- Lost Windows 8 Administrator Password Recovery
- Recover Lost Administrator Password Windows 8
- Windows 8 Administrator
- Windows 8 Administrator Account
- Recover Windows 8 Administrator Password
If you’ve forgotten your admin password in Windows, you won’t have much control. Not having access to an admin account means you can’t uninstall software, make system changes, and do other administrative tasks on your own computer.
But don’t despair—we’re here to help you. We’ll explain the Windows default admin account situation in various Windows versions and show you how to reset your admin password.
Windows Password Key could be the easiest and the most straightforward tool for you to crack forgotten, lost Windows 8 administrator. No need to create password reset disk in advance, no need to have another administrator account, it can 100% accomplish the task with minutes. Forgot windows 8 administrator password: Reset with cmd Insert Windows 8 recovery DVD in cd drive. Restart system. System will boot from DVD. You will 'Choose the language' screen. Select your language. Next you will see 'Choose your keyboard layout' screen. Select your keyboard layout.
History of the Windows Administrator Account
Your first instinct when you forget your own account password might be to look for the default Windows admin password. However, in Windows Vista and later, there actually is no accessible system-wide Administrator account by default. This is a security measure to protect your computer.
Windows XP had an additional Administrator account that sat alongside your usual accounts. The problem was that most people left the password for this account blank, meaning that anyone with access to a computer and a little know-how could log into a machine with full administrator permissions.
This was even more of an issue if you used the Administrator account all the time, as any malware had free reign to do whatever it wanted.
Modern-Day Admin Accounts
Starting in Windows Vista, Microsoft disabled the built-in Admin account by default. Instead, it featured User Account Control, a feature still around in Windows 10 today. This allows you to temporarily grant admin permissions while using any account, as long as you have an admin’s password.
Thus, there’s no Windows default administrator password you can dig up for any modern versions of Windows. While you can enable the built-in Administrator accountWindows Administrator Account: Everything You Need to KnowWindows Administrator Account: Everything You Need to KnowStarting with Windows Vista, the built-in Windows Administrator account is disabled by default. You can enable it, but do so at your own risk! We show you how.Read More again, we recommend that you avoid doing so. That account runs with admin permissions all the time, and never asks for confirmation for sensitive actions. This makes it a bigger security risk, where malware can more easily execute.
Besides, you need admin permissions to enable the default Administrator account, meaning that it’s not a solution if you forgot your own admin password. Instead, let’s look at how to reset an admin password in Windows 10, 8, and 7.
Forgot Admin Password in Windows 10
In Windows 10, you have two options for your user account. You can either sign in with a Microsoft account, or use an old-school local account that exists only on your PC.
If you use a Microsoft account, it’s easy to reset your password. Head to Microsoft’s account recovery page and walk through the steps to get back into your account. This is easiest if you’re set up the proper recovery methods, such as a backup email address and phone number.
Those who use a local account will have a harder time resetting their password. In Windows 10 version 1803 and later, you can add security questions to your local account to help you get back in if needed (see Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options). But if you haven’t set these up, you’ll have to go through a somewhat tedious workaround process.
You’ll find everything you need to know about this in our guide to resetting your lost Windows 10 passwordHow to Reset Your Lost Windows 10 PasswordHow to Reset Your Lost Windows 10 PasswordYou forgot your Windows 10 login password? Don't despair! We'll show you how to reset your password and recover your account.Read More.
Forgot Administrator Password in Windows 8
The situation with Windows 8.1 is very similar to Windows 10. Windows 8 was the first OS version to support signing in with a Microsoft account. If you sign in with your Microsoft account and have forgotten that password, you can recover it using the Microsoft password reset page as above.
Users with local accounts will need to pursue the workaround method linked above to reset their password. Windows 8.1 does not have support for security questions, so this isn’t an option for resetting a local account password. It will take a bit of time, but it’s your best bet assuming you don’t want to reset your entire system.
Reset Admin Password in Windows 7
As you might expect, Windows 7 offers the least amount of options for resetting a lost password. Because there’s no support for Microsoft accounts, you’re stuck resetting your local account manually.
