Password Reset (Windows Local)

What’s included

• ID check and proof of ownership
• Reset **local** account password safely
• Keep your files and apps intact
• Quick sign-in hygiene review (PIN/Hello)

Details

TL;DR: Locked out of a local Windows account? We verify ID, reset the password, and keep your files and apps.
Local: Handy for SU students, homes in Welgevonden/Die Boord, and Technopark teams with a stuck login.

Problems we fix

• “Wrong password” on a local account
• You forgot the PIN and can’t reach the desktop
• A hand-me-down PC still has the old owner’s local account
• You changed the password and Windows won’t accept it

What’s included

• ID check and proof of ownership
• Safe password reset for a local Windows account
• Quick review of sign-in options (PIN, Windows Hello)
• Simple notes on keeping access safe next time

How we do it (at a glance)

1. Verify: quick ID and ownership check
2. Check: BitLocker/EFS status so we don’t lock data
3. Reset: set a new local password the safe way
4. Sign in and test your desktop and files
5. Tidy up: add a PIN/Hello, update hints, and note recovery steps

Plain words. No tech speak.

Time & cost in Stellenbosch

• Fee: R250 per device
• Turnaround: Often same day (10–30 minutes once verified)
• On-site option: Add the /services/on-site-surcharge-within-20km/ if we come to you

Do-nots (to protect your data)

• Don’t run random “password crack” tools from the web
• Don’t factory-reset if you care about the files
• Don’t guess passwords until the account locks out
• Don’t change BIOS or disk settings if you have BitLocker and no key

When to stop DIY & call us

• You see a BitLocker recovery screen and don’t have the key
• The account is the only admin and you can’t get in
• The PC shows “user profile service failed” at login
• You suspect EFS encryption was used for files

Real stories around town

• SU first-year (Huis Marais): Forgot the PIN after a Windows update. We reset the local password, set a new PIN, and he was back in class.
• Die Boord family PC: Old owner account still on the machine. We verified, made a new local admin, and cleaned the sign-in.
• Technopark laptop: Local admin password lost. BitLocker key was saved in the Microsoft account, so we signed in, used the key, and set a fresh login.

Simple tips

• Save your BitLocker key in your Microsoft account or print it
• Add a PIN or Windows Hello for quick sign-ins
• Keep a second local admin for emergencies
• Write a tiny hint that only you understand

What we’ll need

• The PC and charger
• Your ID and proof the device is yours (invoice, email, or a clear handover)
• Any BitLocker key shown on screen or stored in your account

Handy links

• Mail not working after login? /services/email-setup/
• Still unsure what’s wrong? /services/diagnostic-in-shop/
• Prefer remote help (if you still have another admin logged in)? /services/remote-support-setup/
• Safer day-to-day defaults: /services/cybersecurity-hardening/
• See fee table: /legal/standard-fees/

POPIA-aware handling • CPA-aligned warranties • Lawful e-waste routing on request (with data-wipe certificate)