Forgot your Windows password and cannot access to your computer? The remedy? A Windows 10 password recovery tool will got you cover! If you’ve ever been locked out of your computer due to a forgotten password, you’ve come to the right place. Our article will walk you through the top strategies and free download Windows 10 password reset USB for resetting your Windows password, ensuring that access to your system is just a few steps away.
- Method 1. Use Windows 10 Password Reset USB
- Method 2. Free Download Windows 10 Password Reset USB with PassFab 4WinKey
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Other Useful and Porven Methods to recover Windows 7/8/10/11 Password
- Method 3. Free Windows Password Reset via Command Prompt
- Method 4. Reset Windows Password for Free by using Safe Mode
- Method 5. Reset Windows 10 Microsoft by visiting Microsoft Password Reset Link
Method 1. Use Windows 10 Password Reset USB
If you’ve forgotten your password, using windows 10 password reset USB disk provides the most basic solution.
Note: It only works when you haved created a Windows password reset ISO before. To make a Windows 10 password reset USB, please check the official guide from Microsoft.
Before starting, make sure you have your password reset disk inserted into your PC .
If you haven’t created the disk before, the method won’t work for you. Please navigate to the other free ways in the article.
Method 2. Free Download Windows 10 Password Reset USB with PassFab 4WinKey
If you didn’t make a Windows password reset USB before and find the steps are complex. You can try PassFab 4Winkey, which can make Windows 10 password reset usb free download. Beside, it is more easy to handle compared with the previous method. With the bootable USB created, you can easily reset you Windows password and regain control of your computer.
Other Useful and Porven Methods to recover Windows 7/8/10/11 Password
Method 3. Free Windows 10 Password Reset via Command Prompt
If you’ve forgotten your log-in password, you won’t be able to open Command Prompt as administrator. Hence, you need a Windows 10 setup disk .
- Step 1: If you don’t already have a Windows 10 setup disk, you can instantly create one on another computer by burning a Windows 10 ISO file to CD-ROM or USB drive .
- Step 2: Insert Windows 10 setup disk to your computer, and make computer boot from the disk .
- Step 3: On the Windows Setup window, press Shift + F10 key shortcut to open command prompt window.
In this window, run the following two commands. Note: Replace d letter with the letter of your system drive.
move d:\windows\system32\utilman.exe d:\windows\system32\utilman.exe.bak copy d:\windows\system32\cmd.exe d:\windows\system32\utilman.exe
After the above commands are executed, remove the Windows 10 setup disk and restart your computer.
- Step 4: On the Windows sign-in screen, click on the Ease of Access icon in the lower-right corner. This will open a Command Prompt window.
In this window, run the password reset command:
net user <username> <password> to set a new log-in password for your Windows 10 local admin .
Close the Command Prompt. You can now sign in with the new password.
You can reset windows 10 password through the method step by step. If you are not familiar with technical knowledge, please try the method 5 , which is easy to operate and 100% working with no data loss.
Method 4. Reset Windows 10 Password for Free by using Safe Mode
Safe Mode provides us with an effective and free indows 10 password reset tool. To use this tool, you need to know the password of any other administrator account. If that’s not the case, please try this method to reset Windows 10 password without disk.<
You are upsetting when to face the interface? Or you are a Computer novice? No worries. please find the right way for you here.
Method 5. Reset Windows 10 Microsoft Password for Free by visiting Microsoft Password Reset Link
To reset the password of a Microsoft account that you use on Windows 10, follow these steps:
- Step 1: On the log-in screen, choose the Microsoft account name that you want to reset.
- Step 2: Click on I forgot my password option.
- Step 3: On ‘Recover your account’ window, type the characters that are displayed, then select Next.
- Step 4: On Verify your identity window, select an option to receive a security code either as text message or email. If you choose text, enter the last four digits of your mobile number, and select Send code.
- Step 5: When you receive the code through text or email, enter it and select Next.
- Step 6: On Reset password screen, type a new password, and select Next. Select Next again to return to the sign-in screen and use the new password to sign-in.
You may ask how to do it if I have no Microsoft account and I often use the local account to login to my pc. Please read continually, 4WinKey will the best choice for you.
