We’re talking common Windows issues and one quite frustrating one is Windows telling you that the password you entered is incorrect even though you’re very certain it is; thereby, locking you out of your own PC. In this tutorial, we’re going to take a close look at factors that could result in this error, how to resolve it and how to prevent it.
What could cause Windows to say my password is incorrect even though I’m very certain its correct?
- Driver / Windows Update: In some cases, this issue has been reported to occur shortly after some driver / Windows updates
- Hibernating / Sleeping PC for too long: If you’re the type that hibernates / sleeps your PC instead of shutting down then your PC is prone to errors like this, even worse (See https://www.hovatek.com/blog/how-to-fix-a-slow-hanging-or-crashing-pc/ )
- Sticky Keys: Its possible one of they keys is registering more than once or not registering at all
- Caps lock ON: Double-check to be sure Caps lock wasn’t accidentally turned ON
- Changed Keyboard layout: A changed keyboard layout is a common contributing factor
How do I solve the problem of Windows saying my password is incorrect?
- Use a Password Recovery Tool: Use tools like Sata Hirens, Windows Password Rescuer etc at https://www.hovatek.com/forum/thread-9589.html to reset the password from outside Windows
- Do a system restore: A System Restore could help revert any erroneous setting that might have resulted in this error (See https://www.hovatek.com/blog/how-to-do-a-system-restore-on-a-pc/ )
- Use the Password Reset Disk: If you’d created one before this issue began then you have a very good chance at regaining access to your PC (See https://www.hovatek.com/blog/how-to-create-a-password-reset-disk-in-windows/ )
- Re-install your version of Windows: If all other options don’t help then you might have to re-install your version of Windows and get your files back from the Windows.old folder (see https://www.hovatek.com/blog/how-to-install-windows-7-with-and-without-the-operating-system-cd-dvd/ )
Can booting into Safe Mode resolve this issue?
In most cases, No. Your best bet is an outside windows approach if you don’t have a Password Reset Disk
How can I prevent future occurrence?
- Create a Password Reset Disk (see steps above )
- Create regular restore points (See https://www.hovatek.com/blog/how-to-do-a-system-restore-on-a-pc/ )
- Ensure to shutdown the PC from time to time instead of hibernating / sleeping it for too long
Hovatek….just a button away!