How to Change a Computer Password Using Command Prompt

January 2023 · 2 minute read

This wikiHow teaches you how to change a PC's password from an administrator account by using Command Prompt. If you do not have administrator access to the computer you will not be able to change the password. For Mac computers, you can...

Part 1 of 2:

Opening Command Prompt

  • Picture 1 of How to Change a Computer Password Using Command Prompt

    Open your PC's Start menu. You can do this either by clicking the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen, or by pressing the ⊞ Win key on your keyboard. The Start menu will open with your mouse cursor in the "Search" field.

  • Picture 2 of How to Change a Computer Password Using Command Prompt Type command prompt into the "Search" field. This will search your computer for the Command Prompt app. You should see it pop up at the top of the search menu.
  • On Windows 8, you can bring up the "Search" bar by hovering your mouse in the top-right corner of the screen and clicking the magnifying glass when it appears.
  • If you're using Windows XP, you'll instead click the Run app on the right side of the Start menu.
  • Picture 3 of How to Change a Computer Password Using Command Prompt Right-click Command Prompt. It resembles a black box; right-clicking it will invoke a drop-down menu.
  • If you're using Windows XP, you'll instead type cmd into the Run window.
  • Picture 4 of How to Change a Computer Password Using Command Prompt Click Run as administrator. It's near the top of the drop-down menu. Doing so will open Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
  • You'll need to confirm this choice by clicking Yes when prompted.
  • If you're using Windows XP, you'll click OK to open Command Prompt.
    • Micah Soto Micah Soto

    Update 04 March 2020

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