Summary
Each of the above mentioned methods provide a Windows 10/11 password reset tool free of cost. Most of them come with advantages as well as disadvantages, so their effectiveness might vary from user-to-user. One common disadvantage is hard to operate or even data loss because of wrong operation.
We therefore strongly recommend using PassFab 4Winkey to which can Windows 10 password reset usb free download. This Windows 10/11 password recovery tool not only prevents data loss, but it also comes with an extremely easy-to-use interface to reset or remove password along with solutions to other popular Windows problems.
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Nowadays, passwords are more important than ever. You basically cannot log in to your Windows 10 or 11 computer without entering it (or without performing some tricks). And if you lost it, there are some password recovery tools that can help you out.
When a password is required to log in to your machine, the worst thing that can possibly happen is to lose it.
If this happened, it seems like there’s no other solution than clean installing your system again. Well, that doesn’t have to be the case, because there are ways to recover it.
In this article, we’re going to talk about various password recovery software for Windows 10 and 11. These specialized tools can help you solve your problem quickly, in case you’ve lost it and you’re unable to log in to your computer.
NOTE
Password recovery tools are specialized software used for recovering and resetting passwords. Take advantage of them only for personal use.
Why should you use a Windows password?
The main reason why you should create a password on your Windows OS is privacy. These days, there are a lot of security risks in the digital world, the main one being hackers.
Passwords are the first line of defense against any kind of unauthorized access. This means that you can protect your computer from being used by somebody else in your absence.
Setting up a password is mandatory when you’re working on a company housing multiple employees in the same office.
Additionally, it will protect you from hackers who are trying to access the PC while you’re being away. Having a password will make it harder (and in some cases, impossible) for them to steal your data.
What is the best password recovery software for Windows 10?
- Stellar Password Recovery – Overall best password recovery tool
- Password Kit Standard – Easy to use
- Windows Password Unlocker Bundle – Compatible with all Windows versions
- Windows Password Reset Standard – Versatile password reset tool
- Active Password Changer Professional – For Commercial use
- Ophcrack – Fast and accurate
- Offline NT password and Registry Editor – Complete password eraser
- LCP – Different password recovery modes
- Hash Suite – For professional use
- John the Ripper – Different OS compatibility
- PassFab 4WinKey – Works with Microsoft accounts
Stellar Password Recovery
When it comes to data recovery, you simply cannot go wrong with the most trusted software in the industry.
From memory cards to USB and RAW storage drivers, whatever the storage media, be it internal or external, you can easily retrieve your assets even if they were affected by corruption or malware infection with this amazing tool.
Powerful and reliable, the software is also incredibly easy to use – just launch the app and start scanning to retrieve your precious files.
The software is compatible with all Windows-based storage media and most popular file formats, including photo and video.
Easily retrieve information from corruption-affected hard drivers, formatted partitions, severe cases of data loss, and more.
You can also use filters to sort out the data that needs to be retrieved. There are different scanning methods, such as Deep Scan and Quick Scan.
Let’s quickly look at its key features:
- Recover data on RAW drive volumes
- Compatible with all Windows-based storage media
- Supports most file formats
- Deep Scan and Quick Scan modes are available
- Filters to easily sort the data that needs retrieving
Stellar Password Recovery
Reliable and efficient data recovery under any circumstance. Any storage media, any format, any state.
Passware Kit Standard
Passware Kit Standard creates a bootable media that you can use on startup to recover your password.
The program is very simple to use, and it can even recover both local (standard version) and domain admin account (Enterprise edition only) passwords.
This tool provides faster password recovery for TrueCrypt, Android, Zip, and many other types of files, decrypts Apple File System (APFS) disks and macOS High Sierra Keychains.
Regarding speed, GPU-accelerated password recovery is now up to 350% faster for TrueCrypt system partitions. The software has plenty of power plans catered for different businesses, sizes, and even home use.
You can use a free trial of the program to create bootable media, but you won’t be able to recover any passwords until you pay for the full version.
Passware Kit Standard utilizes your computer’s hardware to increase its processing power and provide instantaneous results.
Additionally, the software was used in high-profile investigations by NASA, Deloitte, and the U.S. Departments of Justice and Security.
The best thing about this tool is that you don’t need to be an IT expert, everyone can handle it.
