How to fix
“We’ll need your current Windows password” error
on Windows

Hello. Windows is showing me this message "We’ll need your current Windows password" when I try to log in. Is there a way to fix this?

Users may find it confusing when they receive the "We'll need your current Windows password" message, especially when setting up a new computer or following a system reset. Users frequently receive requests to log into their Microsoft accounts during the initial setup procedure. However, after entering their Microsoft account login information, customers can unforeseenly receive a request for their "current Windows password."

This baffling demand is related to Microsoft's verification procedure for gaining access to the local administrator account on the gadget. This account serves as a security measure for system-level alterations and administrative duties and is a standard feature of Windows 10 or 11 computers upon purchase. The problem arises since this account isn't already set up with a password.

This problem occurs for people configuring a new device since the default local administrator account is present. A "current Windows password" is requested in order to confirm that the user has access to this account. The request, though, can cause confusion and aggravation because this account doesn't come with a password by default.

A system reset may result in a modest change in the situation. The device doesn't create a new local admin account after such a reset; instead, it reverts to the original one. This account may already have a password or it may not, depending on the user's behavior before the reset. Therefore, asking for the "current Windows password" can once more present a challenge for consumers attempting to finish the setup or log into their devices.

In this guide, you will find 3 steps that should help you fix "We’ll need your current Windows password" error. If you encounter any other OS issues, you can use a repair tool like [d1] that can fix most system errors, BSODs,[ref en-1] corrupted files, and registry[ref en-2] issues. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Method 1. Try All Commonly Used Passwords

Your first course of action after receiving this error should be to try every regularly used password you've already entered for the device. There's a chance that you've changed the default local administrator account's password at some point.

This advice, however, only applies if the problem results from a system reset. Try your Microsoft account password, any device-specific PINs you may have used, and your usual password selections.

Method 2. Press Enter while the Password Field is Blank

Some people who have encountered this issue claim that it can be fixed by pressing the Enter key while the password field is empty. This approach works well for some users and is useful if you haven't specified a password for the local admin account.

Method 3. Reset Password

• Press the Windows key and choose Settings.
• Within the Settings page, click on the Accounts option.
• Ensure that your Windows account has administrative privileges before proceeding.
• Then, select Sign-In Options > Passwords.
• If you're setting up a password for the first time, you'll see the option to Add.

• If you're modifying an existing password, you'll see the option to Change. This indicates you're about to reset the password for your local admin account.
• If you choose to Add, you'll be directed to a page where you can establish a new password.