Bought a Win10 laptop from a guy,how to change the login and password?

LilAbner · 17 Dec 2020

Bought a 2-year-old Dell Inspiron with Windows 10 from a fellow. He gave me his password (actually it's a 4-digit PIN) with it of course, and it works fine as long as I use his PIN, he said that's fine with him.

But what I really want to do is eliminate the need for a password or PIN at all. And I wouldn't mind changing the account name that comes up in the middle of the screen when I first power up the computer, with my own name. Right now it's a string of meaningless numbers.

I've googled around and found how to CHANGE the PIN, that's progress. But I'd rather get rid of it entirely, When changing the PIN, I tried to simply enter nothing and hope that got rid of the need for it, but no luck. It kept balking and telling me to type in a PIN. Finally typed in a new one I'd remember, typed it again to confirm, and now I have to type that new one in then I power up.

How can I get rid of the need for a PIN at all?

And how can I get the computer to display my name instead of the string of meaningless numbers it shows in the screen (I think that might be an administrative account)?

Thanks all!

idgat · 17 Dec 2020

Is the PIN related to the physical device security, or accessing OS (Windows 10)

If it's the OS, I wouldn't even bother. Wipe clean and re-install Windows. Might even consider a new blank drive (ideal opportunity to upgrade to SSD if not already).

zbook · 17 Dec 2020

See these links:
Enable or Disable PIN Reset at Sign-in in Windows 10
Remove PIN from your Account in Windows 10
Add PIN to your Account in Windows 10
Change PIN for your Account in Windows 10
Reset PIN for your Account in Windows 10

Consider clean install > start with a fresh installation
Clean Install Windows 10

dalchina · 17 Dec 2020

Basic recommendation - wipe the drive, clean install Win 10.

You simply don't know what's on it, or how it's been configured.

Tutorial available - Go to the Tutorial section and search for
clean install

Note on using a PIN:
- should you configure a PIN, note that many then fail to realise they must keep a record of the password which is still needed in some circumstances.

(I believe all your questions can be addressed by using the relevant tutorials)

margrave55 · 17 Dec 2020

If you don't know how to change a password or add a new account ... then perhaps reloading Windows would involve too much learning.

Instead I suggest taking the laptop to a local computer shop. They can re-install Windows for you.

Paul Black · 17 Dec 2020

Hello @LilAbner,

LilAbner said:

Bought a 2-year-old Dell Inspiron with Windows 10 from a fellow. He gave me his password (actually it's a 4-digit PIN) with it of course, and it works fine as long as I use his PIN, he said that's fine with him.

If I had bought this from a fellow, the FIRST thing I would have done is Clean Install it. You don't know what Spyware or Viruses it might have. It might even have something that allows HIM [ the fellow ] to track whatever you do!

It is still obviously setup the way HE liked it. You really need to set it up the way YOU like it.

I recommend that you follow the advice given in this thread, which is basically to Clean Install. It will make it like a new computer, and give you piece of mind that all is well.

I hope this helps.

Bree · 17 Dec 2020

LilAbner said:

Bought a 2-year-old Dell Inspiron with Windows 10 from a fellow. He gave me his password (actually it's a 4-digit PIN) with it of course, and it works fine as long as I use his PIN, he said that's fine with him.

.... how can I get the computer to display my name instead of the string of meaningless numbers it shows in the screen (I think that might be an administrative account)?

As others have said, the preferred option is a clean install. But if you don't want to do that you could create a new local account in your own name with your own password, make sure you change it to an administrator after you have created it.

Add Local Account or Microsoft Account in Windows 10

Change Account Type in Windows 10

Word Man · 17 Dec 2020

Definitely clean install. If all you were given was a PIN and NO password, then you're screwed as far as total control of things is concerned. Yes, you have the option to create a new account as an administrator - assuming the account you log in with is part of administrators. But, if you have to ask how to do those things, you're better off deleting everything from the disk(s) and starting from scratch with a clean install, performing this either by yourself or having a shop do it.

Paul Black · 17 Dec 2020

Hello @LilAbner,

[1] If you do decide to Clean Install, we can provide instructions for you if needed.
[2] Can you please perform the following for your Dell Inspiron . . .

System Specifications

Please update your system specifications [ system AND hardware ] by editing your profile. It will allow us to give you more specific advice and help! . . .

> How to Fill in your System Specs at Ten Forums.

To make this process easier for you, there is an automated method that you can use by clicking the Download button at the top of the Tutorial. It contains a standalone .exe file delivered in a ZIP file. You just need to unzip the file and run the SystemInfo.exe file. As this file is a standalone file, there is nothing saved to your computer.

Thanks.

NavyLCDR · 17 Dec 2020

@LilAbner,

I too agree the best course of action is a clean install of Windows 10. However, if you absolutely refuse to do a clean install, then create a user account for yourself, make it admin, and once you log in to your own admin user account, then delete the previous account(s) that were there. Then you can use the netplwiz option to automatically log you in.

Add Local Account or Microsoft Account in Windows 10
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/...dows-10-a.html
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/...dows-10-a.html
Sign in User Account Automatically at Windows 10 Startup