How to reset local admin account password

Issue/Question

  • How do I reset my Windows local admin account password?

Environment

  • Oregon State University
  • Faculty, Staff, or Student
  • Windows 10

Explanation

  • If you know your current admin password, you may use the steps below to reset your password. 
  • If you do not know your current password, contact your IT support for assistance.

Note: Users must comply with IT Security Policy and have reviewed, completed and submitted this form: Local Computer Administrator Access Request

Resolution

Method 1 - Physically at the Computer

  1. If you are currently logged in, log out (or switch user) and log into Windows using your local admin account ( ex. .\benny_b )
  2. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del and select change a password
  3. Enter in your old (Current) password and the new password (and confirm) and click Submit (or hit enter)

Method 2 - Update Password Remotely or without Logging out

  1. While logged into the computer, click Start and start typing in Computer Management and select Run as Administrator to launch the Computer Management App with elevated permissions.
     
     
  2. At the User Account Control window, enter in your local admin username and password
    • Use a period ( .) and backslash ( \ ) before your username.  Ex. .\benny_b
    • note: The domain should switch from saying ONID to the name of your computer if done correctly.
  3. At the Computer Management Window, expand Local Users and Groups and click on Users.  Locate your username in the list on the right and right-click on your username and click Set Password
  4. Click Proceed when prompted with "Resetting this password might cause irreversible loss of information for this user account..."
  5. Enter and confirm a new password and click OK
    • Password Requirements:
      • At least 6 characters
      • Include 3 of the 4 following criteria:
        • Uppercase, lowercase, number, punctuation.
      • Cannot be one of last 10 passwords
  6. Leave the current Computer Mangement Window open and test your new password by repeating step 1 and opening an additional computer management window to make sure your new password works.  By leaving the current computer management window open, if your password fails you can reset it again since the window is still open.
  7. Close any remaining computer management windows once your password has been vefiried.

Assistance

For assistance, contact the Service Desk.

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