Forgot your local Windows password but have access to an administrator account? You can reset it with net user without entering the old password. Here’s how to choose the right account and use a hidden password prompt on Windows 11 or Windows 10, including Home editions.
Open Command Prompt with administrator access
This method resets a local Windows account password, not a Windows Hello PIN or a Microsoft account’s cloud password. If you know your current password, use Settings as described below, because an administrator reset without the old password can make EFS-encrypted files inaccessible.
Search Start for Command Prompt. Select Run as administrator. Approve the elevation prompt, supplying administrator credentials if requested. Administrator privileges are required for the reset.
Find the exact local account name
This prevents a reset attempt using the wrong account name. Run net user in the elevated Command Prompt by typing it and pressing Enter. Find the account you want to reset in the returned list. Use that exact name, rather than its displayed name or profile-folder name.
Set the password with the hidden prompt
Keep the elevated Command Prompt open and use the account name you just found.
- 1.Type net user "AccountName" *, replacing AccountName with the exact local account name and keeping the quotation marks.
- 2.Press Enter to start the password prompt. Leave out
/domainso the command targets the local PC. - 3.Enter the new password and press Enter. Nothing appears as you type. That’s expected.
- 4.Enter the same password again when prompted, then press Enter.
Troubleshoot a reset that fails
Check that you opened Command Prompt through Run as administrator. An ordinary session does not provide the administrator privileges required for this reset.
Run net user again to check the account name against the local account list. Retry net user "AccountName" * with the exact name, leaving out /domain. That switch changes the target to a domain controller.
Choose a replacement that meets the account’s password requirements if Windows rejects the new password. Password policy can block a replacement.
Tip: Keep using the asterisk prompt so password characters are not interpreted as part of the command.
Change a password you already know
For a routine password change, use Settings. This route asks for your existing local password.
Open Settings. Go to Accounts > Sign-in options > Password > Change. Supply your current password when prompted.
Enter your replacement in New password. Re-enter it in Confirm password. Complete the remaining password-change wizard prompts to save the change.
Recover access from the sign-in screen
For a local account with configured security questions, submit an unsuccessful password attempt at the sign-in screen. Select OK. Choose Reset password.
Answer the account’s security questions. Enter your new password. Confirm the new password when prompted.
Tip: A password-reset USB is another recovery option, but it must have been created for the account before you lost access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put the new password directly in the command?
Yes. Run net user "AccountName" "NewPassword" in an elevated Command Prompt. This exposes the password in the command text. The asterisk prompt keeps the replacement out of that text.
Does net user work in PowerShell or Windows Terminal?
Yes. The same command works in an elevated PowerShell session, including one hosted by Windows Terminal. Administrator privileges are still required.
Do I need to download net user?
No. Net user requires no download.
Can I keep using a password-reset USB after changing my password?
Yes. Changing the local account password does not require recreating its password-reset USB. Store the USB securely.