• Around The HomeToggle Menu

    • Entertainment
    • Productivity
    • Smart Home
  • FamilyToggle Menu

    • Parenting
    • Toys
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • ReviewsToggle Menu

    • Phones
    • Tablets
    • Laptops
    • Desktops
    • Wearables
    • Audio
    • Cameras
    • Headphones
    • Printers
    • Smart Home
    • TVs
    • Gaming and Video
  • One Cool ThingToggle Menu

    • Frugal Tech
    • Kickstarters
    • Videos
  1. Home
  2. Around The Home
  3. Productivity
  4. Troubleshooting: How to Unlock My Computer

Troubleshooting: How to Unlock My Computer

By: Casey Helmick
  • Share
  • Share on Facebook

Many Windows-based computers have a password protection system that forces users to enter a password before they can access any files on the computer. While this security measure is perfect for protecting important documents, this can often lead to users forgetting their password and getting locked out of their computers. There are a few simple processes that users can take to reset any forgotten passwords.

...
Did you forget your computer password?

Step

Hit "Control," "Alt" and "Delete" on your keyboard all at the same time and hold them for a few seconds. Select "Restart" from the list of options presented in the Task Manager. If you cannot get to the task manager using this method, manually shut down your computer by pressing and holding the power button. Wait about 30 seconds before turning the computer back on.

Step

Wait for the computer to get to the Windows logo then press and hold "Control," "Alt" and "Delete." The classic login box will appear. Type "Administrator" in the dialogue box marked "User" and leave the password box empty. Click "Sign in" or hit "Enter" and wait for Windows to load the administrator profile.

Video of the Day

Step

Click the "Start" button on the bottom-left corner of your screen. Scroll through the list of programs until you find "Control Panel" and open it.

Step

Locate the "User Accounts" tool. In the "User Accounts" window, select the password tab. Locate the account that you wish to reset the password for and select the text box with the black dots in it. Delete these dots and enter the password that you wish to use. Re-enter the new password in the "Confirm New Password" area. Click "Apply."

Step

Close all of the open windows. Then, click your "Start" menu and select "Restart." Wait for Windows to restart and this time allow it to boot up normally. Enter the new password into the "Password" dialogue box and hit "Enter."

Show Comments

Related Articles

How do I Delete a Websense Password?

How do I Delete a Websense Password?

Around The Home
Productivity
By: Seth Amery
How to Change a Password Logon for a Dell Computer

How to Change a Password Logon for a Dell Computer

Around The Home
Productivity
By: Charles Poole
How to Find the Password of a PC on a LAN

How to Find the Password of a PC on a LAN

Around The Home
Productivity
By: TS Jordan
How to Unlock a Computer Without a Password Reset Disk

How to Unlock a Computer Without a Password Reset Disk

Around The Home
Productivity
By: TS Jordan
How to Delete a User from My Computer

How to Delete a User from My Computer

Around The Home
Productivity
By: David Casselbury
I Forgot the Password to My Laptop: How Can I Get Back In?

I Forgot the Password to My Laptop: How Can I Get Back In?

Around The Home
Productivity
By: TracyM
  • HOW WE SCORE
  • ABOUT US
  • CONTACT US
  • TERMS
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • COPYRIGHT POLICY
  • Advertise

An error occurred. Try again later.

Thanks for signing up!
© 2019 Leaf Group Ltd. Leaf Group Media

Get great tech advice delivered to your inbox.

Keep your family productive, connected, entertained, and safe.

Please enter a valid email.