Let’s check out some of its best features:
- 80+ file types supported
- Resets Windows admin passwords
- Works instantly
- Utilizes the installed hardware
- Provides a password history
Passware Kit Standard
Undo the mistakes of forgetting credentials with the #1 tool for decrypting files and quickly recovering passwords.
Windows Password Unlocker Bundle
One of the premium software on our list is Windows Password Unlocker. This tool uses bootable media to recover passwords on startup.
If for any reason you have any of the email passwords lost or unavailable, you can easily recover them in a snap with Password Unlocker Bundle.
What’s not so encouraging about this software is that it requires Professional or Enterprise versions to actually be able to retrieve any passwords, as the Standard version is only used for creating bootable media.
The Password Unlocker is a technology made to recover passwords for Microsoft Office, Windows, PDF, RAR, ZIP, PDF, and more.
It can also recover email passwords for Outlook and those cached in the browser. Don’t worry about compatibility. As long as you are using it on any Windows version, you’re going to have no issues.
Note that it only takes a second for the application to successfully recover any lost password for chatting tools such as MSN, AOL, or GoogleTalk.
You might think that the price is a little bit high, but you have to keep in mind that this bundle will recover passwords for a wide variety of software, which is a big plus.
Here’s a list of the app’s best features:
- Compatibility with all Windows versions
- Works with all MS Office products
- Supports a wide variety of file formads
- Simple and intuitive UI
- Also recovers lost passwords for popular chatting apps
Windows Password Unlocker
If you’ve forgotten the password to your Windows PC, use this tool to recover it and log back in!
Windows Password Reset Standard
Another premium software on our list is Windows Password Reset Standard. The only requirement is a new CD/DVD to install it on.
This tool also deletes your password instead of recovering it, working similarly to previous options of this kind from the list.
However, Windows Password Reset Standard is a lot simpler than others, but it also comes with fewer options. To start using it, just download an ISO file, mount it, and start resetting your password.
As this tool comes with fewer features than Active Password Changer Professional, it is also available for a smaller price.
If you want to buy Windows Password Reset Standard, know that the software is affordable, even if there aren’t multiple price plans available.
There’s even a trial version for you to check out and test before purchasing or upgrading to a paid one, so feel free to give that a go as well if you’re not sure yet.
Check out some of its core features:
- 100% success rate
- 24/7 technical support available
- 90 days money back guarantee
- Free updates for a lifetime
- Compatible with all Windows versions
⇒ Get Windows Password Reset Standard
Active Password Changer Professional
If you want to try some of the more commercial solutions, the first premium password cracking software for Windows 10 on the list is Active Password Changer Professional.
It’s extremely easy to set up and use, which is good news for novice users. If you are using Windows 7 you can recover your password with tools such as these.
Active Password Changer Professional acts as a paid, but much simpler version of Offline NT Password & Registry Editor, so it deletes your password instead of recovering it.
So, if you want a simple yet powerful program to delete your forgotten password almost immediately, Active Password Changer Professional is perhaps the best choice.
Unfortunately, you’ll need to pay to use it, but there are many price plan options that you can order, and some of them are really affordable.
Let’s see its awesome features:
- Resets Windows user passwords
- Improved & user friendly UI
- Compatible with all Windows versions
- BIOS & UEFI boot media modes
- Supports multiple languages
⇒ Get Active Password Changer Professional
Ophcrack
By all charts and based on the experience of many users, Ophcrack is arguably one of the best Windows password recovery tools you can find.
It’s extremely effective, fast, and simple even for first-time users. This tool is so powerful that it doesn’t even require you to log in to Windows to be able to achieve your goal.
You just download the ISO image, mount it on bootable media, and it will automatically recover your password when you boot your PC.
The program will start, then it will locate your Windows (Microsoft) Account and begin the retrieval process immediately.
According to tests, Ophcrac is able to get your password back in minutes. And keep in mind that Ophcrack is completely free!
You should know that using the software requires a certain level of background knowledge. The recovery process is a bit tedious if it’s done manually, but the live CD version of it automates most of it so you don’t need to worry.
The preference menu gives you a few more options that help with the password cracking process, such as throttling the app’s use of your CPU and disk drivers while it’s working.
So, if you want to download Ophcrack, you can grab it for free at no additional cost. It will crack simple passwords in a matter of minutes or complex ones in a matter of hours.
