Windows XP Password Recovery: How to Reset a Forgotten Password

Penny Warren Published on August 26, 2026Windows Password3-min reading

Forgot Windows XP password and locked out of your computer? Don't worry! This Windows XP password recovery guide shows how to reset a forgotten password on Windows XP with 5 step-by-step methods. Try them to regain access to your Windows XP now!

Part 1: Reset Windows XP Password with an Administrator Account

If you have forgotten only the password for the standard user account on Windows XP and still have access to the administrator account, then congratulations! You can use the administrator account to reset the Windows XP password directly. Windows XP allows the administrator account to modify or delete the passwords of other user accounts. If you forgot the password for the only administrator account on your computer, try other methods in this guide, such as using a password reset tool.

Part 2: Use Windows XP Password Reset Disk to Reset a Forgotten Password

You can also use the Windows XP password reset disk to reset the forgotten Windows XP password. This method allows you to create a new password without knowing the original one. However, the prerequisite is that you must create the reset disc before forgetting the password. If you don't have the reset disc, try other Windows XP password recovery methods.

Part 3: Recover Windows XP Password in Safe Mode

Safe mode is also another commonly used method when you forget the Windows XP password. Its working principle is that when you only start the necessary components, the safe mode may display the built-in administrator account. You can use this to change the passwords of other user accounts. This method suits users who cannot access the built-in Administrator account from the normal login screen.

Part 4: Best Way to Reset a Forgotten Windows XP Password Without Logging In

If you forget the administrator password and are unable to log in to Windows XP, and you don't have technical experience, you can use a professional password reset tool, such as imyPass Windows Password Reset, that provides detailed step-by-step instructions in pictures.

imyPass Windows Password Reset does not crack or reveal your original password. Instead, it removes or resets the password by modifying the Windows account data. You can create a bootable USB/CD on another computer, start the locked Windows XP PC from it, and reset the forgotten password to access your account again.

Part 5: Reinstall Windows XP to Remove the Password (Last Resort)

When other recovery methods do not work, reinstalling Windows XP is the last option to remove a forgotten password. This method will delete the existing Windows system and install a brand new one, allowing you to create a new account and password.

However, reinstalling Windows will erase your system files. Therefore, make sure to back up important data before using this method.

Conclusion

If you forgot your Windows XP password, you can reset it with an administrator account, a password reset disk, Safe Mode, or Windows password unlock software. Choose the right Windows XP password reset method to regain access to your computer.