Have you forgotten Windows 8 password?

Forgot your Windows 8 password? Relax! There is nothing to worry. There are several ways through which you can reset or even remove the password. The methods of resetting the password differ between local Windows accounts and Microsoft. In order to find out which account you have, turn on the system and see if an email address is displayed above where in order to enter password has to be provided. If there is no email, it’s a local account. If yes, then an MS account.   

It is easy to reset the passwords for MS accounts. However in order to reset an account, external help is required. As PCs have inbuilt secure boot and Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), a third party tool would complicate the process. 

Resetting Microsoft account password

If you have Microsoft-based Windows 8 account, then use the online form to reset password. This can be done from a tablet or another PC or a smartphone or tablet. The resetting would be easier if the current email ID or cell phone number is saved to your Microsoft account. You would have to confirm the proper address or phone number as well as choose the one you want them to send reset code to.

In case you do not remember these details, you would get a questionnaire which would also be inclusive of account security questions. After resetting the password with the help of online form, you would be capable to login with new password. Your PC must be connected to the net in order to be updated with fresh password.

Removing local account password

There are many ways to reset the password without the administrative access or even passing security checks from the online form. These methods include bootable DVD, CD or USB. There are several other bootable password recovery as well as rescue tools which work with the latest versions. The boot settings nevertheless have to be changed. 

If you have a genuine Windows 8 disc or flash drive, you should be able to boot from it without changing the boot settings. 

Windows 8 Advanced Startup Options (ASO) screen

The Windows 8 Advanced Startup Options (ASO) screen replaces Advanced Boot Options screen from previous Windows versions. If there is no genuine disc or flash drive then use an external utility or tool. You would have to disable new secure boot as well as UEFI features.

Before you can boot up a third-party tool on a computer that came pre-loaded with Windows 8 or later, you must temporarily disable the new Secure Boot and UEFI features. Hold the shift key while you restart Windows 8.

As it boots into Advanced Startup Options menu, click Troubleshoot, Advanced Options, and UEFI Firmware Settings. The settings however differ between PC manufacturers. You would have to disable the Secure Boot and UEFI features. As and when you run bootable third-party tool and clear your Windows password, re-enable Secure Boot and UEFI.  

With PC settings app you can set up new alternative login methods. Now you can also set some alternative login methods which can be used if the password is forgotten. 

Even MS accounts do have a similar password reset function. Generate Microsoft recovery code so that you can save and enter it later if it has been forgotten and even if the password has been changed. Recovery code can be generated on the Microsoft security settings webpage.

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