How to Reset a Forgotten Windows Password Without Using Any Tools

Forgetting your Windows password can be a frustrating experience, especially if you need to access your computer urgently. Fortunately, there’s a way to reset your password without using any third-party tools. This method involves using the Command Prompt from the Windows Recovery Environment. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you regain access to your system.

Step 1: Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment

1. At the Login Screen:

   • Press and hold the Shift key.

   • While holding the Shift key, click on the Power icon at the bottom right corner and select Restart.

2. Keep Holding Shift:

   • Continue holding the Shift key until you see the Windows logo.

   • Release the Shift key once the system boots into the Advanced Startup Options menu.

Step 2: Access the Command Prompt

1. Navigate to Troubleshoot:

   • Click on Troubleshoot.

   • Select Advanced options.

   • Click on Command Prompt.

Step 3: Replace the Utility Manager with Command Prompt

1. Create a Backup of Utility Manager:

   • In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:

copy c:\Windows\System32\utilman.exe c:\Windows\System32\utilman.exe.backup  

• This creates a backup of the original utilman.exe file, which you can restore later.

Replace Utility Manager with Command Prompt:

• Type the following command and press Enter:

copy c:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe c:\Windows\System32\utilman.exe /y  

1. • This replaces the utilman.exe file with cmd.exe, allowing you to open the Command Prompt from the login screen.

Step 4: Reset Your Password

1. Restart Your Computer:

   • Close the Command Prompt and click on Continue to restart your computer.

2. Open Command Prompt at Login Screen:

   • At the login screen, click on the Accessibility icon (usually located at the bottom right corner).

   • This will open the Command Prompt instead of the Utility Manager.

3. Reset Your Password:

   • In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:

net user  

• This will list all the user accounts on your system.

Select the Account to Reset:

• Type the following command to reset the password for the desired account:

net user [username] *  

1. • Replace [username] with the name of the account you want to reset.

2. Enter a New Password:

   • You’ll be prompted to enter a new password. Type your new password and press Enter.

   • Re-enter the password to confirm.

Step 5: Restore the Original Utility Manager

1. Boot into Recovery Environment Again:

   • Repeat Step 1 to boot into the Advanced Startup Options menu.

2. Restore the Original File:

   • Open the Command Prompt and type the following command:

copy c:\Windows\System32\utilman.exe.backup c:\Windows\System32\utilman.exe /y  

1. • Press Enter and type yes to confirm.

2. Restart Your Computer:

   • Close the Command Prompt and click on Continue to restart your computer.

Step 6: Log in with Your New Password

• At the login screen, enter the new password you created.

• You should now be able to access your Windows account successfully.

Important Notes

• Local and Domain Accounts Only: This method works for local and domain accounts but not for Microsoft online accounts.

• Administrator Privileges: You need administrative access to perform these steps.

• Backup Your Data: Always ensure you have a backup of your important files before making system changes.

Conclusion

Forgetting your Windows password doesn’t have to be a disaster. By following these steps, you can reset your password and regain access to your computer without needing any external tools. However, always remember to restore the original utilman.exe file to ensure your system’s functionality remains intact.

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