How to Reset a Windows 11 Local Account Password Without Logging In

Forgetting your Windows 11 local account password can prevent you from accessing your computer. Fortunately, Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) provides tools that can help you reset a local account password without reinstalling the operating system.

This guide walks you through the entire process.

Important

• This method only works with Local Accounts.
• It does not work for Microsoft Accounts.
• Only use this procedure on computers you own or have permission to access.

Step 1. Enter Windows Recovery Environment

1. At the Windows sign-in screen, press and hold the Shift key.
2. While holding Shift, click Power and select Restart.
3. Navigate to:

Troubleshoot
→ Advanced Options
→ Command Prompt

Step 2. Replace Utility Manager with Command Prompt

When Command Prompt opens, execute the following commands:

C:
<enter>
cd Windows\System32

Back up the Utility Manager executable:

ren utilman.exe utilman1.exe

Replace it with Command Prompt:

ren cmd.exe utilman.exe

Afterward, type:

exit

Select Continue to return to the sign-in screen.

Step 3. Reset the Local Account Password

On the sign-in screen:

1. Click the Accessibility icon in the lower-right corner.
2. Command Prompt will open.

Run the following command:

control userpasswords2

Then:

• Select your local account.
• Click Reset Password.
• Enter your new password.
• Click OK.

You can now sign in using the new password.

Step 4. Restore the Original System Files

For security and proper Windows functionality, restore the original files.

Enter Recovery Mode again and open Command Prompt.

Navigate to the System32 folder:

C:
<enter>
cd Windows\System32

Restore the original files:

ren utilman.exe cmd.exe

<enter>

ren utilman1.exe utilman.exe

Finally:

exit

Select Continue to boot into Windows.

Conclusion

This method allows you to reset the password of a Windows 11 local account without reinstalling Windows. Once access has been restored, remember to revert the modified system files so that the Accessibility feature functions normally again.

If your PC uses a Microsoft Account, this method will not work. You must reset your password through Microsoft's official account recovery service.