In addition to the main method (replacing the Ease of Access shortcut) described in the earlier guide, you might pursue some other ways to reset your forgotten admin password3 Ways to Reset a Forgotten Windows Administrator Password3 Ways to Reset a Forgotten Windows Administrator PasswordForgetting your computer password is scary, but you still have options. Here are three easy methods to reset your Windows administrator password and get back into your computer.Read More.
Other Methods to Reset Windows Passwords
We’ve looked at the best solutions to reset a forgotten admin password in each current version of Windows. However, there are some other methods you should know about.
Use a Password Reset Disk
Every Windows version supports the creation of password reset disks. These allow you to set up a flash drive to act as a backup key to unlock your account. Because you need to set them up before you get locked out, we didn’t mention them above.
However, once you’ve recovered your account, it’s a good idea to make a password reset disk so you don’t have to jump through hoops in the future. To do this, first connect a removable device to your PC, like a USB flash drive. Then search for password reset in the Start Menu and you should see a Create a password reset disk entry.
Select this, then walk through the steps to create the drive. You’ll need your current account password to complete this.
Once you have this, you should keep it safe. Anyone with access to the reset disk could use it to get into your account, so make sure you don’t let it fall into the wrong hands.
Lost Windows 8 Administrator Password Recovery
Try Password Cracking Software
As a last resort, you can try using a tool designed to crack passwords. Ophcrack is one well-known utility.
However, there’s no guarantee that this will work. The software is much more efficient at cracking Windows XP passwords. Its Live CD version is designed for Windows Vista and 7; it doesn’t mention Windows 10, so support may be unofficial.
Additionally, the rainbow tables used to crack passwords in this way are better for breaking short, weak passwords. If your admin password is long and complex, it could take ages to recover with this method.
If you can’t crack your password, the next best solution is removing it altogether. Unfortunately, most tools for this are outdated and don’t support Windows 10, or cost money.
Recover Lost Administrator Password Windows 8
That being said, if you’re on Windows 8.1 or earlier, Offline NT Password And Registry Editor is worth a try. It will remove an account password for you, so you can set a new one. Just note that doing this will result in you losing access to any files you encrypted using Windows.
You’ll find a lot of software advertising the ability to crack your password or remove it for a fee. If the free tools and methods fail, it’s up to you whether you think these are worth it.
Beyond the Default Administrator Password in Windows
We’ve taken a look at the default Windows admin password across versions, along with how to recover your password on Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7. Chances are that one of the above methods will work for you, and you’ll be able to regain admin privileges on your own PC.
For more on Windows account security, see our breakdown of User Account Control and admin rights on Windows 10User Account Control and Administrator Rights on Windows 10User Account Control and Administrator Rights on Windows 10Whether you use an Administrator or a Standard Windows account, what matters is your User Account Control security level. Here's what you need to know.Read More.
Explore more about: Microsoft Account, Password, Password Recovery, Troubleshooting, Windows Tips.
Thanks a lot guys... whatever these instructions did to my pc / remote linux server, I am no longer able to log in via any method, even when attempting on the server itself.
thanks , i didn't even know how to make a password reset disk
Actually my primary account was forgotten and i couldn't download any app as it asked for a password ALWAYS! thanks for saving me from all that AGONY and that feeling of helplessness
UGH!So if you were using a Windows Live password on a Windows 8 computer in order to access that computer. Then the computer was stolen. You could change your log in to the computer directly online via Live. Is that correct?
You can use the sticky keys hack:
http://lifehacker.com/5612487/hack-the-sticky-keys-feature-to-reset-a-forgotten-windows-passwordWill this work for an administrator password???
This is a solution for Windows 8 and 8.1
Does anyone know how to reset the administrator password? I can get in my pc but I can't change anything because I need the AP
Useless article for Windows 8 and above.
Using Ophcrack I mean
It is a common phenomenon for all Windows users. I am agree with the advice above. All you need is a Windows administrator password key to help you recover it.
neither any oph worked nor other softwares .. i am using pin to access my account but i want to acess from my password which i forgot .so could u tell me way to completely change my poassword
Is there a cost for this program? And if so what is the cost?
