How to Change Windows 10 Start-Up/Lock Screen Password – Ultimate Guide

Unlocking the Secrets to Resetting Your Windows 10 Password

We’ve all been there – staring helplessly at the Windows login screen, wracking our brains trying to remember that complicated password we set months ago. Or perhaps we’ve lent our PC to a family member, only to find they’ve changed the password and can no longer recall it. Whatever the reason, finding yourself locked out of your own device can be endlessly frustrating.

But don’t panic just yet! Resetting a forgotten Windows 10 password is not as daunting as it may seem. With a range of built-in recovery options, regaining access to your system and files can be simple and straightforward. This guide will walk you through several methods to reset your Windows 10 password and get you back up and running in no time.

Using Your Microsoft Account to Reset Your Password

If your Windows user account is linked to a Microsoft account, password recovery is a breeze. Simply head to the Microsoft Account website on a separate device and select the "Forgotten password" link on the sign-in page. Follow the prompts to verify your identity through email or phone, and you’ll be able to seamlessly create and confirm a new password.

How do I change the background on Windows 11?

Switch between “Picture,” Windows Spotlght,” and “Slideshow” to customize your background. You can also display information — like the weather — on the lock screen. When your Windows 11 PC is locked, you’ll see a lock screen with a clock, date, and a special background image.

How to change lock screen in Windows 10?

Here’s how to set everything up. To access the settings for your lock screen in Windows 10, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen. The first thing you can change is the lock-screen image. Open the Background drop-down menu to choose between Windows spotlight, Picture, or Slideshow.

The convenience of having your credentials synchronized across devices makes this the fastest way to get back into a locked Windows 10 system. Just enter your shiny new Microsoft account password at the Windows login screen and enjoy instant access.

Resetting Your Password with a Password Reset Disk

The key to quick password resets is proactive preparation. By taking a few minutes to create a password reset disk when setting up your PC, you’ll have a handy recovery tool ready to go if you ever end up locked out.

To create one, insert a USB drive, open the Start menu, and search for ‘Password Reset Disk’. Follow the wizard to save your encrypted reset data to the disk. Then, if you forget your password down the track, simply insert the reset disk at the login screen, select ‘Reset password’ and you’ll be able to seamlessly set and confirm a new one.

It takes the stress out of forgetting your credentials, and gives you a physical backup to get you back in your system. Just be sure to keep your reset disk safe, since anyone holding it can change your password.

Harnessing The Power of Another Administrator Account

Have another user account with Administrator access on your device? Put it to work by leveraging it to reset a forgotten password.

How do I change the lock screen background image?

Using the Lock screen settings, you can even decide if the Sign-in screen uses the same background image as the Lock screen: Open Settings. Click on Personalization. Click on Lock screen. Turn off the Show lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen toggle switch.

How do I Change my lock screen background image?

To change your lock screen background image, click the drop-down box beside “Personalize Your Lock Screen” and choose either “Picture” or “Slideshow.” (The default option is ” Windows Spotlight ,” which pulls images provided by Microsoft from the Internet.) If you select “Slideshow,” you can browse for a folder full of images you’d like to use.

Log in to the privileged account as normal, then open Settings > Accounts > Family & Other Users. Select the locked out account and choose ‘Change Account Type’. Toggle the user to an Administrator, save your changes, then log out.

When prompted again for the password, select ‘Forgot my password’ and you’ll be able to reset it without any previous credentials. This grants you back door access if you have another authorized profile available.

Resetting Passwords with The Command Prompt

If all else fails, the Command Prompt still allows you to take back control. You’ll need access to Windows installation media, then during the setup process, shift to the Troubleshooting options. Open the Command Prompt and enter ‘net user [username] *’. This resets the password to a blank. Simply set your new credentials and you’ll have administrative rights once more.

This method works as a last resort when your go-to recovery options just aren’t available. While it takes more effort, the Command Prompt always leaves you with a emergency password reset plan.

Choosing Secure and Memorable New Passwords

Once you’ve regained access, be sure to set a new password that balances security and memorability. Avoid basing it on personal information, and aim for at least 8 characters, a mixture of letters, numbers and symbols.

Does Windows 10 have a lock screen?

On Windows 10, the Lock screen is the experience that you always see before signing in to your account, and while it may seem like something unnecessary, it provides some useful functionalities, even before accessing the desktop.

How do I Change my Windows Hello password?

To change your password or PIN, go to Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. Select PIN (Windows Hello), and then select Change PIN. Select Password then select Change. Windows Hello lets you sign in to your devices, apps, online services, and networks using your face, iris, fingerprint, or a PIN.

How to change lock screen background in Windows 10?

Browse through your image collection to find your favorite picture, and select it by pressing the Choose picture button. In the Preview section, you should now see the new picture that you have selected. From now on, the Lock Screen should use the image you selected as background. 2.

How do I change a Windows 10 login screen?

Choose Lock Screen in the left panel. Toggle on the switch next to Show lock screen background picture on sign-in screen. Select an option from the Background drop-down menu: Windows Spotlight, Picture or Slideshow. This article explains how to change a Windows 10 login screen in Windows Settings.

Write it down and keep it somewhere discreetly accessible as an ongoing reference. And explore other sign-in options like PINs or Windows Hello biometrics for convenience.

With so many in-built tools to reset forgotten credentials, there’s no need to panic if you get locked out of your Windows device. Just work through the various password recovery options, regain access within minutes, and get back to enjoying the freedom and convenience of your PC.

Reset Your Windows Password With Confidence

Don’t let a forgotten password derail your workflow or keep you from your files. With this guide, you can leverage Windows’ effective built-in recovery tools to quickly regain access and get back on track. Keep it on hand as a reassuring reference whenever you need to reset that oh-so-elusive Windows password.

References

1. https://www.wikihow.com/Change-Your-Password-from-Your-Windows-10-Lock-Screen
2. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/change-or-reset-your-windows-password-8271d17c-9f9e-443f-835a-8318c8f68b9c

How do I add a picture to my windows 11 lock screen?

You access the settings for your Windows 11 lock screen under Settings > Personalization > Lock screen. Click the drop-down box for Personalize your lock screen and choose Windows spotlight, Picture, or Slideshow . If you opt for a picture, you can select one of the built-in images or choose your own.

How do I lock my Windows 10 device?

Press Windows logo key + L to lock your device. The Windows spotlight image should appear on the lock screen. If you don’t see the Windows spotlight image when you’re signing in, select Start > Settings > Personalization > Lock screen. Check that the toggle for Show lock screen background picture on the sign-in screen is turned on.

How do I change the lock screen on Windows 10?

Press Win+I to open Windows Settings then select Personalization . Select Lock Screen in the menu on the left side of the screen. The majority of the settings on this page are for customizing the background image for your lock screen, the screen that appears when you first turn your Windows 10 device on, but before you see the login/sign-in screen.