Here are some of its main features:
- Free
- Supports all Windows versions
- LiveCD cracks LM hashes
- Open-source
- Real-time graphs to analyze passwords
⇒ Get Ophcrack
Offline NT Password & Registry Editor
Offline NT Password & Registry Editor is another password recovery tool compatible with all the Windows versions.
In fact, it doesn’t recover your password. Instead, it erases it completely so you can set up a new one normally (and remember it this time), which makes it a unique tool on our list.
It works similarly to Ophcrack: you download an ISO file, mount it to a bootable media, plug it in your computer, and the process can start.
Windows stores its user information, including encrypted passwords, in a file called sam. The file is part of the Windows Registry found in the system32 config file, and it’s not easily accessible.
Thankfully, this Offline NT password and Registry editor can read and understand the contents of the file, decrypt and ultimately remove the password.
It’s even faster than Ophcrack because usually, it resets a password immediately. However, Offline NT Password & Registry Editor is not so easy to use for an average user, because it requires some command line work.
If you manage to get around the unusual interface, there’s no better password-deleting tool you can find. Offline NT Password & Registry Editor is available for free, and you can download it from the link below.
Some of its core features include:
- Built on the CMD UI
- Works on any bootable media
- Supports al Windows versions
- Doesn’t need an internet connection
- Resets passwords of any complexity
⇒ Get Offline NT Password & Registry Editor
LCP
LCP is another free User Account Control password-recovering tool. But unlike the previous entries from the list, this one requires you to have access to a user account on a computer.
So, if you can’t access your user account, get back to one of the tools from above. It works with multiple operating systems, including Windows and Linux.
As for the program itself, it uses three methods of cracking your password: a dictionary attack, a brute force attack, or a hybrid dictionary/brute force attack.
Each method has its own benefits but you’ll need some basic knowledge of the matter to be able to perform any of these actions.
LCP can use a lot of resources from your computer while recovering a password, so it is advisable that you don’t use your machine for anything else during the process.
Moreover, the tool supports different languages such as Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, Italian, and Russian.
When it comes to updates, we have to admit that the program is not being changed frequently, but could only mean it doesn’t require any adjusting since it’s that good. The last update happened on the 28th of May, 2018, when version 1.5.0 was released.
Let’s see the software’s best features:
- Multi-language support
- Works with all Windows versions
- Has multiple methods of cracking passowrds
- Free
- Simple and comprehensive interface
⇒ Get LCP
Hash Suite
Hash Suite is a tool for advanced password crackers. This program’s purpose is to test the security of password hashes, and of course, crack them.
It offers deep analysis, reports, and statistics. Basically anything you need to manage your passwords and hashes.
Keep in mind that it is extremely powerful and considered one of the fastest password crackers on the market. It has a simple design, and an easy-to-use user interface only adds up to the functionality of this tool.
As we said, this tool is not for beginners because it requires employing a pwdump tool to gain the necessary hashes for Hash Suite to crack.
Heat Suite can support up to 13 types of hash, including NTLM, LM, SHA-1, SHA-256, MD5, SHA-512, DCC, DCC2, SSHA, md5crypt, bcrypt, sha512crypt, and sha256crypt.
The software also uses network traffic capture file formats imported by WiFi WPA PSK (also known as pre-shared key).
So, if you’re not familiar with these terms, it’s better to look for another option. But if you know what you’re doing, check out the list of possible pwdump tools. If you want to download Hash Suite, you can do so for free from the link below.
The program gets constantly updated with minor tweaks or major feature improvements. You can find the changelogs containing all of these updates on their website.
Check out the software’s most notable features:
- High performance
- Completely free
- Intuitive UI
- Compatible with all Windows versions
- Offers reports with statistics
⇒ Get Hash Suite
John the Ripper
John the Ripper is a free program, technically, though it requires the special wordlists to discover passwords that, of course, are available for a certain price.
However, you might find some free wordlist alternatives that are compatible with John the Ripper, but we’re not sure how these will perform.
Keep in mind that this software can reset the passwords for multiple operating systems such as Windows, Unix Flavours (Linux, *BSD, Solaris, ATX, etc), macOS, web apps such as WordPress, and more.
This tool is also aimed at advanced users, because it also uses a command-line environment, that average users will probably find hard to understand.
