How to Reset a Computer That You Can't Get Into

It’s a scenario dreaded by computer users everywhere: you switch on your PC, only to be met with a login screen you can’t bypass. Perhaps you’ve forgotten your password, your account has become corrupted, or a system error is preventing you from accessing your files. Don’t panic. Resetting your computer, even when you’re locked out, is often possible, although the process and outcome depend on the operating system and the circumstances preventing access. This guide will walk you through various methods for resetting computers you can’t log into, covering both Windows and Mac systems.

Table of Contents

Understanding Your Reset Options

Before diving into the technical steps, it’s crucial to understand the different types of resets and their implications. A simple restart might resolve temporary glitches, but it won’t address password issues or deeper system problems. For more persistent issues, you’ll need to consider a reset, which can range from a password reset to a full factory reset.

The most common types of resets are:

Password Reset: This option allows you to regain access to your account without affecting your files. This is only possible if you have a password reset disk/USB drive or a connected Microsoft account (for Windows).
System Restore: This reverts your computer to a previous state, undoing recent changes like software installations or driver updates. It doesn’t affect your personal files but might remove recently installed programs.
Keep My Files Reset: This option reinstalls Windows while preserving your personal files (documents, pictures, music, etc.). It will, however, remove installed applications.
Remove Everything Reset (Factory Reset): This completely wipes your hard drive, returning your computer to its original factory state. This option deletes all your personal files, applications, and settings. It’s the most drastic option and should only be used as a last resort.

Choosing the right reset method depends on why you’re locked out and what you want to preserve. If you’ve simply forgotten your password, a password reset is the ideal solution. If your system is unstable due to a recent software change, a system restore might be sufficient. If you’re selling your computer or want to start fresh, a factory reset is the appropriate choice. Always back up your data before performing any type of reset if possible.

Resetting a Windows Computer When Locked Out

Windows offers several methods for resetting your computer when you can’t log in. The availability of these methods depends on whether you’ve prepared in advance, such as creating a password reset disk or linking your account to a Microsoft account.

Using a Password Reset Disk/USB Drive

If you’ve created a password reset disk or USB drive, you can use it to reset your password and regain access to your account. This is the easiest and least intrusive method if you’ve prepared for it.

To use a password reset disk:

At the login screen, enter an incorrect password. Windows will display a “Reset password” link or button below the password field.
Click on “Reset password.”
Insert your password reset disk/USB drive into your computer.
Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the Password Reset Wizard. You’ll be prompted to choose a new password.
Once you’ve created a new password, you can log in to your account.

This method only resets the local account password. If you use a Microsoft account to log in, this method will not work.

Resetting Your Microsoft Account Password Online

If you use a Microsoft account to log in to your Windows computer, you can reset your password online from any device with internet access.

Go to the Microsoft account password reset page (usually account.live.com/password/reset).
Enter the email address, phone number, or Skype name associated with your Microsoft account.
Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your identity. You’ll likely be asked to receive a security code via email or text message.
Once you’ve verified your identity, you can create a new password.
After resetting your password online, restart your computer. You should be able to log in with your new password.

This method requires an active internet connection and access to the recovery information associated with your Microsoft account.

Performing a System Restore from the Login Screen

If you can’t log in due to a recent software installation or driver update, you can try performing a system restore from the login screen. This will revert your computer to a previous state, undoing the problematic changes.

Restart your computer.
At the login screen, hold down the Shift key and click the Power button. Select Restart while holding down the Shift key. This will boot Windows into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
In the WinRE, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.
Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point and initiate the system restore process.
Once the system restore is complete, restart your computer. You should be able to log in with your existing password.

System Restore requires that you have System Protection enabled and that restore points have been created.

Resetting Your PC from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

If other methods fail, you can reset your PC from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). This will allow you to choose whether to keep your personal files or remove everything.

Restart your computer.
At the login screen, hold down the Shift key and click the Power button. Select Restart while holding down the Shift key. This will boot Windows into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
In the WinRE, navigate to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
Choose whether to Keep my files or Remove everything.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process. This process may take a significant amount of time, depending on the size of your hard drive and the options you choose.
Keep my files: This option reinstalls Windows while preserving your personal files (documents, pictures, music, etc.). It will, however, remove installed applications and settings.
Remove everything: This option completely wipes your hard drive, returning your computer to its original factory state. This deletes all your personal files, applications, and settings.

Be aware that choosing “Remove everything” will erase all data on your hard drive. Ensure you have backups of important files before proceeding with this option.

Using the Command Prompt from WinRE to Enable the Built-in Administrator Account

In some cases, you might be able to enable the built-in Administrator account using the Command Prompt from WinRE. This account is usually disabled by default, but it can provide a way to access your computer and reset your password.

