Windows Password not working - can't login to Windows

For years, I have been logging into Windows 10 using my PIN.

Today, I used msconfig to get my desktop to start in safe mode to try to solve a problem. When the safe mode login appeared, it asked for my password - which I have no record of, and cannot remember.

Unfortunately, every time I restart, it persists in asking for the password.

So, I went on to my wife's laptop, and changed the password for my account. But when I return to my desktop, the new password is incorrect.

How can I return to normal login?

Hi Ztrucker, thank you for your post.

I have to admit that I am unsure whether the password being requested is the Microsoft or the Windows one. I will try what you suggest and report back.

- - - Updated - - -

Well, I have just logged in to my Microsoft account using the password I created earlier. This was successful. on another laptop I am using.

But it still won't work as the windows login. So it seems that it must be a different password. Is there a Windows password?

Yes. I have come to that conclusion. logging in to the account must be different from the Microsoft account and is presumably tied to that particular machine.

I have now tried to go into the troubleshooter and restore Windows on the machine - keeping my data but reinstalling windows. Seemed like a good idea - but it then asked for my password. Back to square 1!

Thank you Fabler2. I have done this a few times, and it persists in asking for my password, and won't accept my pin.

Happily, I have all my data on an internal hard drive that I can disconnect. I suppose I will have to reinstall Windows from my rescue disk

- - - Updated - - -

I have gone through most of the options in the troubleshooting system, and I have had no success. If there is no other option, I will have to reinstall everything.