How to Factory Reset a Computer to Fix a Forgotten Password

You can factory reset a locked computer by starting its built-in recovery tools from the sign-in screen or during startup. A factory reset can restore access, but it may erase your files and may still require a BitLocker, FileVault, Microsoft, or Apple account recovery credential.

What does a factory reset actually do?

A factory reset returns a computer to a clean, out-of-box state by removing installed applications, personal settings, and, depending on the option selected, personal files. The operating system is then reinstalled or prepared for setup again.

Factory-resetting a computer is different from resetting its login password. A password reset changes the credential used to enter the existing account, while a factory reset rebuilds the computer and may delete that account and its locally stored data.

What should you know before factory-resetting a locked computer?

A full factory reset can permanently erase documents, photos, downloads, browser data, and other files stored only on the computer. If those files are not backed up to cloud storage or an external drive, assume they will be lost.

• Check whether important files were synchronized with OneDrive, iCloud, or another backup service.
• Have access to another phone or computer so you can recover account passwords and receive verification codes.
• Connect the locked computer to power before starting.
• Have the Microsoft or Apple account information previously used on the computer.

A factory reset does not guarantee that every security lock will disappear. BitLocker on Windows and FileVault on Mac encrypt drive contents, and recovery tools may request a recovery key before allowing access to certain reset or disk operations. A Mac protected by Activation Lock may require the Apple Account previously associated with it even after the disk is erased.

How do you factory reset a Windows computer from the sign-in screen?

Windows Recovery Environment is a built-in troubleshooting area that can open without signing in. If the normal sign-in screen is available, use it to reach Reset this PC.

1. Select the Power icon on the Windows sign-in screen.
2. Hold the Shift key and select Restart.
3. After the recovery screen appears, select Troubleshoot.
4. Select Reset this PC.
5. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
6. Follow the displayed prompts to reinstall Windows.

The two reset choices have different effects:

• Keep my files reinstalls Windows and removes applications and settings while attempting to preserve files in user folders. It is not a substitute for a backup, and inaccessible or damaged files may not be recoverable.
• Remove everything removes personal files, applications, accounts, and settings. Choose it only after accepting that locally stored data may be permanently lost.

If Windows Recovery requests a BitLocker recovery key, resetting may not continue until the key is supplied. Look for the key in the Microsoft account associated with the computer, a printed copy, a saved file, or records held by the organization that managed the device.

How do you reset a Mac when you cannot log in?

macOS Recovery is the Mac startup environment used to erase a disk and reinstall macOS. The way you open it depends on the Mac hardware.

1. Shut down the Mac and connect it to power.
2. On a Mac with Apple silicon, press and hold the power button until startup options appear, then choose Options. On an Intel-based Mac, turn it on and immediately hold Command-R.
3. Enter a requested administrator or recovery credential if macOS Recovery requires one.
4. Open Disk Utility, select the internal startup volume, and use the erase command. This permanently deletes local files, so proceed only after checking for a backup.
5. Quit Disk Utility and select the option to reinstall macOS.
6. Follow the onscreen setup instructions.

Apple publishes the current erase and reinstall procedure in Apple Support. Open {site} and search for “erase and reinstall macOS” if the recovery screen differs from these general steps.

Erasing a Mac does not necessarily remove Activation Lock. If Activation Lock appears, enter the Apple Account previously connected to the Mac or complete Apple’s account-recovery process.

What if the computer uses a Microsoft or Apple account password?

Resetting the computer does not reset the password for a Microsoft account or Apple Account. Setup may ask for that same online account so it can verify ownership, restore synchronized information, or clear an activation lock.

If the online password is also forgotten, use Microsoft’s or Apple’s official account-recovery process from another device. Be ready to verify an email address, trusted phone, recovery contact, recovery key, or other account information. Recover the online account before erasing the computer when possible; otherwise, the reset may leave you with a clean computer that you still cannot activate or reconnect.

What should you do after the factory reset?

1. Complete the operating system’s initial setup and connect to a trusted network.
2. Sign in with the recovered Microsoft or Apple account if you want synchronized settings and cloud files.
3. Create a new local password or device PIN that is memorable but difficult for someone else to guess.
4. Add recovery methods and save recovery keys somewhere separate from the computer.
5. Restore files only from a known backup and reinstall the applications you still need.

Confirm that restored files open correctly before deleting any remaining backup copies.

When should you avoid a full factory reset?

A full factory reset should be the last option when the only problem is a forgotten password. Try a password-recovery method first if preserving local files matters.

• Use a previously created Windows password-reset disk for the local account it was made for.
• Use another authorized administrator account to reset a local account when one is available.
• Recover a Microsoft or Apple account through its official recovery process when the computer uses an online login.
• Use a saved BitLocker or FileVault recovery key when drive encryption is blocking access.
• Contact the employer or school that manages the device, because its administrator may hold recovery keys or impose reset rules.

These alternatives apply only when the required recovery disk, key, account, or administrator access already exists. If none is available, a factory reset may be the remaining route, with permanent data loss and post-reset ownership checks still possible.