John the Ripper utilizes a special smart mode that tries probable password candidates first, instead of the widely used brute-force that doesn’t take the complexity and simplicity of a password into account.
When it comes to compatibility and system requirements, the app is not picky, and it works well with both integrated GPUs from Intel and AMD CPU cards, or dedicated ones such as the GTX 970, etc.
Note that John the Ripper is completely free, so you can grab it right now without being charged any dime!
Let’s have a look at its best features:
- Smart mode included
- Resets passwords for all operating systems
- Works with WordPress and other software as well
- Simple to use
- Minimalist interface
⇒ Get John the Ripper
PassFab 4WinKey
If you are looking for a trusty password recovery and reset tool for Windows 10, you should definitely check out PassFab 4WinKey.
With a simple click, create a Windows password reset disk by inserting a USB, CD, or DVD. The process is simple and absolutely free.
Additionally, you can remove old user accounts that aren’t needed anymore, even if you don’t have permission to do it.
In the same manner, the software lets you set up new accounts with admin accounts in case you lost access to the user account.
The software will bypass any restrictions without needing a password, no matter if the account is an administrator or a normal user.
It also works with Microsoft accounts! No need for any extra security info. Just use PassFab 4WinKey and recover lost credentials.
More so, the app works with Windows Servers as well. If you no longer have access to it, this neat software will solve the problem.
The process is quite simple, and the app is compatible with Windows Server 2019, 2012, and 2008, no matter what kind of RAID server it is.
Tip
You can get the product for 30% off by using the coupon PFULTI during the purchase!
Let’s have a look at the app’s main features:
- Access locked computers
- Create or delete accounts
- Remove the admin/user local passwords
- Create Windows password reset disks
- Reset lost Microsoft account passwords
⇒ Get PassFab 4WinKey
Now that you probably used one of these tools to remove your old password, it is time to set another one for security reasons.
Setting up a password in Windows 10 isn’t hard, but make sure you don’t lose it this time. In case that happens, you can always use one of the many apps included in this list.
All the recommendations made in the article will work in these scenarios as well:
- Windows 10 password recovery tool – A reset tool is also known as a recovery tool.
- password finder Windows 10 – If you need to find your lost passwords, a password reset tool will do the job.
- Windows 10 administrator password tool – If there are no other admins that can reset the password for you, feel free to do it all alone with one of the mentioned programs.
- Windows 10 password cracker – Sometimes these tools are referred to as password crackers since they might be used by illegitimate users.
- Windows 10 password remover – While you can’t permanently remove the password, you can replace it with a new one.
- Windows 10 password reset USB free download – Most of the free tools recommended are installed on a USB that you boot up from.
How do you set up a password on Windows 10?
- Go to the Start Menu, type in Settings and select it.
- Select Accounts.
- Then, choose Sign-in options, and Password.
- Now, enter the password you chose twice.
- You can also create a hint to help you remember.
Make sure you never lose the Windows password again
If you want to remember the password you set for the administrator account on Windows, the best way to go about it is to create a memorable one.
Pick a topic, something meaningful that you know won’t slip away from your mind in time. Additionally, setting up a clever password hint that only you will be able to figure out is another good idea.
Lastly, you can install a password manager that will keep track of all of your passwords. They use encrypted files and other security measures to make sure all of your data is safe and won’t get stolen, so don’t worry about that.
That’s it for our list of the best password recovery tools. As you can see, all these programs are different in terms of power, usability, recovery methods, price, and more. So if you know exactly what you want, you can choose one based on your needs.
In order to avoid situations where you need to recover your Windows 10 password, we recommend you use a good password manager. It will not only help you manage your passwords, but it will also let you know when one of them is weak.
If you have one of the most often encountered problems – you can’t type the password, just check our guide and fix it.
Also, if your problem refers to a lost email account, here are the best software choices for email password recovery.
Do you agree with our list or do you have some other software to add? Tell us in the comments section below.
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
| Workable Solutions | Step-by-step Troubleshooting |
|---|---|
| 1. PassFab 4WinKey | Step 1: You need to download, install, and buy the PassFab 4WinKey. Open this tool while the USB …Full steps |
| 2. Ophcrack | Step 1: As you’ve forgotten the password, the first step would be carried out on a different PC …Full steps |
| 3. Windows Password Reset Disk | Step 1: Log into your Windows 10 PC using the local account to make a password reset disk…Full steps |
| 4. Windows Password Reset Standard | Step 1: Download and install Windows Password Reset Standard on your Windows 10 PC…Full steps |
| Extra Tip: EaseUS Key Finder | Step 1. Click the «Windows» tab under the Registry Key; Step 2. Check the Windows product key…Full steps |
How Do I Log into Windows 10 if I Forgot My Password?
