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Resetting your Windows password is essential when you lose access to your Microsoft account. This guide explains step-by-step how to recover your account securely.
Whether you use a PIN or a password, Microsoft provides official recovery tools to help you regain access quickly.
Resetting via Sign-In Screen
If you sign in with a Microsoft account and forget your PIN, click I forgot my PIN on the sign-in screen. Enter your Microsoft account password. If you also forgot your password, click Forgot password.
Next, verify your identity. You can select Use a different verification option to choose how to receive your security code (email, SMS, or authenticator app). Once you receive the code, enter it, click Next, and if two-step verification is enabled, complete the second verification. Then create a new Microsoft account password and a new device PIN code.
If you don’t have a PIN set up, click I forgot my password and follow similar steps.
Note: After resetting successfully, restart your PC and sign in with the new password.
Note: You can go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and disable Only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device. This allows you to sign in using your standard password instead of a PIN, and even remove the PIN completely.
Resetting via Web Browser
You can also reset your password using any device (PC, phone, tablet) with internet access:
- Visit the official Microsoft Password Reset page:
https://account.live.com/ResetPassword.aspx
https://account.live.com/password/reset - Enter your Microsoft account email or phone number.
- Verify your identity by choosing how to receive the code (email, SMS, or authenticator app).
- Note: If you don’t see familiar options, use the Sign-in helper tool.
- Check your recovery method for the code, enter it on the reset page.
- If two-step verification is enabled, complete the second verification.
- Create a new password (minimum 8 characters, mix of letters and numbers).
- Click Next to confirm the change.
Signing Back In
Use your new password to log into Windows and all linked Microsoft services such as Outlook, OneDrive, and Xbox.
Important Notes
- If you’ve lost access to all recovery options, use the account recovery form and provide as much information as possible.
- Resetting your password updates it across all Microsoft services connected to the account.
- Offline or local accounts cannot be reset online; you must use offline recovery methods instead.
By following these steps, you can securely reset your Windows password and regain access to your Microsoft account.
Always keep your recovery options updated to ensure smooth access in the future.