Unlocking a computer without knowing the password can be necessary if you've forgotten it or are otherwise locked out. The methods to unlock a computer depend on the operating system (OS) you're using. Here are some common methods for both Windows and macOS.
Windows
1. Using Another Account (Administrator Privileges Needed)
- Log in with another account: If there’s another account with administrator privileges, log in with that account.
- Change the password:
- Open Control Panel.
- Go to User Accounts.
- Select Manage another account.
- Choose the account you need to unlock and select Change the password.
2. Using Safe Mode
- Boot into Safe Mode:
- Restart your computer.
- Press
F8
(orShift+F8
) during startup to access the boot menu. - Select Safe Mode.
- Log in as the Administrator: In Safe Mode, there might be an account named “Administrator” without a password.
- Change your account password:
- Open Control Panel.
- Go to User Accounts and change the password of your account.
3. Using Password Reset Disk
- Insert the password reset disk: During the login screen, insert the password reset disk you created.
- Follow the prompts: Follow the wizard to reset your password.
4. Using Command Prompt (Requires Bootable Media)
- Create a Windows installation media: Use a USB drive or DVD.
- Boot from the installation media: Change the boot order in BIOS/UEFI to boot from the USB/DVD.
- Open Command Prompt:
- Select Repair your computer.
- Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
- Replace Utilman.exe with cmd.exe:
- Type
copy c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe c:\
. - Type
copy c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe
.
- Type
- Reboot: Remove the installation media and restart your computer.
- Open Command Prompt from the login screen: Click the Ease of Access button.
- Reset the password: In the Command Prompt, type
net user username newpassword
(replace "username" with your account name and "newpassword" with your new password).
5. Using Third-Party Tools
There are various third-party tools like Offline NT Password & Registry Editor, PCUnlocker, and others that can help reset or remove the password.
macOS
1. Using Apple ID
- Attempt to log in: After a few failed attempts, you should see a message asking if you want to reset your password with your Apple ID.
- Follow the prompts: Enter your Apple ID and follow the steps to reset your password.
2. Using Recovery Mode
- Boot into Recovery Mode:
- Restart your Mac.
- Hold down
Command + R
during startup.
- Open Terminal:
- From the menu bar, select Utilities > Terminal.
- Reset the password:
- Type
resetpassword
and press Enter. - Follow the prompts to reset your password.
- Type
3. Using Another Administrator Account
- Log in with another account: If there’s another account with administrator privileges, log in with that account.
- Change the password:
- Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
- Select the account you need to unlock and click Reset Password.
4. Using Single User Mode
- Boot into Single User Mode:
- Restart your Mac.
- Hold down
Command + S
during startup.
- Mount the filesystem: Type
/sbin/mount -uw /
and press Enter. - Remove the setup file: Type
rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone
and press Enter. - Reboot: Type
reboot
and press Enter. This will make the system think it’s a new setup and you can create a new admin account.
5. Contact Apple Support
If none of the above methods work, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for assistance.
Remember, unlocking a device without authorization may be illegal in some jurisdictions. Always ensure you have the right to access the device.