How to Reset Windows 11 Password Using Command Prompt

Forgot your Windows 11 password and can't log in to your computer? It's a frustrating situation that happens more often than people expect. Luckily, you can change or reset Windows 11 password using Command Prompt (CMD). With the right commands, it is possible to bypass or change the login password without installing additional software.

In this guide, we'll walk you through how to reset a Windows 11 password using CMD when you are locked out of the system or already logged in. The methods mentioned apply to the following cases:

1. #Unlock Windows 11 without a boot disk
2. #Reset Windows 11 password without any software
3. #Bypass Windows 11 password without a USB
4. #Reset Windows 11 password with CMD

Reset Windows 11 Password Using Command Prompt

Command Prompt is a built-in Windows utility that allows users to control system functions through command lines. Advanced users often use it to reset, change, or unlock Windows passwords without third-party tools.

The exact steps depend on your current situation. Some users are completely locked out of their PC, while others are still able to log in but want to change their password quickly using CLI commands.

⚠️ Important reminder: This method works only for resetting local account passwords. It cannot reset Microsoft account passwords, which must be recovered through Microsoft's online account recovery system.

Case 1. Reset Windows 11 Password Using CMD When Locked Out

If you cannot sign in to Windows 11 because you forgot your password, it is still possible to unlock the system using Command Prompt through the Windows recovery environment.

This method temporarily replaces an accessibility tool with Command Prompt so you can run password reset commands from the login screen.

This process modifies system files. While it usually works safely, mistakes during the process could cause login issues or boot problems. Follow each step carefully.

Step 1. Go to the Windows 11 sign-in screen and click the power button in the lower-right corner. Then hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and click "Restart."

Step 2. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.

💡If your computer cannot boot to the Command Prompt, you will need to use a bootable USB drive to reset your Windows 11 password.

Step 3. Locate the Windows system drive by typing:

• diskpart
• list volume (This will list all the volumes on your computer. Then, determine the drive letter of the system drive where Windows 11 is installed based on the volume size or volume label.)
• exit

Step 4. Replace the Utility Manager with Command Prompt:

• move c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe c:\ (This moves the utilman.exe file to the root directory of the operating system drive to back it up.)
• copy c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe (This will copy the cmd.exe file to the c:\windows\system32 directory and rename it to utilman.exe.)

Step 5. Restart your computer by typing wpeutil reboot and pressing Enter.

Step 6. On the Windows login screen, click the Accessibility icon to open Command Prompt.

Step 7. Reset the password using: net user username newpassword.

For example: net user admin 123456

Step 8. Close the Command Prompt and log in using the new password.

Here, we created a video to help you reset Windows password using CMD:

After successfully unlocking the system, it's recommended to restore the original Utility Manager file for security reasons.

If this method worked for you, feel free to share your experience or tips in the comments to help other users who are dealing with a forgotten Windows 11 password.

Case 2. Reset Windows 11 Password Using CMD When Logged In

If you still have access to your Windows 11 account, resetting the password using Command Prompt is much easier. Using CMD can help you quickly change, reset, or remove a login password without opening the Control Panel or Settings app.

This approach is suitable for system administrators or users who prefer command-line management instead of navigating through Windows settings.

Steps to Reset Windows 11 Password via CMD While Logged In

Step 1. Press Windows + R, type CMD, and press Control + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt.

Step 2. Type the following command to view available accounts:

• net user (This will list user accounts for the current device)
• Reset the password for the target account: net user username newpassword

Example: net user Adam 123456

Step 3. Press Enter. After that, exit Command Prompt and exit.

However, through our research across forums and technical communities, we've noticed that many less experienced users struggle with command syntax or worry about damaging system files while using CMD.

"I recently encountered a tricky problem, and I hope that friends here can help me. I accidentally forgot the login password of my Windows 11 computer, and now I can't log into the system at all. I have tried several traditional methods to reset or recover Windows forgotten password, such as using security questions and reset disks, but none of them worked. I wonder if there is a good Windows 11 password reset or recovery tool USB that can help me solve this problem." - From Microsoft Community

For those users, a Windows password reset tool may be a safer and simpler solution.

One-Click Reset Windows 11 Password

While Command Prompt can reset a Windows 11 password for free, it is often too technical for beginners. The process requires precise commands, access to recovery tools, and sometimes a Windows installation drive. A small mistake could lead to system issues or even data loss.

For users who want a simpler solution, EaseUS Partition Master provides a one-click method to reset or bypass Windows passwords. If your PC is locked, the software allows you to create a password reset USB on another computer, then use it to unlock the locked machine.

• ✔️Create a password reset USB for all Windows PCs
• ✔️Support Windows 11 / 10 / 8 / 7
• ✔️Reset Windows passwords without typing any command lines
• ✔️Remove PIN, password, facial recognition, picture password, and security keys
• ✔️Reset Windows 11 password with boot disk

Step 1. Insert the target USB disk into the computer, download and run EaseUS Partition Master, and click "Toolkit" > "Password Reset."

Step 2. A small window will pop up. After reading it carefully, click "Create".

Step 3. Select the correct USB flash drive or external mobile hard disk and click "Create" again. Wait patiently. After the password reset USB flash drive is created, click "Finish."

Step 4. Remove the password reset USB, insert it into the locked PC, and restart. You will be asked to change the boot drive to boot the PC from USB. Once completed, the system will automatically boot from USB.

Step 5. After restarting, find EaseUS Partition Master again and go to "Password Reset." All accounts on the PC will be displayed in the interface; click on the target account and check "Reset & Unlock."

Step 6. When you receive this prompt, click "Confirm" to continue. Your password will be erased.

Conclusion

Resetting a Windows 11 password using CMD is possible and completely free, but it requires familiarity with command-line tools and Windows recovery options. For experienced users, CMD provides a powerful way to unlock, bypass, change, or reset a Windows 11 local account password.

However, if you're dealing with a forgotten Windows 11 password and prefer a safer or more user-friendly solution, a dedicated password reset tool may save time and reduce risks.

Choosing the right method ultimately depends on your experience level and whether you still have access to the system.

FAQs About Windows 11 Password Reset Using CMD

1. How do I unlock my Windows 11 if I forgot my password?

If you forgot your Windows 11 password, you can unlock the system by:

• Resetting the password using Command Prompt
• Using a password reset disk
• Recovering your Microsoft account password online
• Using a Windows password reset tool

The correct method depends on whether your account is a local account or Microsoft account.

2. How to unlock Windows 11 via CMD?

You can unlock Windows 11 via CMD by accessing the Windows Recovery Environment, replacing the Utility Manager with Command Prompt, and running the net user command to reset the password.

3. Can CMD remove BIOS password in Windows 11?

No. Command Prompt can't remove a BIOS password. BIOS passwords are stored in firmware, not in Windows. If you need to remove BIOS password in Windows 11, you must access the BIOS settings directly or follow the manufacturer's recovery procedure.