I locked my computer through my Microsoft Account and cannot unlock it

Elise Noon 0 Reputation points
2025-08-27T17:50:16.3366667+00:00

I thought my computer was stolen so I used my Microsoft Account to lock it. Now I cannot unlock my computer. Please help!!

Windows for home | Other | Security and privacy
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  1. EmilyS726 151.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-08-27T18:22:54.57+00:00

    Hello,

    On the sign in page you are stuck on, click on the power icon on the lower right, hold down Shift key while you choose the restart option. This should boot the computer into WinRe environment.

    Now, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.

    In the command prompt window, type in "regedit" to launch the Registry Editor.

    In the Registry Editor, select HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.

    Now on the menu bar, click on File > Load Hive.

    In the pop up file selection window, go to This PC > C: drive > Windows > System32 > Config > Software. (Very imporant, it is C drive, not X drive). This should trigger a pop up box. Please enter "1234" for the Keyname.

    Back to the Registry Editor, Go to this path:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\1234\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\PasswordLess\Device

    Now on the right pane double click on "DevicePasswordBuildVersion", and change the data to 0.

    You can now restart the computer. And you will now find the "sign in options" to click on, and choose Sign in with Microsoft account, and please use the same Microsoft account you had been using and its credential to sign in.

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