Reset a lost or forgotten password on Windows 11

Have you lost the administrator password for your Windows PC and are now stuck on the login screen? There are effective solutions to remove the forgotten password and regain control of your computer. This step-by-step tutorial will show you how.

Windows Login Unlocker v2.1: the tool to remove any admin password

Windows Login Unlocker v2.1 (WinPE) is a password recovery tool designed to work in a WinPE (Windows Preinstallation Environment) environment. It can be used to delete or reset the password of a local administrator account, as well as of a Microsoft account linked to Windows. The utility offers several advanced functions, such as creating a new administrator account, converting a Microsoft account into a local account, or unlocking a session without a password.

Its extensive compatibility with GPT/MBR file systems, UEFI or BIOS Legacy firmware, and Windows versions from Windows 7 to Windows 11, makes it a highly versatile tool for technicians and experienced users alike. The interface can be operated entirely by mouse or keyboard, and even incorporates disk image management (VHD/VHDX), enhancing its ability to intervene on damaged or locked machines.

Thanks to an automatic backup procedure for the SAM file (the Windows account database), Windows Login Unlocker limits the risks associated with critical manipulations. Although not officially distributed by Microsoft, it is regularly used in troubleshooting environments to reset a lost password without formatting or losing data.

Remove a local Windows administrator password with WinPE

Losing the password to a Windows administrator account can be a real headache. However, with Windows Login Unlocker v2.1, it’s possible to reset or remove this password in just a few clicks, without reinstalling the system or losing your files. Here’s how to do it, step by step, from a WinPE environment.

1. Start WinPE environment

Insert the USB key into the PC concerned, then boot it (modifying the boot order if necessary). You should arrive on a minimal desktop with Windows Login Unlocker v2.1 Pro x64 already running.

In the main interface, the software automatically detects :

• Installed system (e.g. Windows 11 Home Single Language)
• Disk (SSD/UEFI)
• All local user accounts as well as disabled or locked accounts.

2. Select the account to unlock

In the list of users, click on the account you wish to unblock (e.g. Adrien or Administrator).
Then click on the Reset/Unlock button in the bottom right-hand corner.

A dialog box opens to confirm the action, click OK to continue.

The password for the selected account has been deleted. You can now connect to Windows without entering a password.

See also how to create a local account on Windows 11.

Convert a Microsoft account to a local account and delete its password

When your Windows session is linked to a Microsoft account (Live ID), resetting the password becomes trickier than with a local account. This is because Windows validates identifiers online, via Microsoft servers, which prevents any offline modification. To get around this restriction, Windows Login Unlocker v2.1 Pro features an integrated function that automatically converts the Microsoft account into a local account, while resetting the password in the process.

Identify a Microsoft account (Live ID)

On the tool’s main screen, a column entitled Live ID makes it easy to identify accounts linked to Microsoft. If this column displays Yes, it means that the account is associated with an e-mail address such as @outlook.com or @hotmail.fr.

In the example below, the account named Adrien is attached to the address adrienpiron.malo@outlook.fr.

Once the account has been selected, click on the Reset/Unlock button at the bottom right of the interface.
Windows Login Unlocker then detects that the account is a Microsoft account, and automatically displays a confirmation window:

Click OK to confirm. The tool will then perform two actions in quick succession:

1. Conversion of Microsoft account to local account (with data retention).
2. Removal of the associated password, allowing you to access the session without authentication.

Once the operation is complete, the Live ID column changes from Yes to No, confirming that the account is now local.

This is often the only viable method if you forget your password and have no Internet connection.

The account retains its username and files.

You can convert it back to a Microsoft account later from Windows, if you wish.

About the author

Adrien Piron

I’m Adrien, passionate about technology and specialized in technical support for individuals. My goal is to make technology accessible to everyone.