Quickly Reset Windows 10 and 11 Passwords without any Tools

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of resetting your forgotten Windows 10 or 11 password without any external tools. By using the Command Prompt from the login screen, you will be able to create a new password for your account. This method is particularly useful if you find yourself locked out of your system and need a quick way to regain access.

Step 1: Access the Command Prompt

1. Boot to the login screen: Start your computer and wait until you reach the login screen where you enter your password.
2. Open the Ease of Access menu: On the bottom right corner of the login screen, click on the "Ease of Access" icon (it looks like a clock with a small person).
3. Launch Command Prompt: Instead of launching the Ease of Access features, you will replace it with Command Prompt.

Step 2: Replace Utilman with Command Prompt

1. Access the recovery options:
   • Restart your computer.
   • As it boots, repeatedly press the F8 key (or Shift + F8) until you see the recovery options.
2. Open Command Prompt:
   • Select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Command Prompt".
3. Backup the Utilman.exe file:
   • In the Command Prompt window, enter the following command to create a backup of Utilman.exe:

     copy C:\Windows\System32\Utilman.exe C:\Windows\System32\Utilman.exebackup
     

4. Replace Utilman.exe with cmd.exe:
   • Enter the following command to replace Utilman.exe with cmd.exe:

     copy C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe C:\Windows\System32\Utilman.exe /y
     

Step 3: Reset Your Password

1. Return to the login screen: Exit the Command Prompt and return to the login screen.
2. Open Command Prompt again:
   • Click the "Ease of Access" icon to launch Command Prompt.
3. Reset the password:
   • In the Command Prompt window, type the following command to reset your password:

     net localgroup administrators
     

   • This command will list all user accounts. Identify your account name and replace [account name] in the next command:

     net user [account name] *
     

   • You will be prompted to enter a new password. Type your new password and press Enter. You may be asked to confirm it.

Step 4: Restore Utilman.exe (Optional)

1. Open Command Prompt again as before.
2. Restore the original Utilman.exe:
   • Type the following command to restore the original file:

     copy C:\Windows\System32\Utilman.exebackup C:\Windows\System32\Utilman.exe /y
     

3. Exit Command Prompt and restart your computer.

Conclusion

You have successfully reset your Windows 10 or 11 password using the Command Prompt. Remember to keep your new password secure to avoid future lockouts. If necessary, consider setting up additional recovery options, such as security questions or a password reset disk, to simplify future access.