I've got an issue with my Windows 11 PC. After an unexpected restart, it prompted me to set a new password for my local account called 'Anwender.' The problem is, when I try to enter my current password, it keeps telling me it's incorrect. I know for sure it was working fine yesterday. Since it's a local account not linked to a Microsoft account, I can't use the 'forgot password' option, and now I'm completely locked out.
I've attempted some troubleshooting: I tried creating a new local account through Windows Recovery Environment and CMD, but it doesn't show up on the login screen. I also tried the Utilman trick to access command prompt, but that didn't work either, probably due to Windows 11 security. Running 'net user' in CMD only shows built-in accounts, and I can still see my files in C:UsersAnwender, but I can't log in.
Has anyone else encountered a situation where a Windows 11 local account suddenly needs a new password but rejects the current one? I'm looking for a way to reset it offline without losing any data.
3 Answers
Before you dive into any complex solutions, double-check your keyboard settings! Sometimes the keyboard can switch layouts, which can mess with entering passwords—especially if you use any special characters. If it’s just numbers, though, that might not be the issue. But it’s worth verifying!
This sounds really strange! I’ve never heard of a local account randomly asking for a new password like that unless there’s a domain policy enforced or something similar. The fact that your profile picture is from a Microsoft account raises some flags; they might be nudging users toward linking accounts. If you’re sure it’s just a local account, I suggest looking into how to enable the administrator account via boot media. This method should allow you to reset your password without losing files, though keep in mind you might lose stored credentials.
Just a heads up, making changes to BIOS settings can risk data loss if you're not careful. Always back up your data before making any big changes. If you haven't done that, now's the time!
I checked, and it’s just numbers. So, I think the layout is fine.