How to Reset Locked Computer of Windows 10 – 3 Ways Included

How to Reset Windows 10 When Locked Out?

For different reasons, there are cases where users forget their login passwords. Some have not used it for a long time, so they forget the computer password of Windows 10. So they want to know if they can reset a locked Windows 10 computer. This article provides you with three ways to reset a locked computer. Keep reading for detailed steps.

3 Ways to Reset Locked Computer of Windows 10

The listed three methods are all effective in resetting your computer of Windows 10 even if you don't know the password. Read carefully to learn more!

Method 1. Reset Locked Computer via Bootable Media

The first method allows you to create bootable media on another working Windows 10 computer and then reset your locked Windows 10 computer. AOMEI Backupper Standard is the most reliable third-party software that can easily help you create a bootable media and system backup. You can then plug this media tool into a locked computer to perform a Windows 10 factory reset from boot.

Below I will show you how to use this free software to create bootable media on another Windows 10 computer that is in good working order.

Step 1. Download AOMEI Backupper Standard on your computer and install it.

Step 2. Then launch this freeware, and you will see a dark blue interface. Click Tools->Create Bootable Media in order.

Step 3. Then choose the type of emergency bootable disc that you're trying to create. Here we select tWindows PE – Create bootable disc based on Windows PE and click Next to continue.

Tip 📌: Linux-based bootable media allows you to use only the basic features of AOMEI Backupper, while Windows PE allows you to access the full functionality.

Step 4. Then select the USB Boot Device to create a Windows 10 bootable media, and click Next to run the process.

Step 5. After creating the bootable media, you can create a system backup to this USB.

Step 6. Once the whole operation is complete, insert this bootable media into your locked computer. It will automatically enter the AOMEI recovery environment after booting, and then you can perform a Windows 10 factory reset from boot.

After creating it, you will need to create a system backup, this will help you perform a system restore on your locked Windows 10 computer.

Method 2. Factory Reset the Locked Computer via Reset This PC

If you forget your computer password for Windows 10, you can easily factory reset it from the lock screen. If you are not sure how to do it, take a look at the steps below.

1. Turn on your Windows 10 PC and at the login screen, press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard. After holding that key, click the Power button in the bottom right corner of the screen and then select Restart.

2. This will restart Windows 10 and take you to the Advanced Options menu. Click on the Troubleshoot option to continue.

3. Then click Reset this PC on the Troubleshoot window.

4. Then select Remove everything on this screen. Because if you choose the Keep my files option, then you will have to provide your Microsoft account password.

Method 3. Reset Locked Computer for Windows 10 by Fresh Install

It is very common for anyone to forget their computer password for Windows 10. Another common way to reset a locked computer is to perform a fresh install. You can do this with Windows installation media.

You need to create an installation media on another working Windows 10 PC. The details are as follows.

1. Prepare a USB flash drive of at least 8 GB. Download Windows 10 installation media from the Microsoft website.

✨ Note: After creating the installation media, all the data on your USB will be formatted. If you have important files in it, it is recommended that you create a backup in advance.

2. After you create the installation media from another Windows 10 computer, you can perform a Windows 10 factory reset from the boot of the locked computer.
3. Insert this installation media into your locked Windows 10 computer. Press a special key (usually Delete or F2) to boot into the BIOS and modify the boot sequence so that your computer will boot from the installation media.
4. When you get to the installation screen, click Next, then click Repair your computer.

5. Click on Troubleshoot -> Reset this PC. Then repeat step four above.

Bonus Reading: How to Reset Windows 10 Computer Password

If you want to reset your Windows 10 password after getting access to your computer, here’s a simple guide:

Step 1: Click the "Start" button in the lower-left corner of your screen and select "Settings".

Step 2: Then, go to "Accounts" and choose "Sign-in Options".

Step 3: Under the "Password" section, click "Change". Follow the on-screen instructions to update your password.

By following these straightforward steps, you can ensure that your account remains secure with an updated password.

Final Words

This article tells you 3 ways of how to reset a locked computer for Windows 10. You can choose the one that best suits your reality to perform a factory reset as needed. If you are a Windows Server user, you can also get help from AOMEI Backupper Server.

If you need to replace or upgrade the hard drive on your computer, you can use AOMEI Backupper to help you migrate your system or data. It will ensure that you can boot successfully from the new hard drive and won't experience any data loss.