Restart your computer.
At the login screen, hold down the Shift key and click the Power button. Select Restart while holding down the Shift key. This will boot Windows into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
In the WinRE, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

net user administrator /active:yes
5. Close the Command Prompt window and restart your computer.
6. You should now see the Administrator account on the login screen. Log in to this account.
7. Once logged in, you can reset the password for your regular user account through the Control Panel or Settings app.
- Open Control Panel > User Accounts > Manage another account.
- Select your user account and click Change the password.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new password.
After resetting your password, you can log out of the Administrator account and log in to your regular account with the new password.
It’s recommended to disable the built-in Administrator account after you’ve regained access to your regular account. To do this, open Command Prompt as administrator and type the following command:

net user administrator /active:no

This method only works if the built-in Administrator account is not already disabled or password-protected.

Resetting a Mac Computer When Locked Out

Resetting a Mac computer when you can’t log in involves a slightly different process compared to Windows. The options available depend on the version of macOS you’re running and whether you have FileVault enabled.

Using Your Apple ID to Reset Your Password

If you’ve associated your user account with your Apple ID, you can reset your password using your Apple ID credentials.

At the login screen, enter an incorrect password three times. After the third attempt, you should see a message indicating that you can reset your password using your Apple ID.
Click on the message.
Follow the on-screen instructions to enter your Apple ID and password.
You may be asked to answer security questions or verify your identity through another device.
Once you’ve verified your identity, you can create a new password for your user account.
After resetting your password, you can log in to your account.

This method requires an active internet connection and that your user account is associated with your Apple ID.

Using the Recovery Assistant to Reset Your Password (macOS Mojave and Later)

macOS Mojave and later versions include a Recovery Assistant feature that allows you to reset your password if you’ve forgotten it.

Restart your Mac.
As your Mac restarts, immediately press and hold Command (⌘) + R keys until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe. This will boot your Mac into macOS Recovery mode.
In the macOS Recovery window, choose Utilities > Terminal from the menu bar.
In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:

resetpassword
5. The Reset Password assistant will appear. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your password.
6. You may be asked to enter your Apple ID and password or provide other verification information.
7. Once you’ve reset your password, restart your Mac. You should be able to log in with your new password.

If FileVault is enabled, you may need to enter your FileVault recovery key before you can reset your password using this method.

Using FileVault Recovery Key

If FileVault is enabled, you should have a recovery key. This key is a long string of characters that can be used to unlock your hard drive and reset your password.

At the login screen, enter an incorrect password repeatedly until you see a message indicating that you can use your recovery key.
Click on the message.
Enter your FileVault recovery key.
Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your password.
After resetting your password, you can log in to your account.

Keep your FileVault recovery key in a safe place, as it’s the only way to unlock your hard drive if you forget your password and don’t have other recovery options.

Reinstalling macOS from Recovery Mode

If all other methods fail, you can reinstall macOS from Recovery Mode. This will erase all data on your hard drive and install a fresh copy of macOS.

Restart your Mac.
As your Mac restarts, immediately press and hold Command (⌘) + R keys until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe. This will boot your Mac into macOS Recovery mode.
In the macOS Recovery window, choose Reinstall macOS.
Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall macOS. This process may take a significant amount of time, depending on your internet connection speed.

Before reinstalling macOS, ensure you have backups of important files, as this process will erase all data on your hard drive. This is a last resort.

Preventative Measures to Avoid Lockouts

Prevention is always better than cure. Taking a few simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of being locked out of your computer.

Create a strong and memorable password. Avoid using easily guessable passwords like your name, birthday, or common words. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Create a password reset disk/USB drive (Windows) or associate your account with your Apple ID (Mac). These tools provide a quick and easy way to reset your password if you forget it.
Enable System Protection and create restore points regularly (Windows). System Restore can help you recover from software issues without losing your personal files.
Back up your data regularly. This ensures that you won’t lose important files if you need to perform a factory reset. Use cloud storage services or an external hard drive to back up your data.
Keep your recovery key for FileVault safe (macOS). If you’ve enabled FileVault, your recovery key is essential for unlocking your hard drive if you forget your password.
Consider using a password manager. Password managers can generate and store strong passwords securely, reducing the risk of forgetting them.

Being locked out of your computer can be a frustrating experience. However, by understanding the different reset options available and taking preventative measures, you can minimize the risk of this happening and quickly regain access to your system if it does. Always prioritize backing up your data to avoid data loss during the reset process.

What are some common reasons why I can’t get into my computer?

There are several reasons why you might find yourself locked out of your computer. Forgotten passwords are a primary culprit, especially if you haven’t used the device in a while or have recently changed the password and can’t recall the new one. Another frequent issue is a corrupted operating system, often caused by a sudden power outage during an update or malware infection that damages critical system files. Furthermore, hardware failures, such as a malfunctioning keyboard preventing password entry, or account lockouts due to multiple incorrect login attempts, can also prevent access.

