How to Reset a Forgotten Windows Password Using the Utilman Trick

Forgetting your Windows password can be frustrating, especially when you need to access your system immediately. Luckily, there’s a reliable method that works in both Windows 10 and Windows 11 using the Ease of Access button at the login screen. This method involves temporarily replacing Utilman.exe with Command Prompt, letting you reset your password safely.

Disclaimer: Use this guide only on computers you own or have permission to access. Bypassing passwords on unauthorized devices is illegal.

Step 1: Enter Windows Recovery Mode

Before you can perform any system file changes, you must be in Recovery Mode (WinRE). Windows protects its system files, so normal login mode won’t allow the required changes.

You can enter recovery mode using one of these methods:

Method 1: Using Windows Installation USB/DVD

Boot your PC from a Windows installation USB or DVD.

Select Repair your computer.

Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Command Prompt.

Method 2: Automatic Repair

If Windows fails to boot multiple times, it may automatically launch Recovery Mode. Then navigate to:

Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Command Prompt

Method 3: Shift + Restart

On the login screen, hold Shift and click Power → Restart.

Release Shift when the recovery menu appears.

Navigate to: Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Command Prompt

Step 2: Navigate to System32

Once the Command Prompt opens, find the drive where Windows is installed. Often, it’s C:, but in recovery mode it might appear as D: or E:

cd Windows\System32

If that doesn’t work, switch to D: or E: and try again.

Step 3: Rename Utilman.exe

Windows uses Utilman.exe for the Ease of Access button on the login screen. We’ll temporarily rename it so we can replace it with Command Prompt:

ren utilman.exe utilman1.exe

This keeps the original file safe for later restoration.

Step 4: Replace Utilman.exe With CMD

Now copy cmd.exe in place of Utilman:

copy cmd.exe utilman.exe

Note: The old “reb” command doesn’t work; copy is the correct way.

Step 5: Restart Your Computer

Type:

wpeutil reboot

Or simply close Command Prompt and restart normally.

Step 6: Reset the Password From the Login Screen

At the login screen:

Click the Ease of Access icon (bottom-right).

Instead of accessibility tools, a Command Prompt will appear.

Type

control userpasswords2

Then click your Account Reset it and click apply Okay.

Step 7: Restore the Original Utilman.exe

After logging in, restore the original Utilman file:

cd C:\Windows\System32

del utilman.exe

ren utilman1.exe utilman.exe

This ensures your system is back to normal.

Final Thoughts

This method is a simple, reliable way to recover access to Windows 10 and 11 without third-party tools.

Always remember: use this responsibly. Passwords exist to protect users, and bypassing them without permission is illegal.