- You've forgotten an email or account password
- Windows won't accept your PIN
- You're locked out of your account
- Have your mobile phone nearby. A code is usually sent to it.
- Type the web addresses below yourself. Don't use search adverts, as some fake "help" sites pay to appear first.
- Password reset is always free. Anyone asking for payment is a scammer.
The Windows key is the key with the four-squares logo, usually bottom left between Ctrl and Alt. When a step says Windows key + I, hold the Windows key down, tap I once, then let go of both.
Microsoft (Outlook, Hotmail, Windows sign-in)
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Go to the reset page
Type account.live.com/password/reset into your web browser. Enter your email address or phone number.
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Get a security code
Choose where to send the code (your phone or backup email), then type the code in.
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Choose a new password
Type a new password twice. Write it down somewhere safe at home.
If you can't receive the code, choose "I don't have any of these" and fill in the recovery form as fully as you can.
Google (Gmail)
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Go to the recovery page
Type accounts.google.com/signin/recovery. Enter your Gmail address.
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Answer the questions
Google may ask for the last password you remember, send a code to your phone, or ask you to confirm on a phone that's already signed in. If you don't know an answer, click Try another way.
Try from a device and place you normally use, like your home WiFi. It helps Google recognise you.
Apple ID (iPhone, iPad, iCloud)
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On your iPhone (easiest)
Settings → tap your name → Sign-In & Security (or Password & Security) → Change Password. Enter your iPhone passcode and choose a new password.
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From a computer
Type iforgot.apple.com and follow the steps.
Windows PIN not working
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Use "I forgot my PIN"
On the sign-in screen, click I forgot my PIN under the PIN box. Follow the steps to sign in with your Microsoft account password and set a new PIN.
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Or sign in with your password instead
Click Sign-in options and choose the key icon to use your password.
Check Caps Lock and Num Lock are how you expect. On some small laptops, Num Lock makes letters type as numbers.
Never forget again
- A password book kept safely at home is fine. It's much safer than reusing the same password everywhere.
- Make sure your accounts have your current mobile number and a backup email address saved.
- Use a different password for your email and banking. If one leaks, the others stay safe.
- A website or caller asks you to pay to reset your password
- Recovery keeps failing and the account holds important photos or email
- You think someone else has changed your password (your account may be hacked: see the scams guide)
Still stuck? I'm happy to help.
If this didn't sort it, or you'd rather not do it yourself, get in touch. I cover Sheffield S20 and the surrounding areas.
Did this guide help? These guides are free for everyone. If it saved you a call-out, you can say thanks with a coffee.
Buy me a coffeeThese guides are general advice for home users, checked in September 2026. Menus can differ slightly between versions of Windows and between phone makers. If something looks different or you're unsure, stop and ask rather than guessing. Parmar Tech Solutions can't accept responsibility for problems caused by following these steps, so please back up anything important first.