Software conflicts are yet another possible cause. Incompatible drivers or recently installed applications might be interfering with the boot process or user authentication. System errors resulting from corrupted user profiles can also make the login process impossible. Troubleshooting often involves identifying the specific reason for the lock-out to determine the most appropriate recovery steps.

What is a system restore, and how can it help me reset a computer I can’t get into?

A system restore is a Windows feature that allows you to revert your computer’s system files, installed applications, Windows Registry, and system settings to a previous point in time, known as a restore point. It does not affect your personal files, such as documents, pictures, and music. The goal is to undo system changes that may be causing instability or preventing you from logging in.

By restoring to a point before the issue arose, you can potentially bypass the problem preventing access. If a recent software installation or driver update has corrupted your system, rolling back to a previous state can resolve the issue and allow you to log in again. Accessing system restore from the advanced startup options is a common way to use it when you cannot log in normally.

How can I access the Advanced Startup Options in Windows to reset my computer?

Accessing the Advanced Startup Options in Windows typically involves interrupting the normal boot process. The most reliable method is to repeatedly power your computer on and off using the power button. As soon as you see the Windows logo appear, hold down the power button until the computer shuts down. Repeat this process two or three times. On the subsequent boot, Windows should automatically detect that it failed to start properly and present you with the Advanced Startup Options menu.

Alternatively, if you can reach the login screen (even if you can’t log in), you might be able to access the options by holding down the Shift key while clicking the Power button, then selecting Restart. From the resulting blue screen, choose “Troubleshoot”, then “Advanced options.” These options provide access to system restore, command prompt, startup repair, and other tools for resetting your computer.

What is the “Startup Repair” option in Advanced Startup Options, and how does it work?

The Startup Repair option in Advanced Startup Options is an automated troubleshooting tool designed to diagnose and fix problems that prevent Windows from starting correctly. It scans your system files, boot sector, registry settings, and driver configurations to identify and resolve issues that might be hindering the boot process. It typically corrects problems such as corrupted system files, incorrect boot configurations, and driver conflicts that prevent Windows from loading properly.

When you select Startup Repair, the tool automatically attempts to repair the identified issues. It may replace corrupted system files, correct boot configuration data, or revert problematic driver installations. Startup Repair does not modify your personal files or installed applications but focuses on repairing the system components required for Windows to start. This can be a helpful first step in resolving a situation where you are unable to log in.

How can I use a Windows installation media (USB or DVD) to reset my computer?

Using a Windows installation media (USB drive or DVD) is a more robust method to reset your computer when you are unable to log in through normal means. You first need to create a bootable USB drive or DVD using the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website. Boot your computer from this media by changing the boot order in your BIOS settings (usually accessed by pressing DEL, F2, or F12 during startup). Once booted, you can choose to repair your existing installation or perform a clean install.

The “Repair your computer” option within the installation media provides access to the same Advanced Startup Options discussed earlier, allowing you to run Startup Repair, System Restore, or use the Command Prompt. Alternatively, a clean install will erase your entire hard drive and install a fresh copy of Windows. Note that a clean install will remove all your personal files and installed applications, so it should be considered a last resort if other recovery options fail. Backing up important data is essential before performing a clean install.

What is the Command Prompt, and how can I use it to reset my computer if I can’t get in?

The Command Prompt is a powerful command-line interpreter in Windows that allows you to interact with the operating system using text-based commands. When you can’t log into your computer normally, accessing the Command Prompt from the Advanced Startup Options or a Windows installation media allows you to perform various troubleshooting and recovery tasks. It gives you access to tools that can diagnose and repair system files, manage disk partitions, reset user passwords, and perform other advanced operations.

Using the Command Prompt requires knowledge of specific commands and their syntax. Some useful commands for resetting a computer include `sfc /scannow` (to scan and repair system files), `chkdsk /f /r` (to check and repair disk errors), and `bcdedit` (to manage boot configuration data). You can also use the `net user` command to reset a forgotten password, but this requires you to know the username of the account. Incorrectly using Command Prompt commands can potentially damage your system, so it’s crucial to proceed with caution and research the commands thoroughly before executing them.

What precautions should I take before attempting to reset a computer that I can’t get into?

Before attempting to reset a computer you can’t access, the most important precaution is to try and back up your data. If possible, try booting into a live Linux environment from a USB drive. This allows you to access your files on the hard drive and copy them to an external storage device. This is especially critical if you’re considering a clean install, which will erase all your data. Also, make sure you have your Windows product key readily available, especially if you plan on performing a clean installation.

Additionally, research the specific error message or symptoms that are preventing you from logging in. This research might give you clues as to the underlying cause, potentially leading to a quicker and less invasive solution. Document all the steps you take during the troubleshooting process. This documentation helps to undo changes if something goes wrong, and it gives a record of what you’ve tried, in case you need to seek professional help.

How to Reset a Computer That You Can’t Get Into