How to Unlock A Locked Computer - Windows (Easy & Fast)

Oliver updated on Nov 07, 2024 to Partition Master | How-to Articles

Many users have encountered the issue of the computer being locked and the password or PIN for it being forgotten. Do not worry, this article will show you how to unlock a locked computer with multiple solutions.

I just get a message "An administrator has restricted sign in. To sign in, make sure your device is connected to the internet, and have your administrator sign in first." I've been troubleshooting this for over 3 hours. I've enabled the local Administrator account and even with that I get the same message. I've been trying to contact Windows support via chat for over an hour now. A lot of people online seem to resort to wiping out their computer and starting from scratch. I'd really like to avoid this. - Microsoft forums

If you ever get locked out of your Windows 10 computer for some reason, or you simply forget your password or PIN, then getting back in can be a challenge. That said, you don't have to worry if you don't have any means to log in, as this article from EaseUS has you covered with multiple easy-to-follow solutions.

It will lead you through the steps needed to quickly and effectively unlock a locked computer without resorting to harsh measures like erasing your whole system. So take a big breath and bring your computer back to work.

How to Unlock A Locked Computer Workable Solutions Step-by-step Troubleshooting
Unlock Automatically EaseUS Partition Master Step 1. Insert the target USB disk into the computer, download...Full steps
Unlock Manually #1. Command Prompt Step 1. Restart your computer and press F8 multiple times to get...Full steps
#2. Microsoft Account Step 1. Navigate to the Microsoft Reset Password Page...Full steps
#3. Password Reset Disk

Step 1. Insert the password reset disk into your locked computer...Full steps

#4. Reset This PC

Step 1. Open "Settings" and go to "System." Step 2. Select "Recovery"...Full steps

How to Unlock A Locked Computer Automatically

Unlocking a locked computer is easier than it might seem. With an appropriate tool and features, you can regain access quickly.

For example, EaseUS Partition Master Professional has a "Password Reset" feature that supports unlocking computers with passwords and PINs. Before you begin, ensure you have a USB drive ready.

Once you have everything set up, download EaseUS Partition Master and follow the instructions below.

Step 1. Insert the target USB disk into the computer, download and run EaseUS Partition Master, and click "Toolkit" > "Password Reset."

Step 2. A small window will pop up. After reading it carefully, click "Create".

Step 3. Select the correct USB flash drive or external mobile hard disk and click "Create" again. Wait patiently. After the password reset USB flash drive is created, click "Finish."

Step 4. Remove the password reset USB, insert it into the locked PC, and restart. You will be asked to change the boot drive to boot the PC from USB. Once completed, the system will automatically boot from USB.

Step 5. After restarting, find EaseUS Partition Master again and go to "Password Reset." All accounts on the PC will be displayed in the interface; click on the target account and check "Reset & Unlock."

Step 6. When you receive this prompt, click "Confirm" to continue. Your password will be erased.

With only a few clicks and this helpful tool, you can swiftly restore your device to operation. The following button offers access to download this practical tool.

Besides resetting the Windows password, you can also use it to bypass PIN if that's what is locking your computer.

How to Bypass PIN Windows 10 | Beginners' Guide

This page covers multiple methods to help you bypass PIN on Windows 10. If you are locked out of your Windows PC, click the link and learn more. Read more >>

How to Unlock A Locked Computer Manually

You can broaden your options for unlocking a locked device by exploring the other alternatives in this section. 

#1. Command Prompt

Although it necessitates expertise with the command line interface, the Command Prompt provides a strong method for unlocking a locked machine. This technique can be your pass to getting back into your device if you feel confident with commands. Here's how to do it:

Step 1. Restart your computer and press F8 multiple times to get your computer to boot into Safe Mode.

Step 2. From the boot options, choose "Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt" by pressing "F6" or "Num 6."

Step 3. Open Command Prompt as an administrator by searching it from the search box in the Taskbar.

Step 4. Now, type net user username newpassword in the Command Prompt (change username with your real username and newpassword with your preferred new password).

Step 5. You should get a message verifying that the command was successful. 

Step 6. After restarting your computer, enter the new password to log in.

Does this method help you unlock your computer? If so, please share this page with other users.

 

#2. Microsoft Account

Unlocking your locked computer becomes easier if you have linked your Windows account to a Microsoft account. Here is the whole procedure: 

Step 1. Navigate to the Microsoft Reset Password Page.

Step 2. Enter your Microsoft account email and click "Next."

Step 3. Choose how to receive a security code: email, text, or authenticator app.

Step 4. After entering the security code, select "Next."

Step 5. Verify your identity with additional information if prompted.

Step 6. Reset the password that is associated with your Microsoft account.

Step 7. Restart your locked computer and log in using the new password.

#3. Password Reset Disk

Unlocking your locked PC is simple if you have already made a password reset disk for your Windows account. Here is what you need to do: 

Step 1. Insert the password reset disk into your locked computer.

Step 2. Click "Reset password" on the login screen

Step 3. Now, follow the on-screen instructions in the Password Reset Wizard.

Step 4. Create a new password and click "Next."

Step 5. Restart your PC and see if the new password works.

If you don't have a password reset disk by hand, you can create one by following the steps given below:

Step 1. Connect your USB flash drive to an accessible computer.

Step 2. After launching the Control Panel, select "User Accounts." 

Step 3. Select "Create a password reset disk" and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 4. Choose the USB drive and create a password reset disk.

Step 5. Safely eject the USB drive when the process is complete.

Consider sharing this page with others who might find it helpful in unlocking their locked computers.

#4. Reset This PC

Resetting your PC can frequently fix locked computer difficulties when everything else fails. But be aware that doing so will remove your device's data. So, you can clone the C drive to an external device or cloud service for backup. 

Here's how to reset your PC:

Step 1. Open "Settings" and go to "System."

Step 2. Select "Recovery" and click "Reset PC" near the "Reset this PC" option.

Step 3. Choose "Keep my files" or "Remove everything."

Step 4. Follow on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

Conclusion 

To sum up, this post has given an in-depth overview of ways to unlock a locked Windows 10 device. The goal of this article has been to get you back on your devices as soon as possible.

As a final recommendation, EaseUS Partition Master stands out as a user-friendly tool for addressing such issues. Its straightforward interface and effective features make it a practical choice for those navigating locked computer scenarios.

FAQs on How to Unlock A Locked Computer

Q
1. Is it possible to unlock a locked laptop?
Yes, various methods such as password reset disks, Microsoft account access, or third-party software like EaseUS Partition Master can help unlock a locked laptop.
Q
2. How do I remove a password from a locked laptop?
You can remove a password from a locked laptop using a password reset disk, a Microsoft account, or third-party software like EaseUS Partition Master.
Q
3. Why does it say my password is incorrect when it is correct?
Typing errors, keyboard settings, or a locked account may cause this issue; ensure correct input and consider resetting the password using the methods outlined in this article