Forgetting a laptop password happens to everyone, often after a long break from a machine or when an old laptop turns up in a drawer. We help owners regain access to their own devices. Before we start, we ask for proof of ownership, such as a receipt, invoice or company letter, and we won’t work on a laptop without it.
Common situations
- Forgotten the password for a local Windows account
- A family member’s laptop with photos or documents you need
- A work laptop that has been returned and needs resetting for reuse
- A startup or firmware password set years ago and forgotten
- The laptop is locked and the only goal is to rescue the files
What we do
- Reset local accounts – on unencrypted Windows laptops, we can reset a local account password so you can log in again with your files in place.
- Recover files – if getting back in isn’t possible or necessary, we can copy your files from the drive to a new one. See laptop data recovery.
- Clean set-up – where you only need a working laptop, we can wipe it and reinstall the operating system, and move your data across with data migration.
Encryption: if the drive is protected by BitLocker or FileVault, we cannot get around it without the recovery key. That is how encryption is meant to work. Your BitLocker key is often saved in the Microsoft account linked to the laptop, and your FileVault key may be linked to your Apple Account or kept by your employer’s IT team. Online accounts such as Microsoft or Apple sign-ins must be reset through the provider.
Every laptop starts with a £45 + VAT assessment, followed by a fixed quote before any work is done.
Brands and models
We help with current laptops from Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, Acer, MSI, Microsoft Surface and Apple, as well as older Toshiba, Sony Vaio and Samsung machines. See all brands on our laptop repairs page.
FAQs
What counts as proof of ownership?
A purchase receipt, invoice, or a letter from the organisation that owns the laptop. If you’re unsure, ask us before sending it.
Will I lose my files?
Resetting a local account doesn’t remove files. If a reset isn’t possible, we’ll talk you through recovering them first.
Can you unlock a laptop I bought second-hand?
Only if you can show you own it. If it is linked to someone else’s account, the seller needs to remove it.