Thanks guys Windows 8 laptop in danger of being hurled through a (real) window... Password successfully reset and the laptop is safe (for now).
Hi, Hope you can help me how to retrieved my administrator password? Now im currently using the other user account which is my childrens access to my lappy. The prob now is that i cant down load any software, copy some files coz it is always prompting me the admin password. I tried using online help and followed instruction for the commant prompt but still doesnt work.
I mean the command promt...
I hate when im in a hurry..lol Command Prompt..
Good article! You can also reset the administrator password in command prompt. Here's the detailed steps: http://www.password-buster.com/resource/how-to-bypass-windows-7-password.html
It is not complicated to reset windows admin password at all.
what you need indeed is a windows password recovery tool.
here is the one ever helped me, you can take a try.
http://passwordtech.com/windows-password-recovery.htmlGreat! I have ever come across forgot Windows 8 administrator password and locked out of computer. Finally I regained access to my locked computer by following this video guide step by step: http://youtu.be/1a97woJXUpQ
Hi Justin P.my name is Dinnes Casas came from phili. i lost my administrator account password.
can you help me please.pleaseDid the steps above not work out, Dinnes? I don't know what I'd try next, can you give me more information about your computer?
Hi,
I forgot my administrator password on window 8. My account isn't Microsoft account. I already used Ophcrack but can't find password. What should I do?I'd recommend removing the password with the Offline NT Password tool linked to above.
i erase my administrator account for accidentally but when i going to download a game i cant because i need the permission from the administrator what should i do?
Hi Justin,
I forgot my administrator password on my windows 8. I went to Microsoft account and changed password there, but I still get the wrong password message. I've tried this several times, and no joy. What can I do now?To be clear: is this the primary account on the computer? Or are you looking for the password for the 'Administrator' account? Because there probably isn't one...
I like PCUnlocker the most. It's not a freeware but it's more powerful than free options. Besides resetting lost Windows password, PCUnlocker can also reset forgotten Windows 8 Microsoft account password, and promote standard user account to administrator. It also supports Windows 8 UEFI secure booting.
You don't need software for Microsoft accounts...just use the web site to restore the password.
i think when you lost Windows administrator password, there is another way, that is to use the program such as the SmartKey Windows Password Recovery from http://www.recoverlostpassword.com/products/windowspasswordrecovery.html
What do you think of it?Never seen this, and the grammatical errors on the site lead me to mistrust it. I could be wrong, though – if anyone has positive experience with this $20 program they should let us know.
Thanks Nirah , I have tried your SmartKey Windows password recovery prgoram and it worked!
Assuming that the Administrator account isn't locked, you can just press Ctrl-Alt-Del at the login screen a few time to show the ol' school login screen, type 'Administrator' (without quote') into the username, and leave the password blank. Now you can use that account, and it won't even ask you for the previous password of any account that you want to change (or delete).
Active password reset.
KonBOOT,
ntpwdedit,
sala password reset.google them
Ank91 do have konBoot installer for windows 8
What about an article for mac?
Excellent write up
i know one that used to work on windows 7, haven't tested on other but i think it also works on windows 8
get any live cd, maybe linux one or Hiren's boot cd or any live cd that can access C:windowssystem32from that live cd, take a copy of cmd.exe, and backup of utilman.exe
rename the copy of cmd.exe to utilman.exe
now when you try to login to windows, use the utility manager, and you'll get the cmd window
now type
control userpasswords2
and reset the passwordthis won't let you recover your password, only change-reset
Or using the method above, at the command line type:
net user *
and it will ask for the new password.
e.g. net user administrator *That was supposed to be net user (your existing username) *.
The system removed the angle brackets I used. :-(you can even do it from any windows cd
just start it, repair> command
and use these commandscopy c:windowssystem32utilman.exe c:utilman.exe
copy c:windowssystem32cmd.exe c:windowssystem32utilman.exerestart and use the commands i used above, that's just something other than using a live cd that will also work fine
hi, i tried this , its not working, can u suggest any other(i know am commenting after 2 years)
Actually there is (imo) a better tool called Kon-Boot. It's very fast, easy to use and it supports other OSes.
