Have you ever forgotten the password to your Windows 10 administrator account? It can be frustrating to find yourself locked out of your own computer, especially if you don’t have admin rights to reset the password. Thankfully, there are several methods you can try to regain access to your Windows 10 admin account without requiring admin rights. In this blog post, we will explore these methods and provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to reset your admin password.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we dive into the methods, there are a few things you will need in order to reset your admin password without admin rights:
- A bootable Windows 10 installation USB or DVD.
- Access to a separate computer with internet access.
Make sure you have these items ready before proceeding with the methods.
What Requires Your Focus?
Resetting your admin password without admin rights can be a delicate process, so it’s important to pay close attention to the steps and follow them carefully. Keep in mind that these methods may not work for all computers or situations, but they are worth a try if you’re locked out of your Windows 10 admin account.
Method 1: Using Command Prompt
The first method we will explore is using Command Prompt to reset your admin password without admin rights. This method involves booting your computer from a Windows 10 installation USB or DVD and using Command Prompt to change the admin password. Here are the steps:
- Insert the Windows 10 installation USB or DVD into your computer.
- Restart your computer.
- Boot your computer from the Windows 10 installation USB or DVD. You may need to change the boot order in your computer’s BIOS settings to prioritize the USB or DVD drive.
- Select your language preferences and click "Next".
- Click "Repair your computer" on the bottom left corner of the screen.
- Select "Troubleshoot" from the options.
- Select "Advanced options".
- Select "Command Prompt".
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command:
copy c:\windows\system32\sethc.exe c:\ - Next, type the following command to replace the sticky keys executable with the command prompt executable:
copy c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe c:\windows\system32\sethc.exe - Restart your computer by typing the following command:
wpeutil reboot - When your computer restarts, press the "Shift" key five times to open the Command Prompt instead of the sticky keys.
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command to reset your admin password:
net user [username] [new_password], replacing [username] with your admin account’s username and [new_password] with the new password you want to set. - Restart your computer and log in with your new admin password.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Doesn’t require admin rights to reset the password. | 1. Requires a Windows 10 installation USB or DVD. |
| 2. Relatively straightforward process. | 2. May not work for all computers or situations. |
| 3. Can be done without any additional software. | 3. Requires access to a separate computer to create the bootable installation USB or DVD. |
Method 2: Via Windows Password Recovery Tool
The second method we will explore is using a Windows password recovery tool to reset your admin password without admin rights. This method involves using a third-party software that specializes in resetting Windows passwords. Here are the steps:
- On a separate computer with internet access, download and install a Windows password recovery tool, such as "PassFab 4WinKey."
- Launch the Windows password recovery tool and insert a USB flash drive.
- Select the USB flash drive from the list of available devices and click "Burn".
- After the burning process is complete, remove the USB flash drive from the computer.
- Insert the USB flash drive into the computer you want to reset the admin password on.
- Restart the computer and boot from the USB flash drive. You may need to change the boot order in your computer’s BIOS settings to prioritize the USB drive.
- Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the Windows password recovery tool to reset your admin password.
- Remove the USB flash drive and restart your computer.
- Log in with your new admin password.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Doesn’t require admin rights to reset the password. | 1. Requires third-party software. |
| 2. Can work for all computers and situations. | 2. May not be a free software. |
| 3. Simple and user-friendly interface. | 3. Requires access to a separate computer to download and install the software. |
Method 3: Using Windows Installation Media
The third method we will explore is using Windows Installation Media to reset your admin password without admin rights. This method involves booting your computer from a Windows 10 installation USB or DVD and using the "Repair your computer" option to access the command prompt and reset the admin password. Here are the steps:
- Insert the Windows 10 installation USB or DVD into your computer.
- Restart your computer.
- Boot your computer from the Windows 10 installation USB or DVD. You may need to change the boot order in your computer’s BIOS settings to prioritize the USB or DVD drive.
- Select your language preferences and click "Next".
- Click "Repair your computer" on the bottom left corner of the screen.
- Select "Troubleshoot" from the options.
- Select "Advanced options".
- Select "Command Prompt".
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command to navigate to the Windows installation directory:
cd /d [drive_letter]:\Windows\System32, replacing [drive_letter] with the drive letter assigned to the Windows installation, such as "C:". You can use the "dir" command to list the available drives. - Type the following command to rename the sethc.exe file:
ren sethc.exe sethc.exe.bak - Next, type the following command to copy the cmd.exe file and rename it as sethc.exe:
copy cmd.exe sethc.exe - Restart your computer by typing the following command:
wpeutil reboot - When your computer restarts, press the "Shift" key five times to open the Command Prompt instead of the sticky keys.
