How to Reset Windows Server 2019 & 2022 Administrator Password Safely

Forgetting or losing access to your Windows Server 2019 or 2022 Administrator password can bring operations to a halt — especially in production environments. Fortunately, there are several safe and authorized methods to recover access without reinstalling the OS.
In this article, we’ll cover step-by-step methods to reset the Administrator password for both standalone servers and domain controllers (DCs) while ensuring data integrity and compliance.

Before You Begin
Before performing any password reset, verify the following:
Confirm whether your server is a Domain Controller or Standalone/Member Server.
Check if BitLocker is enabled — you’ll need the recovery key.
Always take a system backup or snapshot before making changes.
Perform these steps only with proper authorization.

Method 1: Reset Using Another Administrator Account

If you have access to another local admin or Domain Admin account, this is the simplest and safest method.

Steps:
1. Log in with another admin account.
2. Open Command Prompt (Run as Administrator).
3. Run the following command:

net user Administrator NewP@ssw0rd

4. If the built-in Administrator account is disabled, enable it first:

net user Administrator /active:yes
net user Administrator NewP@ssw0rd

Alternatively, open Computer Management → Local Users and Groups → Users → Administrator → Set Password.

Method 2: Reset Password Using Windows Installation Media

This method is ideal for standalone or member servers (not Domain Controllers) when no admin account is available.
Steps:
1. Boot the server using Windows Server 2019/2022 installation USB or DVD.
2. Choose Repair your computer → Troubleshoot → Command Prompt.
3. Identify the Windows drive letter:

diskpart
list volume
exit

4. Backup utilman.exe and replace it with cmd.exe:

copy D:\Windows\System32\utilman.exe D:\
copy D:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe D:\Windows\System32\utilman.exe

5. Reboot normally. At the login screen click the Ease of Access icon — an elevated command prompt will open.

6. Reset the password:

net user Administrator NewP@ssw0rd

or for a specific user:

net user username NewP@ssw0rd

7. Reboot into installation media again and restore utilman.exe:

copy D:\utilman.exe D:\Windows\System32\utilman.exe

8. Reboot normally. Login with the new password.

Notes & risks
This gives full local administrative access — use responsibly.
If BitLocker is enabled, you won’t be able to replace files unless you unlock the disk with the recovery key.
Some environments treat this as security violation; ensure authorization.