Windows 10: How to change or remove an unknown local user password?

I bought a Windows 10 machine on an estate auction, a Dell rugged laptop with outdoor screen (out of warranty with Dell). Windows is configured to never require password for login. However, if I press Windows+L to lock it, it will ask me for a password, so apparently there is one but I dont know it. I doubt I would be able to guess the security questions, and am afraid to try in case it locks up something. It is a good computer so I would like to start using this computer as my main computer, so I would like to have this issue fixed. How could I do that? I hope I wont have to reinstall Windows. I read about password reset disk but apparently it would ask me for the password before creating it. Create a new admin account maybe?

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:)

 

Local Admin account password changed to unknown

My local administrator account password has evidently been changed to something unknown to me. I am sure I am typing the password correctly, I've carefully tried several times.

I have 3 local accounts on my machine and my Microsoft account (for purposes of this post I am not referring to that account as I never use it). 2 local accounts are "Standard Users," the third is my administrator account. The administrator account and one "Standard User" account passwords have changed to something unknown.

So, how do I change the password of the local administrator account? Can you even do that in 10?

I did see an online article that talked about Safe Mode that was pretty confusing, too many F8's being pressed.

I do have a recent image of my C: drive made before 1703 came into my life 2 weeks ago, which I can use if it comes down to that.

Thanks,

 

Local Account password changed to Online Account Password

Hi,

I suggest you to follow the steps on how to switch from Microsoft account to Local account:

• Click on search in taskbar and type account.
• Click on Accounts.
• Now, under Your account, click on Sign in with Local account instead.
• Enter your Microsoft account password for confirmation and then follow the screen instruction.
• Enter User name credentials for your the Local account and click OK.
• Now, login to Local account.

Hope it helps.

 

If I do a reset this PC, can I setup local user password network share

I was wanting to share files on the LAN but it requires a password. If I do a reset, sign in with a PIN and my Microsoft account, how can I setup a local user password so that I can share files on the LAN?

Lot of work just to do that one thing.

Anyone have a step by step? There is apparently an unknown local password set and it can not be changed. I login with PIN on all my PC.