13 reasons why Password doesn’t work in Windows 10 (and how to fix it)

Password doesn’t work in Windows 10 — if your account password refuses to authenticate at the sign-in screen, the cause can be anything from a simple keyboard layout or Caps Lock problem to corrupted profile files, account lockouts, or Windows updates that break the sign-in process. This article explains the most common causes and shows clear, step‑by‑step fixes so you can get back into Windows quickly and safely.

Key Takeaway

If a password won’t work, first rule out simple input issues (Caps Lock, Num Lock, keyboard layout) and Microsoft account sync problems; if those don’t help, use built‑in recovery options (online Microsoft password reset, Safe Mode, or the built‑in Administrator account) and run repair tools (System Restore, SFC/DISM) before attempting more advanced resets.

Quick Fix Guide

Reason for the Problem	Quick Solution
1. Caps Lock / Num Lock / wrong keyboard layout	Toggle Caps Lock/Num Lock, try the On‑Screen Keyboard, and switch language layout.
2. Wrong password / recent password change	Use password reset for Microsoft account or try previous passwords for local account.
3. Microsoft account sync issue	Reset password at https://account.microsoft.com/password/reset or sign in online to confirm.
4. Windows Hello/biometric failure	Use Sign‑in options to switch to password or remove/re‑set up Windows Hello.
5. Keyboard hardware or driver issue	Try another keyboard or use On‑Screen Keyboard and update/reinstall keyboard drivers.
6. Corrupted user profile	Boot to Safe Mode, create a new admin account, copy files from the broken profile.
7. Account disabled or locked out	Use another admin account to re‑enable or wait for lockout to expire; adjust Account lockout policy.
8. Domain/AD credential issues	Contact your domain admin or reconnect to the domain; use cached credentials only when network unavailable.
9. Group Policy or Local Security settings	Check gpedit.msc / secpol.msc for restrictive policies; revert recent changes.
10. Windows Update or startup error	Boot Safe Mode or use System Restore to roll back recent updates.
11. Corrupted authentication files	Run sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth from an elevated command prompt.
12. Malware or security software interference	Boot to Safe Mode with Networking, run a malware scan or uninstall recent security software.
13. Forgotten local password with no recovery	Use password reset disk, Microsoft account recovery, or trusted recovery tools; as last resort, create a new admin via recovery environment.

Detailed Fixes for “Password doesn’t work in Windows 10”

H3 1. Caps Lock, Num Lock, or wrong keyboard layout
Why it causes the problem:
If Caps Lock or Num Lock is on, or the keyboard layout changed (for example from US to UK), the characters you type won’t match the password.

Step‑by‑step solution:

1. Check the sign‑in screen for small indicators: CAPS, NUM, or language code (e.g., ENG). Toggle Caps Lock and Num Lock on your keyboard.
2. Click the language indicator (bottom right) and select the correct layout (e.g., ENG US).
3. If unsure, click Ease of Access > On‑Screen Keyboard on the sign-in screen and type your password with the mouse.
   Notes: Many keyboards have small LED indicators for Caps/Num; the On‑Screen Keyboard is an easy test.

H3 2. Wrong password or recent password change
Why it causes the problem:
You might be entering an old password after you changed it on another device or through Microsoft account.

Step‑by‑step solution:

1. If using a Microsoft account, try signing in at https://account.microsoft.com to verify your password.
2. If confirmed wrong, reset your Microsoft password at https://account.microsoft.com/password/reset.
3. For a local account, try older passwords you remember. If none work, follow the “Forgotten local password” steps below.
   Notes: If you change a Microsoft account password on a phone, Windows may require network access to sync; offline attempts can fail until a network connection is available.

H3 3. Microsoft account sync issue
Why it causes the problem:
Windows uses credentials cached locally; if your device hasn’t synced since a password change (or the PC can’t reach Microsoft servers), sign-in may fail.

Step‑by‑step solution:

1. Make sure the PC has network access: at the sign‑in screen click Network (bottom right) and connect to Wi‑Fi.
2. If online, use the updated password after syncing; if not, boot to Safe Mode with Networking (see H3 10) and sign in.
3. If necessary, reset password via Microsoft’s online reset page.
   Notes: If you changed the password recently on another device, wait a few minutes for propagation.

