How to Unlock a Locked HP Laptop without Password

Last updated on November 23rd, 2025 at 12:50 pm

I have been there myself, staring at that login screen, with not a single clue in my mind as to what password I entered three months ago. It is a pain and the good news is that you can have other alternatives that do not require you to smash the laptop, or pay someone 200 dollars to repair it.

I will take you through the simplest methods of getting back into your HP laptop, and I will begin with the methods that do not require one to sweat.

Table of Contents

Use Your Microsoft Account Recovery (The Easiest Route)

This is what I have tried at first and frankly speaking, it preformed like a miracle.

When you are logging into the system with a Microsoft account (the majority of people do that these days), you will see a Forgot your password? link just there on the log in page. Click it. Windows will also email you a code of verification to whatever email or phone number you have registered with.

Check mail, take that code, type it in, and wham you have been able to make up a totally new password. It required no equipment, no technology. Only you and your email address.

The catch? You must have that email or phone of recovery. And, in case you do not have it any more, read on.

Try Your Password Reset Disk (You Must Have Planned ahead)

Well, this only works given that past-you was intelligent enough to make a password reset disk. It is simply a USB drive which serves as a backup key.

It can be explained as follows: enter any erroneous password in the access screen. There will be windows with the option of a reset password. Click it, insert your reset disk and follow the wizard presented.

Honestly, the majority of people do not prepare them. However, were you able to, you would have saved yourself a mountain of trouble.

Getting Command Prompt (Gets a Bit Technical) Thru Windows Recovery.

The next one is a more frightening one than it really is. The first time I tried it, I was nervous but it is actually not complicated once you get the feel of it.

You will have to boot your laptop to recovery. To do this, simply press the power button in order to close it and then turn it back on. Repeat this three times. The third time it will restart, Windows will automatically start in the mode of repair.

From there:

Click “Troubleshoot”
Go to “Advanced Options”
Select “Command Prompt”

This is the next command to type: net user [yourusername] [yournewpassword].

Substitute the brackets with your own username as well as the new password that you want. Single hit enter, restart and you are on.

What I found working with this approach? It does not destroy in any of your files. Nothing ever leaves where it has remained.

Built Right Into Your Laptop: HP recovery manager.

In fact, HP has recovery tools in the laptops, which is quite convenient. During startup (the very first thing you see is the HP logo), press F11 and this will lead to HP Recovery Manager.

This tool also allows you to save up your files prior to any kind of recovery activities, and this gives you satisfaction. It is manufacturer specific thus specifically designed to fit your specific model of HP.

The downside? Once you choose a recovery option, you can still be left with resetting your laptop to factory settings depending on your choice of recovery option. Back up first if possible.

My Honest Take

To begin with the most simple account recovery tool of Microsoft account recovery – fast, free and does not need technical skills. In case that does not work due to the lack of access to your recovery email, the next best option is Command Prompt.

I have used both and although the Command Prompt one seems a little intimidating initially, it is rather reliable once the procedure is taken through the steps.

And still, it is better to do this on a laptop that you really own. These techniques are legitimate recovery situations – such as where you lost your own password. When you are attempting to use another individual computer, that is another (and legally sketchy) thing.

Once you are back in, it will do you a favor to setup a password reset disk or Windows Hello fingerprint login. You will be glad to do it in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ’s

Will I lose all my data if I unlock my HP laptop?

Not with most methods. The Microsoft account recovery and Command Prompt options leave all your files in the exact position. To a greater extent, HP Recovery Manager allows you to back up files prior to recovery. Is it only when you use a full factory reset option that you will lose data but this is the last option that should be used.

How long does it usually take to unlock a locked HP laptop?

In the case of Microsoft account recovery, it could take you 5 minutes, at best. With the help of Command Prompt, it also lasts approximately 10-15 minutes after you are in recovery mode. It may take more time (30 plus minutes) at the BIOS-level, but unless you have a more specialized password lockout in Windows, you are unlikely to have to go that far.

What in case I forget my Microsoft account email too?

And then you will have to use the Command Prompt technique or HP Recovery Manager. The Command Prompt is compatible with local accounts (which do not have any connections to Microsoft), so a new password can be created without any email confirmation. You are all you need to know is your username, which is normally whatever document is displayed in the login screen.