Set or reset a Windows administrator password

• Set the administrator password
  • Universal steps
  • Alternate methods
    • If your computer is joined to Indiana University's Active Directory
      • Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 8.x
    • On a computer not in a domain
      • Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 8.x
• If you forget the administrator password

Set the administrator password

Universal steps

These steps work in every case as long as you're able to log in as an administrator.

1. Press Win-r. In the "Open:" field, type compmgmt.msc, and then press Enter.
2. Double-click the Users folder. On the right, in the list of local users, right-click the account name for the Administrator account, and select Set Password.

   On some computers, the account will not be named "Administrator" because the owner or administrator either changed that name or added administrative accounts with different usernames. In either case, you will need to know which of the accounts in the list is the designated Administrator account.

Alternate methods

You can also change the administrator password using the "User Accounts" control in the Control Panel. Some people may prefer this method to the universal steps above. Follow the instructions below for your situation and operating system.

If your computer is joined to Indiana University's Active Directory

These instructions are for changing passwords for accounts residing directly on your computer, not for Active Directory passwords. This holds true even if your Active Directory account is an administrator on the computer.

Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 8.x

1. Press Win-r. In the dialog box, type compmgmt.msc, and then press Enter.
2. Expand Local Users and Groups and select the Users folder.
3. Right-click the Administrator account and select Password.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the task.

On a computer not in a domain

Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 8.x

1. Press Win-r. In the dialog box, type compmgmt.msc, and then press Enter.
2. Expand Local Users and Groups and select the Users folder.
3. Right-click the Administrator account and select Password.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the task.

If you forget the administrator password

If you forget the administrator password for your computer, you'll need to contact a local computer repair shop, where they'll have the tools to administratively reset your administrator password.