Click "Open" to load the list of local users stored in that SAM file.
Forgetting the password to your own Windows computer is a frustrating experience that can lead to a complete loss of access to critical files and applications. While many commercial solutions exist, there is a powerful, free, and open-source tool that has consistently stood the test of time: . This article provides a definitive guide to what this tool is, how it works, and why it remains the "top" choice for resetting local Windows passwords.
Once inside WinPE, open your file explorer and launch . nt password edit v07 top
Created by developer Vadim Druzhin, is a lightweight, Windows-native graphical user interface (GUI) port of the famous command-line utility chntpw (Offline NT Password & Registry Editor).
The most common way to use NT Password Edit is via a bootable rescue disk like or a custom Windows Preinstallation Environment (WinPE). Step 2: Locate the SAM File Click "Open" to load the list of local
While powerful, the tool is often considered a blunt instrument. It is often described as a "top" solution for access recovery, but it comes with significant risks:
"NT PASSWORD EDIT V07 TOP — There is no lock we didn't build." This article provides a definitive guide to what
| Tool / Feature | | chntpw / Offline NT Pwd Editor | PCUnlocker | Lazesoft | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Interface | Graphical (GUI) | Text-based / Command-line (CLI) | Graphical (GUI) | Wizard-style GUI | | Open Source | ✅ Yes (GPL) | ✅ Yes (GPL) | ❌ No (Proprietary) | Free (Limited) | | Price | Free | Free | Paid | Free for basic use | | Target Users | All users | Technical users (IT Pros) | Advanced users / Businesses | Beginners | | Account Type | Local accounts only | Local accounts only | Local & Microsoft accounts | Local accounts only | | Risk Level | Low | High (due to CLI complexity) | Medium | Low |
NTPWEdit v0.7 is a targeted tool with specific uses:
If you have been locked out of your Windows computer, NTPWEdit v0.7
The tool will ask which disk contains your Windows install (usually option 1). Select Registry Path: It usually defaults to Windows/System32/config Chose "Password Reset": Select option (Edit user data and passwords). Choose User: Type the username (e.g., Administrator ) and press Clear Password: Select option Clear (blank) user password This is the most important step! Type to quit, then