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How do I reset my administrator password on Windows 11 & 10 !! If I forgot the Admin password?
ROHIT TECH
Overview
This video demonstrates how to reset a forgotten administrator password on Windows 11 and 10 without using any third-party software. The process involves accessing advanced startup options, using the command prompt to replace a utility manager executable with the command prompt, and then using the command prompt to reset the password through the Computer Management console. This method allows users to regain access to their accounts by leveraging built-in Windows tools.
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Chapters
- To begin, hold down the Shift key while clicking the Power button and then selecting Restart.
- Continue holding the Shift key until the advanced startup options screen appears.
- This sequence is crucial for accessing the troubleshooting environment needed for the reset.
This initial step is critical because it bypasses the normal Windows boot process, granting access to advanced recovery tools that are otherwise inaccessible.
Holding the Shift key while clicking 'Restart' from the login screen.
- Navigate through 'Troubleshoot' and then 'Advanced options' to find the Command Prompt.
- Once in the Command Prompt, change the directory to the Windows system32 folder.
- The command prompt is the gateway to manipulating system files necessary for the password reset.
The Command Prompt provides direct access to system files, allowing for modifications that are essential for enabling the password reset functionality.
Typing 'cd C:\Windows\System32' to navigate to the correct directory within the command prompt.
- Rename the `utilman.exe` file to `utilman1.exe` using the `ren` command.
- Rename the `cmd.exe` file to `utilman.exe`.
- This clever trick replaces the Utility Manager (which is accessible from the login screen) with the Command Prompt, allowing us to open a command prompt with administrative privileges directly from the login screen.
This file manipulation is the core of the exploit, as it allows you to launch a command prompt with system-level access from the login screen, bypassing the need for the forgotten password.
Executing the commands 'ren utilman.exe utilman1.exe' and then 'ren cmd.exe utilman.exe'.
- After restarting, click the accessibility icon on the login screen.
- This action now opens the Command Prompt instead of the Utility Manager.
- Type `compmgmt.msc` to open the Computer Management console.
- Navigate to 'Local Users and Groups' > 'Users', right-click the administrator account, and select 'Set Password'.
This step allows you to directly change the password for any user account without knowing the old password, effectively regaining access.
Typing 'compmgmt.msc' in the command prompt that appears after clicking the accessibility icon on the login screen.
- Set a new password for the administrator account and confirm it.
- Close the Computer Management console and the Command Prompt.
- Log in to the administrator account using the newly set password.
This confirms the password reset was successful and allows you to regain full access to your Windows system.
Entering the new password for the 'RT' user and successfully logging in.
Key takeaways
- You can reset a forgotten Windows administrator password without external software by leveraging built-in recovery tools.
- The Shift + Restart method is key to accessing advanced Windows startup options.
- Replacing `utilman.exe` with `cmd.exe` allows you to open a command prompt from the login screen.
- The Computer Management console (`compmgmt.msc`) is used to directly set a new password for user accounts.
- This technique requires careful execution of command prompt commands to avoid system instability.
- Always remember to revert the changes made to `utilman.exe` and `cmd.exe` after successfully resetting your password (though this video does not show the reverting step).
Key terms
Windows 11 Password ResetAdministrator PasswordForgot PasswordAdvanced Startup OptionsCommand PromptUtility Manager (utilman.exe)Computer Management (compmgmt.msc)System32 Folder
Test your understanding
- What is the initial key combination required to access Windows 11's advanced startup options for password reset?
- How does renaming `utilman.exe` and `cmd.exe` facilitate the password reset process?
- What command is used to open the Computer Management console from the command prompt accessed at the login screen?
- Why is it important to navigate to the `System32` folder before renaming system files?
- What is the purpose of using the Computer Management console in this password reset method?