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

Password reset doesn’t work in Windows 10 — this usually happens when the account type, network connectivity, corrupted system files, or misconfigured sign-in options block the reset process. In this article you’ll learn the ten most common causes and step-by-step fixes so you can regain access to your account or successfully reset the password.

Key Takeaway

Most password reset failures are caused by account type mismatches (Microsoft vs. local), connectivity issues, or system corruption; verify your account type, ensure internet and services are working, and run built-in repair tools (like SFC and DISM) before attempting more invasive recoveries.

Quick Fix Guide

Reason for the Problem	Quick Solution
1. Confusion between Microsoft account and Local account	Verify whether the account is a Microsoft account or Local account in Settings > Accounts > Your info.
2. No internet connection for Microsoft account reset	Connect to the internet (Wi‑Fi or Ethernet) before using the online password recovery.
3. Disabled or misconfigured Windows Hello / sign-in options	Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and reset or disable problematic sign-in methods.
4. Corrupted user profile or system files	Run sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth from an elevated Command Prompt.
5. Disabled built-in Administrator or no other admin account	Enable the built-in Administrator or create another admin using net user from WinRE or Safe Mode.
6. Group Policy or security software blocking reset	Temporarily disable third-party security software and check gpedit.msc or registry policies.
7. Broken or inaccessible password reset disk / recovery key	Use alternative recovery methods (Microsoft account recovery online, System Restore, or Safe Mode).
8. Incorrect time or regional settings interfering with authentication	Correct time/date and timezone in Settings > Time & Language and resync with internet time.
9. BitLocker or full-disk encryption preventing access	Unlock the drive with your BitLocker recovery key before attempting reset.
10. Windows update or driver conflict	Boot to Safe Mode or uninstall recent updates via Settings > Update & Security > View update history or Advanced startup.

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

1. Microsoft account vs Local account confusion

Why this causes the problem

• A Microsoft account password is managed online by Microsoft (linked to an email or phone), while a Local account password is stored only on that PC. Trying the wrong reset path (online reset for a local account or local reset for a Microsoft account) will fail.

Step-by-step solution

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Your info.
2. If it shows an email (e.g., name@outlook.com), you have a Microsoft account — use the online recovery at https://account.microsoft.com/password/reset.
3. If it shows “Local account” or a username without an email, you must reset locally:
   • Boot to the sign-in screen, click I forgot my password (for Microsoft accounts) — this won’t appear for local accounts.
   • For local accounts without other admin access, boot into Safe Mode with Command Prompt (see below) and enable the built-in admin or reset password with net user.
4. To convert a Microsoft account to local (if desired): Settings > Accounts > Your info > Sign in with a local account instead.

Notes

• If you must use the Microsoft recovery page, do it on another device and ensure you can receive the verification email/text.

2. No internet connection for Microsoft account reset

Why this causes the problem

• Microsoft account verification and reset require network access. If the PC is offline or blocked, online reset cannot complete.

Step-by-step solution

1. At the lock screen, click the Network icon (bottom-right) to connect to Wi‑Fi or plug in Ethernet.
2. If you can’t access network from sign-in screen:
   • Click Accessibility > Network options or use Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt (if available) and run ipconfig /renew.
3. After connecting, go to https://account.microsoft.com/password/reset on another device and reset; then sign in on the PC with the new password.

Tips

• Some corporate networks block traffic; try a home network or hotspot if possible.

3. Disabled or misconfigured Windows Hello / sign-in options

Why this causes the problem

• Misconfigured sign-in options (PIN, fingerprint, Windows Hello) can prevent fallback to password or can corrupt sign-in state.

Step-by-step solution

1. Sign in (if possible) and open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
2. Remove or reset any problematic methods: click Remove beside Windows Hello PIN or Fingerprint then add a new one.
3. If you cannot sign in, boot to Safe Mode:
   • Hold Shift while selecting Restart from the sign-in screen to access Advanced startup > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart then choose Enable Safe Mode.
4. In Safe Mode, open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and remove PIN or biometric credentials.

Notes

• Removing a PIN does not remove your Windows password; it only forces password sign-in.

4. Corrupted user profile or system files

Why this causes the problem

• Corrupted profiles or system files can cause sign-in errors and prevent password changes from completing.

Step-by-step solution

1. Boot into Safe Mode with Networking (see previous section).
2. Open Command Prompt as admin: press Start, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
3. Run system file checks:
   • sfc /scannow
   • If SFC finds issues, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4. After completion, restart and try signing in or resetting password.

Advanced: If profile corruption persists, create a new local admin account:

1. From elevated CMD: net user NewAdmin P@ssw0rd /add
2. Make admin: net localgroup Administrators NewAdmin /add
3. Sign in with NewAdmin, migrate data from old profile (C:\Users\OldUser).

Tips

• Running these commands may require internet for DISM to fetch repair files.

5. Disabled built-in Administrator or no other admin account

Why this causes the problem

• Without an administrator, you cannot change local account passwords. If the built-in Administrator is disabled, recovery becomes harder.

Step-by-step solution

1. Boot into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE): hold Shift and click Restart.
2. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
3. In the Command Prompt, enable the built-in admin:
   • net user Administrator /active:yes
   • Optionally set a password: net user Administrator MyNewPass123
4. Restart, sign in as Administrator, then open Control Panel > User Accounts to reset other passwords: net user username newpassword.