H3 4. Windows Hello or biometric failure
Why it causes the problem:
Windows Hello (facial or fingerprint) can fail due to driver or sensor issues, and sometimes Windows tries Hello first and ignores the password field.

Step‑by‑step solution:

1. At the sign‑in screen, click Sign‑in options and choose the password icon to switch to password entry.
2. Once signed in: go to Settings > Accounts > Sign‑in options to remove and re‑configure Windows Hello.
3. Update device drivers: Device Manager > Biometric devices, right‑click and Update driver.
   Notes: Removing and re‑setting Hello often fixes object/driver mismatches.

H3 5. Keyboard hardware or driver issue
Why it causes the problem:
A failing keyboard, incorrect driver, or USB issue can cause wrong characters to be entered.

Step‑by‑step solution:

1. Try a different USB port or plug in another keyboard.
2. Use On‑Screen Keyboard at the sign‑in screen.
3. After signing in (if possible) open Device Manager, expand Keyboards, right‑click and choose Uninstall device, then Action > Scan for hardware changes to reinstall.
   Notes: Wireless keyboards may need batteries or a working dongle; try plugging a wired keyboard to rule out wireless issues.

H3 6. Corrupted user profile
Why it causes the problem:
If your user profile is corrupted, Windows might fail to load it and refuse sign‑in even with the correct password.

Step‑by‑step solution:

1. Boot into Safe Mode: on sign‑in screen hold Shift and click Restart > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart, then choose Safe Mode.
2. If you can sign in to Safe Mode, create a new admin account: Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Add someone else to this PC.
3. Copy your files from the old profile folder C:\Users\OldProfile to the new account folder.
4. If Safe Mode doesn’t help, use System Restore (see H3 10) to revert to earlier state.
   Notes: Do not delete the old profile until you’ve recovered important files.

H3 7. Account disabled or locked out
Why it causes the problem:
Local admin or domain policies can disable or lock accounts after repeated failed attempts.

Step‑by‑step solution:

1. If you have another admin account, sign in and open Computer Management > Local Users and Groups (lusrmgr.msc), find the user, right‑click Properties, uncheck Account is disabled.
2. For lockouts: open Local Security Policy (secpol.msc) > Account Policies > Account Lockout Policy to view/reset thresholds.
3. Wait for the lockout duration if configured, or an admin can reset it.
   Notes: lusrmgr.msc isn’t available in Home edition; use net user username /active:yes from an elevated Command Prompt.

H3 8. Domain and Active Directory credential issues
Why it causes the problem:
If your PC is joined to a domain and group policies or AD changes occur, domain authentication can fail.

Step‑by‑step solution:

1. Ensure the PC is connected to the domain network (wired network or VPN).
2. If you’re offsite, use previously cached credentials or contact your domain admin to reset the password or rejoin the PC to the domain.
3. If domain trust is broken, an admin may need to disjoin/rejoin the machine.
   Notes: Domain issues are typically handled by IT; keep an alternate local admin account for emergencies.

H3 9. Group Policy or Local Security settings blocking sign-in
Why it causes the problem:
Policies might accidentally remove passwords as a sign-in option or restrict logons.

Step‑by‑step solution:

1. From an admin account, run gpedit.msc (Pro and higher) and review policies under Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings.
2. Check secpol.msc for local policy changes under Local Policies > User Rights Assignment, e.g., Deny log on locally.
3. Revert recent policy changes or restore from a policy backup.
   Notes: Home editions don’t have gpedit; use registry changes carefully if required.

H3 10. Windows Update or startup error causing sign-in loop
Why it causes the problem:
Some updates or system file errors can interrupt the login process and create loops where the password is rejected.

Step‑by‑step solution:

1. From the sign‑in screen: hold Shift and click Restart to reach Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore and choose a restore point before the update.
2. If no restore point, use Advanced options > Startup Settings to boot into Safe Mode and uninstall recent updates from Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates.
3. If needed, perform an in-place repair using Windows 10 installation media (choose Repair your computer).
   Notes: Create restore points and backups to protect against update issues.

