What to Do If You Forget Your Windows Password
Summary: Basic info to help when you have forgotten your Windows password. This article has been superseded by the operating system specific articles within.
This article applies to
This article does not apply to
This article is not tied to any specific product.
Not all product versions are identified in this article.
Instructions
For more information, see the article specific to your operating system:
- Troubleshooting Windows 11 Microsoft Account Problems
- How to Reset a Microsoft Account Password for Windows 10 or Recover a Local Account Password
If you have tried these suggestions and still cannot sign in, see Microsoft article, Change or reset your Windows password.
See Microsoft's Help for accounts in Windows overview for help with different options to sign in to your Windows device such as Windows Hello or PIN.
Affected Products
Alienware, Dell All-in-One, Dell Pro All-in-One, Dell Pro Max Micro, Dell Pro Max Slim, Dell Pro Max Tower, Dell Pro Micro, Dell Pro Slim, Dell Pro Tower, Dell Slim, Dell Tower, Inspiron, Legacy Desktop Models, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series
, G Series, Alienware, Dell Plus, Dell Pro, Dell Pro Max, Dell Pro Plus, Dell Pro Premium, Inspiron, Latitude, Dell Pro Rugged, Vostro, XPS, Legacy Laptop Models, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations, Dell Pro Max Micro XE FCM2250, Dell Pro Max Slim XE FCS1250, Dell Pro Max Tower T2 XE FCT2250, Dell Pro Max 16 XE MC16250, Dell Pro Micro Plus XE QBM1250, Dell Pro Slim Plus XE5 QBS1250, Dell Pro Tower Plus XE5 QBT1250
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Article Properties
Article Number: 000178934
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 23 Jul 2025
Version: 15
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