Have you forgotten your Windows 10 password? Then, you can’t install any software on your PC! And the worst case? Sometimes you won’t use your computer! But with the help of the windows 10 password recovery tool, you can log into your system quickly.
Understandably, mishaps happen, and people forget their system’s passwords. As you have been facing the same issue with the windows 10 administrator password, recovering it will be helpful! However, Microsoft doesn’t make the process hassle-free, but this article contains the best windows 10 password recovery tools to ease the recovery process.
So, these are the top 4 windows password reset tools to help you solve the problem. Let’s get started!
Is There a Free Windows Password Reset Tool?
Are you wondering about the password recovery tools and if those will be paid or free? The top 4 windows 10 password recovery tools are listed below for your convenience, which will help you reset your Microsoft password. Some are free, and others might charge a few dollars to help you reset your Windows password.
1. PassFab 4WinKey
What is PassFab 4WinKey?
PassFab 4WinKey is broadly used, quick, and supports every Windows version. This windows 10 password recovery tool helps crack Windows passwords by using the best decryption codes. Also, it’s an ideal tool for those who have just started. PassFab 4WinKey has 4 different versions with distinct prices and specifications.
However, the pricing is given below:
- Standard at $19.95
- Professional at $29.95
- Enterprise at $39.94
- Ultimate at $69.95
How to use PassFab 4WinKey?
To use PassFab 4WinKey, you can either boot a CD/DVD or a USB to use that windows 10 password recovery tool. Therefore, with these 8 hassle-free steps, you can retrieve access to your PC.
Step 1: You need to download, install, and buy the PassFab 4WinKey. Open this tool while the USB is linked to the PC. Remember, you can only select CD/DVD if you’re using its Standard version. So, choose USB Flash Drive instead.
Step 2: After choosing the boot media, hit «Burn» to kickstart the burning procedure. This tool will warn you about the formatting of the USB Flash Drive, and all the data will be eliminated. Select the «Next» option.
Step 3: This tool will initiate burning the USB drive asap. You need to wait until the burning process is done.
Step 4: Insert the bootable USB drive into your locked PC. Now, you need to boot the PC to the Boot menu interface, change the boot preferences, and allow your USB to be the first boot choice.
Step 5: You can notice the interface of the PassFab 4WinKey after restarting the PC. Choose the Windows OS and hit the next option.
Step 6: You can check all the user accounts, such as local, guest, and Microsoft admin in a list. Opt for the user account for that you’ve forgotten your password.
Step 7: When you select to delete the password and hit «next», the password will be reset quickly.
Step 8: Hit «reboot» and let your PC restart. Now, you will sign in to your PC without a password.
Why do we choose PassFab 4WinKey?
PassFab 4WinKey possesses numerous vital features that make the password recovery process effortless.
- Support for both Microsoft and local accounts.
- Can reset or remove the different passwords for all types of Windows user accounts.
- Users can reset their Microsoft account passwords offline.
- You will never lose any data while using PassFab 4WinKey.
Pros
- It supports all the Windows and Mac versions.
- User-friendly and simple interface.
- You don’t have to reinstall or format Windows.
- It resets passwords in minutes irrespective of their password length and difficulties.
- Free tech support.
Cons
- It has a fundamental requirement that your PC’s CPU be equal to or more than 1 GHz.
- It’s not compatible with mobile or Linux systems.
2. Ophcrack
What is Ophcrack?
Ophcrack is another open-source windows 10 password recovery tool and the best freeware one. This tool accesses Windows with a quicker time-memory trade-off by utilizing the rainbow table to brute force crack it.
How to use Ophcrack?
Step 1: As you’ve forgotten the password, the first step would be carried out on a different PC with administrator privileges and internet access.
Step 2: The correct version of Ophcrack needs to be downloaded from the official site to the second PC.
Step 3: To burn the ISO file into a CD or USB, you require an ISO burning app.