Notes

• Disable the built-in Administrator after recovery for security: net user Administrator /active:no.

6. Group Policy or security software blocking reset

Why this causes the problem

• Group Policy settings or antivirus tools can block password reset features, especially in corporate environments.

Step-by-step solution

1. If on a personal PC, temporarily uninstall third-party antivirus:
   • Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find your security tool and Uninstall.
2. Check Group Policy (Home edition may not have gpedit.msc):
   • Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, navigate to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options and review password-related policies.
3. To revert suspicious policy changes, use gpupdate /force in elevated CMD or restore registry keys if edited.

Tips

• If the PC is managed by an organization, contact IT before changing Group Policy or uninstalling security software.

7. Broken or inaccessible password reset disk / recovery key

Why this causes the problem

• A password reset disk or recovery drive is only valid if created previously; if it’s missing or corrupted, it won’t help.

Step-by-step solution

1. If you have a previously created password reset disk (USB), insert it and follow the reset wizard on the sign-in screen.
2. If you used BitLocker recovery key: retrieve it from your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey.
3. If no disk exists, use alternative paths:
   • Microsoft online recovery (for Microsoft accounts).
   • Boot into Safe Mode or WinRE and enable built-in Administrator (see earlier).

Tips

• Create a password reset disk after you recover access: search Create a password reset disk in Control Panel.

8. Incorrect time or regional settings interfering with authentication

Why this causes the problem

• Authentication tokens and security verification rely on correct system time; large clock skew can cause authentication servers to reject sign-ins.

Step-by-step solution

1. Sign in (or use Safe Mode) and open Settings > Time & Language.
2. Toggle Set time automatically to On and choose correct Time zone.
3. To force a sync: open elevated CMD and run w32tm /resync.
4. Reboot and retry password reset or sign-in.

Notes

• If the clock keeps drifting, check CMOS battery on older machines.

9. BitLocker or full-disk encryption preventing access

Why this causes the problem

• If drives are encrypted with BitLocker, the operating system may prevent modification and access unless the drive is unlocked with the proper recovery key.

Step-by-step solution

1. At boot, if prompted for a BitLocker recovery key, retrieve it from account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey or your organization’s key vault.
2. Enter the recovery key to unlock the drive.
3. Once unlocked, sign in and perform password reset operations.
4. If you are using a pre-boot authentication, ensure the keyboard layout is correct (e.g., US vs. international).

Tips

• Store BitLocker keys safely (Microsoft account, USB, printed copy).

10. Windows update or driver conflict

Why this causes the problem

• Recent updates or driver changes can break sign-in components, leading to failed resets or inability to reach the reset UI.

Step-by-step solution

1. Boot to Safe Mode:
   • Advanced startup > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart > Enable Safe Mode.
2. In Safe Mode, open Settings > Update & Security > View update history and uninstall recent updates that coincide with the issue: Uninstall updates.
3. Roll back suspect drivers via Device Manager: right-click device > Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver.
4. If necessary, perform a System Restore:
   • Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore and pick a restore point before the problem started.

Notes

• Keep Windows updated after resolving the issue; monitor update feedback.

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When to use System Restore, Reset this PC, or reinstall Windows

Why choose each option

• System Restore reverts system files and settings (safe, preserves personal files if a restore point exists).
• Reset this PC reinstalls Windows with option to keep or remove your files (useful when corruption is widespread).
• Clean reinstall is last resort when other fixes fail.

Steps

1. System Restore:
   • Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore → choose a restore point → follow prompts.
2. Reset this PC:
   • Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC → choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
3. Clean reinstall:
   • Create installation media via Media Creation Tool on another PC, boot from USB, and follow installer prompts.

Precautions

• Back up important data before Reset or reinstall.
• Note product keys and app licenses; some software may require reactivation.

FAQ

How can I prevent password reset problems in the future?

Keep a local admin account or a password reset disk, ensure your Microsoft account recovery info (alternate email and phone) is up to date, and back up BitLocker keys. Regularly create system restore points before major changes.

Can I reset a Windows 10 password without knowing the current password?

Yes — using a Microsoft account recovery online, using the built-in Administrator (enabled via WinRE), or third-party recovery tools from a bootable USB. Always prefer built-in or official methods for security.

Are third-party password recovery tools safe to use?

Only use reputable tools from trusted vendors; third-party tools can risk data loss or malware. Prefer Microsoft-supported methods or consult a professional if unsure.

What if my account is managed by an organization (work/school)?

Contact your IT department — organization policies or Azure AD/Active Directory may restrict local resets. IT can reset passwords or provide recovery steps.

Does resetting a password affect encrypted files (EFS) or BitLocker?

Resetting a local account password can make EFS-encrypted files inaccessible if you lose the original encryption keys; BitLocker requires its recovery key to unlock drives. Back up encryption keys and store BitLocker recovery keys safely.

Conclusion

Most cases where Password reset doesn’t work in Windows 10 stem from account-type confusion, connectivity, or system corruption; verify account type, ensure network and time settings are correct, run SFC/DISM, and use Safe Mode or WinRE to enable admin access if needed. Follow the step-by-step fixes above to recover access safely and prevent future issues.