How to Change a Computer Password Using Command Prompt

Reboot the computer


2Right after the bios is finished, hit F8 (or F2,F10,F12)

 
3Select 'Safe mode' or 'Safe mode with networking support'

 
4Windows will boot up to the logon screen. Click administrator, 9/10 there is no password.

 
5Open Command Prompt. You can go to Start > Run and type cmd.exe or simply search for cmd using the Windows search function.


6Type net user and press Enter. This will bring up a list of user accounts. Look here for the name and exact spelling of the account whose password you wish to change.


7Type net user name goes here *. Do not neglect any of the spaces (particularly the one before the *) or the command won’t work.

 
8Press Enter. Once submitted, the command will give you the option of typing a new password for the user.


9Carefully type the desired password and press Enter. The characters will not display as you type, so make sure the Caps Lock isn’t on and be very thorough with the spelling and punctuation.

 
10Retype the password to confirm. This should weed out any typos.

 
11Press Enter. The new password should go into effect immediately. If you get an error message or your access is denied, the account you’re working on doesn’t have high enough authorization to change any passwords. See Tips for possible solutions.