Step 4: Take out the bootable media from that different PC and insert it into your locked Windows machine. As Ophcrack consists of a small OS that can run independently, you will see its interface on your PC.
Step 5: You might see a 4-options menu. After leaving it on the default option, you will notice the Ophcrack Live CD loading, which is showcased as Ophcrack finds out the one with the SAM file,
Step 6: You will see a window of the various user accounts and passwords once the process is over, demonstrated in column format. Now, search for an entry in the NT Pwd column against the locked username.
Step 7: It will be your recovered Windows 10 password.
Why do we choose Ophcrack?
- CSV export and audit mod.
- Decodes NTLM and LM hashes.
- LiveCD is available to ease the decoding.
Pros
- Doesn’t need software installation.
- Can recoup actual password.
- A free tool that can be downloaded online.
Cons
- Difficult for the novices as it uses a text interface.
3. Windows Password Reset Disk
To create a Windows 10 password reset disk, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Log into your Windows 10 PC using the local account to make a password reset disk.
Step 2: A SD card or a USB drive must be inserted into the PC.
Step 3: In the search box, look for password rest and hit «Create a password reset disk».
Step 4: Hit the «Next» button.
Step 5: Choose the location to generate the password key disk and select «Next».
Step 6: The account password needs to be given, and click «Next».
Step 7: Choose the «Next» option and hit «Finish».
Following are the steps for using the password reset disk to reset Windows 10 password:
Step 1: Boot your Windows PC and key in the password.
Step 2: Hit «OK» if the password shows incorrect.
Step 3: The password reset disk must be inserted, and «Reset Password» must be chosen.
Step 4: Hit the «Next».
Step 5: Choose the «Password Reset Disk» and hit Next.
Step 6: You need to type and confirm your new password.
Step 7: A password hint to be created.
Step 8: Click «Next» and followed by the finish.
4. Windows Password Reset Standard
What is Windows Password Reset Standard?
Windows Password Reset Standard is the best windows 10 password recovery tool and a credible software that can safely reset your forgotten Windows 10 password. It’s created with a CD/DVD burner, and therefore, you don’t have to use a 3rd-party burner. This standard version of Windows Password Reset costs $19.95 only.
How to use Windows Password Reset Standard?
Follow the steps below to reset your Windows 10 password efficiently:
Step 1: Download and install Windows Password Reset Standard on your Windows 10 PC to create a password reset disk with DVD/CD.
Step 2: Put the burned DVD/CD into your locked PC and boot from it to reset Windows 10 passwords.
Why do we choose Windows Password Reset Standard?
- Support Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, and more.
- Support all desktops and laptops.
- It can reset both administrator and user passwords.
Pros
- 90-days money-back guarantee
- 24/7 technical support
- Compatible with various Windows versions
Cons
- It’s not compatible with mobile devices or Linux.
Extra Tip: Forgot Windows License Key? Download Professional Key Finder
Can’t recall the Windows license key or system password? You must not worry when you have a professional key finder, EaseUS Key Finder!
Step 1. Click «Windows» tab under the Registry Key.
Step 2. Check Windows product key on the right side. Click «Copy» to paste. Or select other two options:
«Save» — Save to local as a PDF file.
«Print» — Click to print key file.
With this best-in-class key finder, you can:
- Retrieve product licenses when there is a hard disc crash or system crash.
- Find Windows server product key and Windows product key
- Search for product serial for more than 10000+ renowned programs.
Are you a Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 user and lost the vital product key? With EaseUS Key Finder, you can instantaneously regain and back up all your product keys. Therefore, the basic features of the EaseUS professional key finder are the following:
- Find Wi-Fi passwords
- Retrieve Adobe or Office product keys
- Regain access to Windows system product keys
Conclusion
Choosing any Windows 10 password recovery tools is essential to ensure you never lose the windows password again. If you use a Microsoft account, it’s possible to reset the password online from any device. However, if it’s a local account, you can choose a best product key finder from the above list. For the optimum experience, using EaseUS Key Finder will be more appropriate.
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Getting locked out of Windows 10 can be a nightmare. Fortunately, there are a few Windows 10 password reset tools that can help you solve this issue. But you don’t want untrustworthy software to have your Windows password! So, how do you choose the right one
Here are our three favorites that make unlocking Windows 10 easy.
