Microsoft Windows 11 account creation and password reset guide

Windows 11 includes a guided setup that lets new users create a Microsoft account directly from the Settings > Accounts menu. The process links the account to cloud‑based services, enables synchronization across devices, and offers the option to keep a local account for offline use. Users can add family, work, or school accounts and manage permissions for administrators and standard users.

If a Windows 11 password is forgotten, the first step is to identify whether the login uses a Microsoft account or a local account. For a Microsoft account, password recovery is performed online through the Microsoft account recovery page, using a registered email or phone number to receive a verification code. For a local account, recovery relies on security questions or other on‑device methods. Both methods allow users to reset the password without losing files, and the guide also provides tips to avoid future lockouts.