Change a Windows account password with net user
Reset a local user's password from an elevated prompt without typing it in plain text.
Run `net user "%USERNAME%" *` as administrator and type the new password twice when prompted.
01Command
Command
$ net user "%USERNAME%" *02What it does
The net user command with a * instead of a password prompts for it twice without echoing it to the screen, avoiding the password landing in your history or logs. Replace %USERNAME% with any local account name to change a different user (admin rights required). Domain accounts must use their own tools — this only affects local accounts.
03Risk
!Warning: Changing a password for another user can break saved credentials, BitLocker-protected data under that account's setup, and encrypted files tied to the old password. Reset a forgotten password only on a machine you own or administer.
04Undo
✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.
05Sources
- Net command - Windows CMDEvidence: `net user <name> *` prompts for a new password for a local account.
- netshEvidence: Documents netsh WLAN commands including `netsh wlan show profile name=... key=clear` and `netsh wlan delete profile name=...`.
Last verified: 2026-09-18 · Category: Security & Privacy