How To Log Out Of Your Microsoft Account On Windows 11
Birhanie Scavotto
I've got myself into a bit of a pickle and could really use your collective wisdom. I've been locked out of my Windows 10 computer (yeah, I know, should've written down the password) and I'm scratching my head on how to get back in. Has anyone here been through this and managed to reset their password without being able to log in?
I've seen a few methods online involving bootable USB drives and using command prompts, but I'm not super tech-savvy and a bit hesitant to dive into something that seems so complex. I'm looking for a more straightforward, beginner-friendly way to reset my password and get back to my files.
[Edit] A few folks asked me if the problem was solved? Yes. The password was reset with the help of Passcue Windows Password Recovery software. Thanks Jack888 for the recommendation!
If you're locked out of your Windows 10 computer and cannot access it due to a forgotten password, there are several ways to reset it:
Use your Microsoft account: If you use a Microsoft account to log in to your Windows 10 computer, you can reset your password online through another device. Enter your email address or phone number on the Microsoft account recovery page, follow the prompts, and reset your password.
Use a password reset disk: If you previously created a password reset disk, you can use it to reset your password. Insert the disk into the locked computer and follow the prompts to reset.
PassCue for Windows: PassCue for Windows offers different recovery methods such as brute-force attack, mask attack, dictionary attack, and smart attack, depending on the type and complexity of the password. The software uses advanced algorithms and techniques to speed up the recovery process and has a high success rate. From here on:
It has a user-friendly interface that allows even non-technical users to easily navigate the software and recover their passwords. PassCue for Windows is compatible with multiple versions of Windows, including Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
Use Windows installation media: If you have a Windows installation media, you can use it to reset your password. Boot your computer from the installation media, choose "Repair your computer," and select "Troubleshoot" > "Command Prompt." Type "net user [username] * " and press "Enter." Enter a new password and confirm it. Restart your computer and log in with the new password.
Please note that some of these methods require prior preparation, and some may risk data loss. For best results, always have a backup of your data and follow the instructions carefully.
Do you have a password reset USB? Resetting Windows 10 password using a password reset USB is a straightforward process that can be done in a few steps. If you've forgotten Windows 10 password, plug the password reset USB into the computer and boot up. When you reach the login screen, click on 'I forgot my password' below the password entry box. The Password Reset Wizard will appear. Follow the prompts, select your USB drive when asked, and you will be guided through the process of creating a new password.
After resetting the password, you can use the new password to log into your Windows 10 account. Remember to store your password reset USB in a secure location for future use, if needed. It's also a good idea to update the password reset disk regularly, especially if you change your password often. This method is a lifesaver for those who frequently forget their passwords and need a reliable way to regain access to their Windows 10 accounts.
So my problem is that my PC started its life as a Home license. Now that I have upgraded to Professional (in order to use RDP among other features), I am having issues with getting onto my PC by RDP using my profile's microsoft account. I did go into system properties and enable RDP sessions for the desktop I am trying to remote to.
I have a laptop signed in using the same microsoft account at home. I am using VPN tunnel to my office to get to the network. Once on the network, I enter my desktop.IP:port and would expect since I am logged in with the same microsoft account that it would sign me directly in. Instead, it says my password / credentials are not correct. It calls my username out as "MicrosoftAccount\user@Company portal .com", which makes sense, but the password I use to log in does not work through RDP. It works directly from in front of the problem desktop, it works directly on the laptop at home, and it works in a web browser to see my microsoft account, which shows me both my problem desktop and my laptop, confirming that I'm using the same microsoft account and not a case of personal vs work/school account separation. Not really sure where to go here. I've tried removing the microsoft account and adding it back.
I'd love to not have to copy all my profile data off the PC, reset it and start from the beginning, so please tell me there's a hidden registry bit switch somewhere that dumps associations to microsoft accounts permanently as if starting from a clean slate -- OR any equivalent thereof that is less work than a reset of the PC. I don't know that a reset while keeping my files would do the trick in this instance anyway since the issue is likely somewhere in the profile's hidden files.
[EDIT] - Turns out that any local user account will work via RDP, as does a separate 365 business standard account to sign in (not a permanent option btw). It is only the main profile I'm trying to RDP into, associated with my microsoft account, is the one that is balking at me. Interesting that a completely unassociated 365 business std account gets me to the login page as if I were sitting at the login screen personally... assuming that's part of the new Azure cloud rollout progressing its course.
I couldn't get RDP on Azure AD Accounts working with the built-in Windows RDP client (Blue icon).
Downloaded the RDP for Android and For Windows (via Microsoft store) - Red icon version... both platforms worked straight away.
Note that I had to apply RDP permissions via Intune Endpoint manager: -you-can-now-manage-local-groups-memberships-with-intune-preview/#.Y7c1PnbP1D-
Otherwise, using Autopilot / Intune, there isn't a user listed under computer management.
I used the second answer from the linked SuperUser question. It's much quicker and tidier than re-linking accounts. TLDR; The problem is account re-sync is necessary, to force it run the command: runas /u:MicrosoftAccount\[my account email] cmd.exe
I entered the password and a CMD prompt appeared (running as my email address). I tried the RDP connection again, and it worked straight away.
The credentials I used for the RDP session was my microsoft email address as the user, and the password I entered in the runas command.
User: myemail@Microsoft Corporation .com
Pass: EmailPassword
All I need to do is run command below once. It will ask for current password of current Microsoft Account. Enter it and the cmd.exe will not feed back any information but the password will be re-synced. So you can use RDP with changed password.
It turns out I have a case of the ol' Windows Hello gotcha trick. Been using the PIN login for quite some time and recently had to change my microsoft password online because I couldn't remember it to get signed into the new laptop. The desktop never blinked, kept on letting me in with the PIN. I've never logged into the desktop since the password change using the new password.
As a result, I was unable to login with my password at the login screen either. So, I had to disable this, log out, log in with my password, then re-enable this, just so my local machine would update with the new password.
A Microsoft Account is a "connected account" that is not tied to the device itself. A Microsoft Account can be used on any number of devices. Windows Store apps, settings, and data can be accessed from any device you sign in to using cloud storage. To purchase apps from the Windows Store, you must have a Microsoft Account.
d3342ee215