3
   Click Forgot password?. You should see this in the new pop-up window. If you see a prompt to enter a PIN, click the option: Use your password instead.
4. 4
   Click Get code. To verify your account, Microsoft will send a code to the associated email.

   • If you have a phone number linked, you can click Show more verification methods and select the text option instead.
5. 5
   Verify your account. Enter the code sent to your email address or phone number.
6. 6
   Enter a new password. Once you verify your account, you'll be able to reset your password. Choose a new password that is secure. If you have trouble remembering your passwords, you can look into password managers.

   • Your new password will be set. You can now log into your device.
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   Brandon Phipps

   Technology Specialist

   Brandon Phipps is a Technology Specialist based in Bakersfield, CA. He is the owner of Second Star Technologies and specializes in Managed IT Services for small and mid-sized businesses in Bakersfield, CA. With over 23 years of experience, he offers expert cloud computing, cybersecurity, and network management solutions. Brandon is a committed community member and coach who leads and innovates in tech and sports coaching. His dedication to local businesses and communities is evident in his hands-on, tailored approach to IT solutions.

   

   Brandon Phipps
   Technology Specialist

   Secure your digital life with online password best practices. Choose a long, easy-to-remember passphrase as your password. You should also avoid using the same password for multiple services or websites.
7. 7
   Change your PIN from settings (optional). If you already know your existing password or PIN, you can easily change it from your settings. Do the following:

   • Click the Start menu and select Settings.
   • Click Accounts.
   • Click Sign-in options.
   • Click Pin.
   • Click Change PIN.
   • Enter the current PIN and a new PIN.
     • Check the box for Include letters and symbols if you want your PIN to include those characters, similar to regular passwords.
   • Click OK.
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Section 2 of 3:

Changing Your Sign-in PIN

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1. 1
   On the lock screen, select a user account. If you don't know the PIN used to log into your account from the lock screen, you can sign in using your Microsoft account password and reset once you get back into your device.

   • If you know the PIN, skip to this step to change the lock screen PIN from your settings.
   • If you're trying to get back into a local account that is not linked to a Microsoft account, see the Changing Local Account Password section instead.
2. 2
   Click I forgot my PIN. If you don't see this option, click the arrow next to the password field.

   • Alternatively, you can select Sign-in options and then Web sign-in.
   • You can also reset your password from any browser by visiting account.live.com/ResetPassword.aspx.
3. 3
   Click Send code. This will send a code to the email address associated with your Microsoft account.

   • If you'd rather log in using your password, click the option: Use your password instead.
4. 4
   Enter the code or password. This will log you in.

   • If prompted, verify your account identity by clicking Email [your email], and then entering the code sent to you.
5. 5
   Click Continue. You'll see a warning to only reset your PIN if you forgot it or if it stopped working. When you reset a PIN, it may erase data from other synced organizations.
6. 6
   Enter a new pin and click OK. You'll need to enter it in both fields. If you want to include numbers, letters, and symbols, check the box at the bottom.

   • Your new PIN will be saved.
7. 7
   Change your PIN from settings (optional). If you already know your existing PIN, you can easily change it from your settings. Do the following:

   • Click the Start menu and select Settings.
   • Click Accounts.
   • Click Sign-in options.
   • Click Pin.
   • Click Change PIN.
   • Enter the current PIN and a new PIN.
     • Check the box for Include letters and symbols if you want your PIN to include those characters, similar to regular passwords.
   • Click OK.
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Section 3 of 3:

Changing Local Account Password

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1. 1
   On the lock screen, select a user account. Use this method if you're trying to log into a user account that is not connected to a Microsoft account. This is called a local account.

   • To reset a local account password, you'll need to know the answers to the security questions set up during account creation.
   • If you don't know the answers to the security questions, you'll need to reset your PC instead.
2. 2
   Click the arrow. This is on the right of the password field.
3. 3
   Click OK, and then select Reset password. In order to reset your password, you'll need to answer the security questions you set up during account creation.
4. 4
   Enter the security question answer. Once you enter the correct answer, you'll be prompted to enter a new password.
5. 5
   Set a new password and click OK. Your new password will be set.
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