How to Unlock an HP Laptop When You Forgot the Password (Windows 10)

If you’ve forgotten the password for your HP laptop running Windows 10, you don’t need a password reset disk to get back in. First check whether you sign in with a Microsoft account; if you do, you can reset the password online in a few minutes. A local account can be reset with your security questions or from another administrator account. If none of that works, you can factory reset the laptop from the sign-in screen, but that erases your files. This guide goes through each option in order, plus what to do if the HP asks for a password before Windows even starts.

First: which password is it?

• Windows sign-in password: asked for on the Windows login screen with your name and picture. This guide covers this one.
• Windows PIN: a shorter number. Click I forgot my PIN under the box and follow the prompts. You’ll need your account password to set a new PIN.
• BIOS or power-on password: asked for on a plain screen as soon as you press the power button, before Windows loads. See the section on this near the end, because the Windows methods won’t help.
• BitLocker recovery key: a blue screen asking for a 48-digit key. See how to find your BitLocker recovery key.

Option 1: Reset a Microsoft account password

If the sign-in screen shows an email address, or you set up the laptop with your Outlook, Hotmail, or Microsoft email, you’re using a Microsoft account.

1. Make sure the laptop is connected to Wi-Fi. Click the network icon at the bottom-right of the sign-in screen if it isn’t.
2. Click I forgot my password below the password box.
3. Verify your identity with a code sent to your recovery phone number or email.
4. Create a new password, then sign in with it.

You can also reset it from another device by going to Microsoft’s password reset page. Then sign in on the laptop with the new password while it’s online.

Option 2: Answer your security questions (local account)

A local account shows just a name, with no email. If you set up security questions when you created it:

1. Enter a wrong password once and press Enter.
2. Click Reset password, which appears below the box.
3. Answer the three security questions and choose a new password.

Option 3: Use another administrator account

If someone else has an administrator account on the laptop:

1. Sign in with that account.
2. Press Windows + R, type netplwiz, and press Enter.
3. Select the locked account and click Reset Password.
4. Enter a new password and click OK.

This only works for local accounts. Files encrypted with Windows’ file encryption (EFS) and some saved passwords may no longer open after a reset done this way. For more methods, see our general guide on how to unlock a laptop when you forgot the password.

Option 4: Factory reset the laptop (erases your files)

If you can’t reset the password any other way, you can reinstall Windows from the sign-in screen. This removes all your files, apps, and settings, so it’s a last resort.

1. On the sign-in screen, click the Power icon at the bottom-right.
2. Hold down Shift and click Restart.
3. Choose Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything.
4. Choose Cloud download (needs internet) or Local reinstall, and follow the prompts.

If the laptop’s drive is encrypted, you may be asked for the BitLocker recovery key. After the reset, you set up Windows from scratch with a new account. See how to reset Windows 10 to factory settings.

HP recovery options

On many HP laptops, pressing F11 repeatedly right after turning the laptop on also opens the recovery screen. If Windows won’t reset at all, HP offers the HP Cloud Recovery Tool on its support website. Run it on another Windows PC to make a recovery USB for your exact model.

If the HP asks for a password before Windows starts

That’s a BIOS administrator or power-on password, stored in the laptop’s firmware. Windows password resets and factory resets don’t remove it. Contact HP Support with your laptop’s serial number and proof of purchase. HP has its own process for verifying ownership. Be wary of anyone online offering BIOS “unlock codes.”

What not to do

You’ll find guides that use command-line tricks or third-party “password crackers” to get past the login screen. These often fail on current versions of Windows 10, can be flagged as malware, and on an encrypted drive won’t get you to your files anyway. Stick with the options above.

Prevent it next time

• Use a Microsoft account, or add security questions to a local account.
• Set up a PIN or fingerprint. See how to change your PIN.
• Keep your recovery phone number and email up to date in your Microsoft account.
• Save your BitLocker recovery key somewhere outside the laptop.

Frequently asked questions

Will resetting my Microsoft account password affect my email?

Yes, it’s the same password for Outlook.com, OneDrive, and Xbox. Use the new password everywhere.

Can HP reset my Windows password?

No. HP can’t recover Windows passwords. HP Support can help with BIOS passwords and with reinstalling Windows.

Does this work on Windows 11?

Yes. The options are the same on Windows 11 HP laptops.

Summary

Click “I forgot my password” if you use a Microsoft account, or answer your security questions for a local account. Another administrator can reset a local password with netplwiz. If all else fails, use Shift + Restart and Reset this PC, knowing it erases your files. For a BIOS password, contact HP Support.