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command to reset your admin password:
net user [username] [new_password], replacing [username] with your admin account’s username and [new_password] with the new password you want to set. - Restart your computer and log in with your new admin password.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Doesn’t require admin rights to reset the password. | 1. Requires a Windows 10 installation USB or DVD. |
| 2. Relatively straightforward process. | 2. May not work for all computers or situations. |
| 3. Can be done without any additional software. | 3. Requires access to a separate computer to create the bootable installation USB or DVD. |
Method 4: Via Microsoft Account Password Reset
The fourth method we will explore is resetting your admin password using the Microsoft Account password reset feature. This method requires that your Windows 10 admin account is linked to a Microsoft Account. Here are the steps:
- On a separate computer or mobile device with internet access, go to the Microsoft Account password reset page: https://account.live.com/password/reset
- Enter the email address associated with your Microsoft Account and click "Next".
- Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your identity. This may involve receiving a security code on your phone or alternate email address, answering security questions, or using the Microsoft Authenticator app.
- Once your identity is verified, you will be prompted to enter a new password. Enter the new password and click "Next".
- Restart your computer and log in with your Microsoft Account and new password.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Doesn’t require admin rights to reset the password. | 1. Requires a linked Microsoft Account. |
| 2. Can be done without any additional software. | 2. May not work if you don’t have access to a separate computer or device with internet access. |
| 3. Provides an extra level of security with the identity verification process. | 3. Limited to Windows 10 admin accounts linked to a Microsoft Account. |
Why Can’t I Reset My Admin Password Without Admin Rights?
If you’re wondering why you can’t reset your admin password without admin rights, here are a few common reasons:
- Windows security measures: Windows has built-in security measures to protect your computer and data. These security measures often require admin rights to modify system files or user accounts.
- User privacy: Admin rights are typically reserved for the owner or designated administrators of a computer. Resetting the admin password without admin rights could potentially compromise user privacy and security.
- Misuse of the feature: Allowing users to reset admin passwords without admin rights could be misused by malicious individuals to gain unauthorized access to computers.
While resetting your admin password without admin rights may not be recommended by Microsoft or other official sources, it can be helpful in certain situations where you’re locked out of your own computer and don’t have access to admin privileges. However, it’s important to use these methods responsibly and only on your own computer.
Implications and Recommendations
Here are a few recommendations for resetting your admin password without admin rights:
- Backup your data: Before attempting any password reset methods, it’s important to back up your important data to avoid potential data loss during the process.
- Use reputable software: If you’re using a Windows password recovery tool, make sure to research and choose a reputable software from trusted sources to ensure your computer’s security and privacy.
- Update your passwords regularly: To enhance the security of your computer, it’s recommended to update your passwords regularly and use strong, unique passwords for each account.
5 FAQs about Resetting Admin Password Without Admin Rights
Q1: Can I reset the admin password without admin rights using a local account?
A: No, the methods described in this blog post require a Windows 10 admin account with admin privileges or a linked Microsoft Account to reset the admin password.
Q2: Will resetting the admin password without admin rights delete my files?
A: Resetting the admin password without admin rights shouldn’t delete your files, but it’s always recommended to back up your data before attempting any password reset methods.
Q3: What should I do if none of the methods work for me?
A: If none of the methods described in this blog post work for you, it’s recommended to seek professional help or contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.
Q4: Are there any risks involved in resetting the admin password without admin rights?
A: While the methods described in this blog post are generally safe, there is always a slight risk of data loss or system instability. It’s important to follow the steps carefully and back up your data before attempting any password reset methods.
Q5: Can I use these methods to reset the admin password on Windows 7 or Windows 8?
A: The methods described in this blog post are specifically for resetting the admin password on Windows 10. The process may be different for Windows 7 or Windows 8.
Final Words
Resetting your admin password without admin rights on Windows 10 can be a challenging task, but with the right methods and precautions, it is possible to regain access to your computer. Whether you choose to use Command Prompt, a Windows password recovery tool, Windows Installation Media, or the Microsoft Account password reset feature, make sure to proceed with caution and follow the steps carefully. Remember to back up your data before attempting any password reset methods and maintain good password hygiene by updating your passwords regularly. If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to seek professional help or contact Microsoft Support. We hope this blog post has provided you with the guidance you need to reset your admin password without admin rights on Windows 10.