A forgotten Windows password isn’t the end of the world. You don’t have to trash the computer, or even perform a dreaded factory restore. There are many ways to remove or reset a Windows password, but how quickly and easily it can be done depends on the situation.
Password reset methods differ between Microsoft and local Windows accounts. If you aren’t sure which type of Windows account you have, it’s simple to find out: turn on your computer and see if an email address is displayed above where you enter your password to login. If there’s an email, it’s a Microsoft account. If not, it’s a local account.
Resetting the password for Microsoft accounts can be relatively quick and easy. Resetting local accounts, however, takes a hack or a third-party tool. Since computers preloaded with Windows 8 include a new Secure Boot and the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) boot method, using a third-party tool complicates the process further.
Resetting the password of a Microsoft account
If you have a Microsoft-based Windows 8 account, you can use Microsoft’s online form to reset the password. You can complete this from another PC, or even a smartphone or tablet. Although you can find a phone number for Microsoft support, I was told when calling that they can’t help with password resets; you must use their online form.
It will be easier to reset your password online if your current email address or cell phone number are saved to your Microsoft account. The online form will show you an incomplete email address and cell number you have on file. You must then confirm the full address or number and choose which one you’d like them to send the reset code to.
If you don’t remember the full email address or cell number that’s on file, or don’t have access to them anymore, you can fill out a questionnaire including account security questions. If your information checks out, the site will help you create a new password.
Once you successfully reset your password using Microsoft’s online form, you should be able to login with the new password. Your computer must be connected to the Internet to be updated with the new password.
Removing the password of a local account
Although not great from a security perspective, there are many ways to reset or remove a Windows password for local accounts without having administrative access or passing the security checks from Microsoft’s online form. These methods typically include using a bootable CD, DVD or USB drive. We’ve already discussed this in a previous article for Windows 7 and earlier, but that particular utility doesn’t apply to Windows 8.
Caution: Resetting a password using these methods means you will lose access to any encrypted files utilizing the Encrypting File System (EFS) built into Windows and stored passwords for Internet Explorer and network resources.
There are many other bootable password recovery and rescue tools that work with the latest Windows versions, but most require changing the boot settings of your computer.
Windows 8 Administrator
If you have a genuine Windows 8 disc or flash drive, you should be able to boot from it without having to change the boot settings. If this is the case, you can use it to perform a so called “Sticky Keys” hack to reset your local Windows account password.
A previous article describes how to perform the Sticky Keys hack. The article was written for Windows 7 and earlier, but still applies to Windows 8 and later with a few caveats:
Windows 8 Administrator Account
- Ignore step 4 from the first set of steps and do the following instead: click Troubleshoot, Advanced options, and then open the Command Prompt.
- Resume with step 1 of the second set of steps.
If you don’t have a genuine Windows 8 disc or flash drive, you can use a third-party tool or utility. For example, the Offline NT Password and Registry Editor is included with other rescue discs like Hiren’s BootCD.
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. Start by holding the Shift key down while you restart Windows 8, even from the initial login screen.
Once it boots into the Advanced Startup Options (ASO) menu click Troubleshoot, Advanced Options, and UEFI Firmware Settings. The exact settings differ between PC manufacturers, but find and disable the Secure Boot and UEFI features, which may include enabling the Compatibility Support Module (CSM) or legacy boot mode.
Once you run the bootable third-party tool and clear your Windows password, you should re-enable Secure Boot and UEFI. Then you should be able to boot into Windows again and login.
Recover Windows 8 Administrator Password
Prevent future forgotten password issues
Now that you’re back onto your Windows account, consider setting some alternative login methods, like a PIN or picture password, which can be used if you forget your password.
If you’re using a local Windows 8 account, you can create a password reset disk using a USB flash drive via the User Account settings in the Control Panel. If the password is ever forgotten, even if it has been changed since you made the reset disk, you can plug in the USB flash drive in order to reset your password.
A somewhat similar password reset function exists for Microsoft accounts. You can generate a Microsoft recovery code so that you can save it and enter it later if you forget your password, even if the password has been changed. You can generate this recovery code on the Microsoft security settings webpage.