How to fix "We'll need your current Windows password" error

Are you getting the “We’ll need your current Windows password one last time” error? This annoying pop-up can prevent you from getting things done, especially if you can't remember the password you set or the machine won't accept a password you believe is correct.

However, this error can be easily fixed. Here's everything you need to know.

What is the “We’ll Need Your Current Windows Password One Last Time” error?

Maybe you just bought a new Windows device or reset an old Windows device. After setting up your new computer, you may be instructed to sign in to your Microsoft account. However, after inserting your Microsoft account credentials, you will come to a page asking for your “current Windows password”.

Microsoft requires this password to verify your access to the local admin account. The default local admin account is created when you set up your Windows 10 or 11 device (after purchase); however, this account is not created with a password.

Meanwhile, if you're setting up after a system reset, your device will revert back to the original local admin account; do not create a new account. In this case, there may or may not be an existing password.

Either way, this local admin account is the "key" to access your device. When you try to link your Microsoft account, Windows will ask for a password for this local admin account to confirm that you are the administrator. Luckily, there are some quick fixes to resolve this error.

How to fix the "We'll Need Your Current Windows Password" error on Windows 10/11

1. Try all commonly used passwords

When you encounter this error, you should first try all the commonly used passwords that you have used with the device. You may have changed your password to the default local admin account. However, this only applies if you are experiencing this error due to a system reset.

Try your Microsoft account password, any pin you used with your device, and your frequently used passwords.

2. Press Enter when the password field is empty

Some people experiencing this error claim that you can solve it by pressing the Enter key with the password field blank. This will work if you have never set up a password for a local admin account and works with some people.

3. Reset Windows password

If you recall earlier, you can set the Windows password to a password that you will remember later. Therefore, the final and most effective fix is to set or reset your local admin account password and use it as the current Windows password.

Creating or resetting a password will be the same whether you're using a Windows 10 or 11 device.

1. Press the Windows key and select Settings.

2. On the Settings page, select the Accounts option. You should check if your Windows account has admin rights before continuing.

3. Then, select Sign-In Options > Passwords. You will find Add if you create the password for the first time. If not, you'll find Change, which means you'll need to reset your local admin account password.

4. If you click Add, you will be taken to a page where you can set up a password.

Once you've created or reset your Windows password, you can proceed to sign in to your Microsoft account. Once you are asked to enter your “current Windows password”, quickly enter your newly created password.