Windows Server Password Reset - How to Guide

Sherly updated on Sep 26, 2024 to Partition Master | How-to Articles

This guide gives detailed, step-by-step instructions and explains a process to Windows server password reset in various cases. So, whether you're locked out, you can follow this guide to learn how to tackle it.

  1. Way 1. Use EaseUS Partition Master - Easiest and Fastest
  2. Way 2. Use Windows Server Password Reset Disk
  3. Way 3. Use Command Prompt

Resetting Windows Server passwords can become necessary in various situations, whether someone has forgotten the password or wants to update it for security purposes. Whatever reasons have led you to learn how to reset the Windows Server password, y. Follow this guide from EaseUS to easily reset the password for Windows Server in no time.

Tip
These methods apply to all versions of Windows Server, including 2022, 2019, 2018, 2016, and 2012. So, there's no need to worry - you won't face any complexity, as the steps are similar.

Windows Server Password Reset - 3 Ways

If you're locked out and have forgotten the password, you'll find the entire process with proper step-by-step instructions in this part. If you are a beginner, the first method might be an ideal option.

Way 1. Use EaseUS Partition Master - Easiest and Fastest

The easiest way is to use EaseUS Partition Master Server and its "Password Reset" feature to avoid the hassle and complexity of resetting the Windows Server, especially if you're locked out and don't remember the password. EaseUS Partition Master is easy to use and can create a password reset USB on another PC to unlock the server PC.

Download the Windows Server password reset tool and follow the steps below to unlock your Windows Server PC.

Follow these steps:

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.

Try EaseUS Partition Master right now to resolve the issue easily and become worry-free from password reset headaches!

Let's find the most appropriate way to reset the Windows server password, whether you're locked out or logged in. We'll provide multiple methods for both situations. 

Way 2. Use Windows Server Password Reset Disk

You can use a password reset disk to reset the Windows Server password. However, the premise is that you created the password reset disk before you forgot the Windows Server password. If you have made a password reset disk, follow the guide below to reset the password for Windows Server 2016/2019/2022. If you did not create a password reset disk, turn to EaseUS Partition Master as an alternative.

Follow the steps:

Step 1. Intentionally enter the incorrect password at the login screen. Click the Password reset option.

Step 2. Connect the password reset disk to the locked PC when the password reset Wizard pops up.

Step 3. Choose the password reset disk and click "Next."

Step 4. Create a new password and password hint, click "Next," and restart the computer.

Step 5. Log in to Windows Server with the new password.

Share this article with your friends to help them out if they're facing the same problem.

 

Way 3. Use Command Prompt

If you lack a password reset disk, there's still a solution to reset your Windows server password even if you're locked out. First, you need to create a Windows Server 2019 installation USB to launch the command tool as the built-in administrator and execute a command to reset the password of a local user account.

Follow the steps to reset the Windows server administrator password using Command Prompt:

Step 1. Connect the Windows Server 2019 installation USB to your PC and boot from it.

Step 2. Choose "Repair your computer" from the bottom left corner.

Step 3. Click "Troubleshoot".

Step 4. Click "Command Prompt" to open it.

Step 5. Then, type the following commands, pressing Enter after each one.

E:\windows\system32\utilman.exe E:\

copy E:\windows\system32\cmd.exe E:\windows\system32\utilman.exe

Step 6. Type wpeutil reboot and press Enter.

Step 7. Your PC will be rebooted. Click Ease of Access and in the window, type net user administrator * to reset the password.

Why Reset Windows Server Password?

The password of a Windows Server is different from that of a Windows PC. Resetting a Windows Server password is indeed more complex compared to standard Windows versions. The reasons are as follows:

  1. Single Administrator Account: Windows Server typically defaults to having only one local administrator account. If the password for this account is forgotten, access to the server is lost, making recovery more challenging.
  2. Increased Security Measures: Windows Server is designed with enhanced security features, intentionally making password resets more difficult. This is to protect sensitive data and maintain the integrity of the server environment, unlike standard Windows versions where recovery options are more straightforward.
  3. Password Storage Locations: Passwords in Windows Server are stored in different locations depending on the account type. Domain user passwords are kept in the Active Directory database, while local user passwords are stored in the Security Account Manager (SAM) file. Resetting these passwords requires specialized methods or tools, further complicating the process.

Hence, learning how to reset a Windows Server password is of rather importance. For beginners, EaseUS Partition Master will make the process easier and smoother.

Conclusion

Resetting your Windows Server password, whether you're locked out or logged in, is a manageable task when you follow the right steps. This guide gave you detailed instructions for many methods. They ensure you can regain access or update your password with ease.

For the quickest and simplest solution, consider using EaseUS Partition Master, a reliable Windows Server 2019/2026 password reset tool. Its "Password Reset" feature can save you time and effort, especially if you're locked out and don't remember your password. By following the methods, you can tackle any password reset scenario with confidence.

Share this guide with your friends and colleagues who might find it helpful, and try EaseUS Partition Master to make the process even smoother.

 

FAQs About Windows Server Password Reset

Do you have more queries about resetting the Windows server password? Check the FAQs below.

1. Where are Windows Server passwords stored?

In Windows Server, there are two types of user accounts: domain user accounts, stored on the domain controller, and local user accounts, stored on the local computer.

The administrator account typically refers to a local user account. When logging in, the computer checks the user list and password file. Microsoft uses different encryption algorithms to protect these passwords, storing domain user accounts in the Active Directory database file (ntds.dit) and local user accounts in the Windows SAM registry hive.

2. How do I reset the Windows Server 2019 administrator password using Command Prompt?

You can reset the Windows Server 2019 administrator password using Command Prompt by creating a Windows Server 2019 installation USB.

  • Create a Windows Server 2019 installation USB.
  • Boot from the USB.
  • Select "Repair your computer" and click "Command Prompt".
  • Type commands to reset the password:
  • E:\windows\system32\utilman.exe E:
  • copy E:\windows\system32\cmd.exe E:\windows\system32\utilman.exe
  • wpeutil reboot
  • net user administrator *

3. How do you reset the Windows Server password with the installation CD?

You can reset the Windows Server password with the installation CD by booting from the CD, selecting the "Repair your computer" option, and then using the Command Prompt (CMD) to reset the password.