H3 11. Corrupted authentication or system files
Why it causes the problem:
If authentication DLLs or system files are corrupted, Windows cannot validate passwords.

Step‑by‑step solution:

1. Boot to Safe Mode or another admin account.
2. Open Command Prompt as admin and run:
   • sfc /scannow
   • If problems persist, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
3. Reboot and test sign-in.
   Notes: These commands can repair missing or corrupted system files used in authentication.

H3 12. Malware or security software interference
Why it causes the problem:
Malware or a security product can block logon or damage authentication components.

Step‑by‑step solution:

1. Boot into Safe Mode with Networking and run a full scan with Windows Defender or a reputable offline malware scanner (e.g., Microsoft Safety Scanner).
2. If a recent security software install coincides with the issue, uninstall it from Settings > Apps in Safe Mode.
3. After cleaning, reboot and test sign-in.
   Notes: Boot-time scans and removal tools can detect persistent infections.

H3 13. Forgotten local password with no recovery options
Why it causes the problem:
If you forgot a local account password and don’t have a password reset disk or Microsoft account, you can’t sign in normally.

Step‑by‑step solution:

1. If possible, use a Microsoft account instead; otherwise boot to Windows Recovery Environment (hold Shift while clicking Restart).
2. Use Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt and enable the built‑in Administrator:
   • Identify drive letter for Windows (often C:), then run:
     • net user administrator /active:yes
3. Restart and sign into the built‑in Administrator (no password by default unless set) and create/reset your user’s password: net user username newpassword
4. Disable the built‑in Administrator afterwards: net user administrator /active:no
   Notes & warnings: Enabling the built‑in Administrator is a powerful step—only use if you control the device. Alternatively, use a password reset disk or official recovery tools. Some recovery steps require an admin and are advanced.

Additional Section: Preventive Measures and Recovery Tools

• Always link your primary account to a Microsoft account or create a password reset disk: Control Panel > User Accounts > Create a password reset disk.
• Create a secondary admin user account for emergencies.
• Enable System Restore and create restore points before major updates: Control Panel > System > System Protection.
• Keep a copy of important data on external drives or cloud storage to avoid data loss if account recovery requires rebuilding.
• Useful recovery links: https://account.microsoft.com/password/reset (Microsoft reset), and Microsoft’s Recovery Drive creation: Control Panel > Recovery > Create a recovery drive.

FAQ

H4 Can I bypass Windows 10 password without losing files?
Yes, in many cases you can avoid data loss by enabling the built‑in Administrator using recovery options or by creating a new admin account from Safe Mode and copying files from the old profile; avoid factory reset unless you have backups.

H4 How can I view failed sign‑in attempts or diagnose why Windows refused the password?
Use Event Viewer > Windows Logs > Security after signing in with an admin account to view Audit Failure events and details about failed sign‑in attempts.

H4 Is it safe to enable the built‑in Administrator to recover my account?
It’s safe if you control the PC and disable it after use (net user administrator /active:no). Enabling it temporarily is a common recovery method, but don’t leave it enabled long‑term.

H4 How do I switch from password sign‑in to PIN or Windows Hello to avoid future problems?
After you regain access: go to Settings > Accounts > Sign‑in options, set up a PIN (Windows Hello PIN) or biometric login. PIN is machine‑specific and quicker to recover than full passwords.

H4 What if I can’t sign in and don’t want to use command line recovery tools?
Contact a professional or trusted IT support; if the device is under warranty or corporate-managed, your IT department or manufacturer can assist with recovery options that preserve data.

Conclusion

Most sign‑in problems are caused by input issues, account sync, or corrupted system files and can be fixed with simple checks (Caps Lock, keyboard layout, Microsoft password reset) or by using Safe Mode and built‑in recovery tools. Following the steps above will resolve nearly all instances of Password doesn’t work in Windows 10, and preventive measures (backup accounts, recovery drives, and restore points) will make future recoveries easier.