Forgot my computer password or I'm locked out
Being locked out is stressful, but there are official ways back in, so let's start with the simple checks.
Be careful: Resetting a computer to get in can erase everything on it. Only reset a computer that belongs to you, and if you see a BitLocker screen, find your recovery key by signing in to your own Microsoft account on another device.
What to do
Pick your kind of computer:
Not sure? How to tell which computer you have
Step 1: Check that Caps Lock is off and that you're typing on the right keyboard (number keys on the right only work when Num Lock is on).
Step 2: If you normally use a PIN, click Sign-in options under the box and try your password instead, or the other way around.
Step 3: If you sign in with an email address (a Microsoft account), click I forgot my password on the sign-in screen and follow the steps. A code goes to your recovery email or phone.
Step 4: If your computer uses a local account (just a name, no email), type a wrong password once, then click Reset password to answer your security questions, if you set them up.
Step 5: If someone else in the house has an administrator account on this computer, they can set a new password for you from Control Panel > User Accounts > Manage another account. This only works for accounts that don't sign in with an email address.
Step 6: If none of these work, stop here and get help from Microsoft support or a trusted repair shop. The only option left is resetting the computer, which can erase your files, so don't try it on your own.
Step 1: Check that Caps Lock is off. The password box shows a small arrow when it's on.
Step 2: Click the question mark in the password box to see your password hint, if you set one.
Step 3: After three wrong tries, your Mac may offer to reset the password using your Apple Account. Click the option shown and follow the steps.
Step 4: If your Mac offers Restart and show password reset options, click it and follow the steps on screen. You may be asked for your Apple Account details or your FileVault recovery key.
Step 5: If you have another administrator account on this Mac, sign in to that one and change your password in System Settings > Users & Groups.
Step 1: Check that Caps Lock is off. On a Chromebook, it's Search + Alt (or Launcher + Alt).
Step 2: Your Chromebook password is your Google Account password. If you changed it recently, use the new one.
Step 3: If you forgot it, use another device to go to the Google sign-in page, choose Forgot password? and follow the steps.
Step 4: Once reset, sign in to the Chromebook with the new password. It needs Wi-Fi the first time.
Still stuck? Contact Microsoft or Apple support through their official website or app, or take the computer and proof you own it to a trusted repair shop.