Here are the best tools for resetting your Windows password.
1. PassFab 4WinKey
PassFab 4WinKey is a brilliant Windows 10 password reset tool. It can reset or remove both local and admin passwords as well as help you create or delete windows accounts fast. It works for all desktops and laptops and only takes a single click to create a Windows password reset disk.
Main Features:
- Use with Windows or Mac
- Easy to create a bootable recovery disk, DVD, or USB
- Remove Windows 10 passwords for all user accounts
- Resets forgotten passwords
- Remove or install new Windows 10 accounts easily
Why We Like It:
The main reason we like PassFab 4WinKey is that it’s the easiest to use out of the bunch. The support and tutorials are unparalleled, and it also offers some upgraded features that are useful for more advanced users.
Bonus: For a limited time, PassFab 4WinKey is offering MUO readers a 30% discount when they use code PFULTI at checkout.
How to Use PassFab 4WinKey:
Here’s a quick walkthrough of how to use PassFab 4WinKey.
- Download the official PassFab 4WinKey software from the PassFab website.
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Choose CD/DVD or USB Flash Drive and insert the appropriate media into the computer to make the boot disk. Click Next.
- You’ll see a message that the media will be erased. If you’re okay with this, click Next.
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The burn process will complete and ask you to insert the media into the locked computer.
- Enter the BIOS of the locked computer — usually, this is done by holding a key as you start the computer. Check with your manufacturer for more details.
- Navigate through the BIOS and set Boot Priority to the Windows 10 recovery disk or USB you just made.
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Restart the locked system, and select the Windows 10 system to reset. Click Next. From there, you have four options: Remove Account Password, Delete Windows Account, Reset Account Password, and Create A New Account. Select the option you’d like.
- When finished, remove the Windows recovery disk and reboot the system. Your locked computer should now be unlocked.
PassFab 4WinKey
PassFab 4WinKey is one of the best tools available for resetting Windows 10 passwords. Need to delete or create a Windows account? This tool has you covered.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to use for beginners and advanced users
- A single click can create a bootable Windows 10 reset disk
- Helpful support and excellent tutorial walkthroughs
- A reliable choice for all users
- Version specific functions
- Free trial only available from PassFab 4WinKey website
2. Ophcrack
Ophcrack is a free password reset tool for Windows, Linux, and macOS. The best part of Ophcrack is that it doesn’t require additional purchases. It’s also suitable for recovering shorter passwords.
Main Features:
- Open-source and free
- Windows, Linux, and macOS support
- Analyzes passwords in real-time
Pros:
- Free, but there is a learning curve
- Can run from both a flash drive or a disk
- Small footprint
Cons:
- Designed for advanced users
Why We Like It:
Despite its ominous-sounding name, Ophcrack provides several features to help you recover your lost Windows 10 password. It also offers support for Linux, which may be helpful for some people.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of support documentation to comb through to use the tool effectively. That said, once you understand how it works, it has several advanced functions.
Ophcrack is also excellent if you have a password that is less than 14 characters. If your password is shorter than Ophcrack might be able to use its brute force ability to recover your lost password quickly.
If your password is longer than 14 characters, we still recommend PassFab 4WinKey.
3. Microsoft Official Password Reset Disk
If an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, then consider Microsoft’s official password reset disk option like taking your vitamins. In addition, Microsoft’s free Windows 10 password reset tool is excellent for recovering your forgotten password.
The only problem here is that you’ll need to use it before getting locked out of your machine. Our advice: use this every time you change your password or install Windows on a new computer.
Features:
- Recover passwords using Microsoft’s official software
- Once disk is created, easily reset passwords with a few clicks
- Microsoft support and walkthroughs
Pros:
- Free and easy-to-use
- No additional software to download
- Official Microsoft product designed for Windows 10
Cons:
- You have to use it before you’re locked out of your account
Resetting Windows 10 Passwords Is Easy
All three of the solutions we have covered will help you recover Windows 10 passwords.
To summarize, PassFab 4WinKey is great if you want to create a bootable recovery disk, DVD, or USB and its single click approach makes it easy to use. Ophcrack is great for shorter passwords but does not work so well on long passwords. And the official reset disk works well but is a lot more hassle.
Overall, we think PassFab 4WinKey is the best holistic tool and is the one that you should download.