Forgetting your Windows password can be stressful, especially when you cannot log in to your PC. Luckily, Windows provides several methods to reset your password — using CMD, without logging in, with or without a USB, and using advanced tricks like replacing sethc.exe during installation mode.
In this article, you’ll learn all working methods to reset your Windows password safely.

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Method 1: How to Reset Windows Password Using a Bootable USB (CMD Trick via sethc.exe)

This is one of the most powerful methods used when you are locked out of Windows.
You only need a Windows bootable pen drive.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Boot From Windows Installation USB

• Insert your Windows bootable USB drive.
• Restart the PC and press F9 / F12 / Esc depending on your model.
• Select Boot from USB.

Step 2: Go to Windows Setup Screen

When the Windows installation window opens:

Click Next → Repair your computer → Troubleshoot → Command Prompt

OR
On the first installation screen press:

Shift + F10
This directly opens Command Prompt.

Step 3: Identify the Windows Drive

Usually your Windows installation is at C:
Check by typing:

C:
dir

If you don’t see Windows folders, try:

D:
dir
E:
dir

Step 4: Replace Sticky Keys (sethc.exe) with CMD

This trick lets the command prompt open on the login screen.

1. Backup original sethc.exe

copy C:\Windows\System32\sethc.exe C:\Windows\System32\sethc_backup.exe

2. Copy cmd.exe to another drive temporarily (optional but safe)

copy C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe D:\

3. Rename cmd.exe to sethc.exe

copy /y C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe C:\Windows\System32\sethc.exe

Select Yes when asked to overwrite the file.

✔ This replaces Sticky Keys with Command Prompt.

Step 5: Restart the PC Normally

Remove the USB drive → Restart.

Step 6: On Login Screen, Press Shift Key 5 Times

Press:

Shift → 5 times quickly.

Instead of sticky keys, CMD will open with full SYSTEM permissions.

Step 7: Reset Your Password Using CMD

Type this command:

net user yourusername newpassword

Example:

net user Ali 12345

✔ Your Windows password is now reset.

Step 8: Restore Original Sticky Keys File (Recommended)

After logging in, open CMD as Administrator and run:

copy /y C:\Windows\System32\sethc_backup.exe C:\Windows\System32\sethc.exe

Method 2: How to Reset Windows Password Using CMD (Without USB)

If you can reach the login screen, follow:

1. Click Power icon → Restart
2. Hold Shift and click Restart
3. Navigate:
   Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Command Prompt
4. Run:

net user username newpassword

Method 3: How to Reset Windows Password Without Logging In

You can use the Password Reset Disk if previously created:

1. On login screen → Click Reset Password
2. Insert the reset disk
3. Create a new password

Method 4: How to Reset Windows Password Without Disk

If you have a Microsoft Account, go to:

https://account.live.com/password/reset

Reset the password and log in normally.

Method 5: How to Reset Windows Password When Locked Out

You can use:

✔ Safe Mode
✔ CMD Admin access
✔ Password reset using Microsoft Account
✔ Bootable USB method (best)

Method 6: How to Reset Windows Password With USB (Standard Recovery Options)

Microsoft officially allows password recovery with:

• USB Recovery Drive
• Windows Installation Pen Drive
• Reset PC option (requires data backup)

FAQ – How to Reset Windows Password

Q1. How do I reset my Windows password if forgotten?
You can reset using CMD, Microsoft account, or a bootable USB.

Q2. Can I reset Windows password using CMD?
Yes, using
net user username newpassword

Q3. Can I reset Windows password without USB?
Yes, using Microsoft Account recovery or troubleshooting mode.

Q4. What if I am locked out completely?
Use the USB boot method and replace sethc.exe.

Q5. Is the sticky keys CMD trick safe?
Yes, but restore the original file afterward.