Windows 10: My windows 11 laptop password mysteriously changed. I cant log into my laptop anymore

So I've been using a simple pin for my laptop for the longest timeI unlocked my laptop with it literally yesterday evening.But when I tried to type it in this morning, the pin was incorrect. I tried it over and over, deactivating num lock, using an on screen keypad, but the password was wrong. I dont know how it has been changed since Im the only one who knows it. And there isnt a forgot password anywhere either. I dont want to reset the whole thing or reinstall windows just because of some password. So I need help. Any suggestions?

:)

 

Unable to log into laptop after changing password.

Hi Marty,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



We understand how difficult it could be and we appreciate the time and effort that you have taken to work this issue. However, in order to get clarity, we would need some more information regarding the issue.

1. Were you using the “Old email (account) address” regardless of not using laptop?
   
2. Are both the email addresses linked?
   
3. Could you please let us know, where exactly you get prompt for the password for the “Old email address” in the desktop?
   
4. What is the exact error message you get when you try to log in to laptop?
   
5. Does your desktop has two user profiles?
   

In the meantime, we would suggest you to follow the steps mentioned below and check.



You would need to have internet connection in laptop, so that the password change could get updated and it seems that the laptop is not connected to the internet, we would suggest you to connect Ethernet cable to laptop and then
try logging in to the laptop with the new password for the old email address.





We await your response.

 

Laptop Hacked - Password Changed

Okay.... I followed all the steps in Option Four right up to Step 8,


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where unlike the Tutorial, I got HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\REM_SAM\SAM\Domains\Account\Users\000001F4. No 'S' in the word Account.

Then, in Step 9, when I opened the 000001F4 key, I was instructed to change 11 to 10 in the first column of line 0038. On the problem laptop, the first column of line 0038 has a value of 15, not 11. I would supply a screenshot but I don't know how to do that on a computer that won't start.

So I didn't do anything. I obviously need more help.

 

Laptop Hacked - Password Changed

That would appear to be just a simple typo. Look at the bottom of Regedit in the screenshot at step 8 where it too clearly shows \Account\ with no 'S'. @Brink should be able to confirm that. I've just followed the instructions on another PC and it too had Account in the singular.

Very sensible to leave things alone and seek further help. I don't know what the value 15 means, or if its safe to change it. On the machine I just modified it was 11 as expected. Hopefully someone who knows more than me will be along shortly.