To reset password on Dell laptop, you must first identify whether you use a Microsoft account or a local account, as the recovery method is completely different for each. Look at the login screen: if you see an email address or a "Sign in with a Microsoft account" prompt, you have a Microsoft account; if you see only a username and no email, you have a local account. If you're troubleshooting a local account, similar credential recovery steps apply when you need to reset password in virtual machine on VirtualBox Ubuntu, and the same principles can help you recover password in a vm within vmware workstation using offline tools.
How to reset password on Dell laptop: identify your account type
Determining your account type is the critical first step because the reset method differs entirely. A local account shows only a username and may have a "Reset password" link that appears after an incorrect password attempt. Knowing this avoids wasted effort and ensures you choose the correct procedure.
Reset a Microsoft account password on your Dell laptop
To reset a Microsoft account password, you must use another device to visit the Microsoft account password reset page online. This is necessary because Microsoft cannot verify your identity directly from the locked laptop. On a phone, tablet, or another computer, go to the Microsoft account recovery page. You will be asked to verify your identity, typically through an alternate email, phone number, or security questions. After successfully verifying your identity online, you can set a new password for your Microsoft account, which will then be used to log in to your Dell laptop. Simply type the new password on the login screen and press Enter.
Reset a local account password with security questions
If you forgot your local account password and did not create a reset disk, you might be able to answer security questions set up during account creation to reset it. On the login screen, type any incorrect password. A "Reset password" link will appear. Click it, then answer the security questions you configured when you first set up the account. If the answers are correct, you can create a new local password and log in immediately. This method works only if you set up security questions beforehand.
Use a password reset disk for a local account
A password reset disk (USB flash drive) can be created before you forget your local account password and is only for local accounts. If you have one ready, insert the USB drive into the locked Dell laptop. On the login screen, enter an incorrect password, then click the "Reset password" link that appears. The Password Reset Wizard will launch; follow its prompts to set a new password. This is the simplest recovery option for local accounts, but it requires advance preparation. If you don’t have a reset disk, you can still get into Windows 10 without password using built-in recovery tools.
Reset a local password using another administrator account
If another administrator account is available on the Dell laptop, you can log in with that account, open Computer Management, navigate to Local Users and Groups, and set a new password for the locked account. Go to System Tools > Local Users and Groups > Users. Right-click the locked account name and choose "Set Password." Read the warning, then enter and confirm the new password. Log out and sign in with the updated credentials. This method requires a second admin account to exist on the same machine.
What to do if no other option works
If all other methods for a local account password fail, Dell support indicates that resetting or reinstalling the operating system (factory reset) is the only supported solution, which will erase all data. This is the last resort. Before proceeding, back up any files if you can access a recovery environment. A factory reset reinstalls Windows and removes all personal files, applications, and settings. After the reset, you will set up the laptop as new. This step is irreversible, so use it only when no other option is viable.
A note on BIOS passwords
A BIOS password is different from a Windows login password. It locks the laptop before Windows starts, preventing the system from booting. If you forgot the BIOS password, enter an incorrect password 3-5 times until an error code appears, then contact Dell Technical Support with the error code and proof of ownership for a release code. Do not attempt to reset a BIOS password using Windows methods; it requires a separate process managed by Dell.
