How to Reset MySQL Root Password in Windows Using CMD?

Last Updated : 07 Apr, 2025

Ever locked yourself out of your own database? It happens to the best of us! If you’ve forgotten your MySQL root password on a Windows machine, don’t panic. MySQL is a powerful database management system, and the root user has complete control over it meaning losing access can feel like a nightmare. But with the right steps, you can reset that password and regain control in no time.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of resetting your MySQL root password using the Command Prompt (CMD). Also, the process we are going to explain the in the below article will work for both Windows 11 and Windows 10.

Reset MySQL Root Password in Windows Using CMD

How to Reset MySQL Root Password in Windows using CMD?

Note: Before Resetting MySQL Root Password, make sure that you are Log in to your system as Administrator.

Step 1: Stop the MySQL server

Press Win+R and type the following command in the Run box and Click OK.

Command: services.msc

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Scroll down the list of services to find the MySQL service. Right-click that entry then left-clicks Stop.

For detailed guide, check out: How to Stop MySQL Server on Windows and Linux?

Step 2: Launch a Text Editor

Click on the menu and search for Notepad.
Alternatively, press Ctrl + Alt + N to open Notepad.

Step 3: Create a New Text File with the Password Command

Enter the following command to the text editor:

ALTER USER 'root'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'NewPassword';

Note: Copy-paste this command to avoid any mistake. Make a new password and Replace ‘NewPassword’ with it.

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Use the File > Save As menu to save the file to the root of your hard drive (C:\ ). Choose a filename that makes sense, such as mysql-init.txt.

Consequently, the localhost command will make the password change on your local system. If you’re trying to change the password on a system over the network, substitute the hostname for localhost.

Step 4: Open a Command Prompt

Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc.
Then, click on the File menu > Run new task.
Type cmd.exe, and check the box to run as administrator.
Click OK.

Step 5: Restart the MySQL Server with Your New Config File

Navigate to the MySQL directory using the command prompt:

cd "C:\Program Files\MySQL\MySQL Server 8.0\bin"

Accordingly, the command line will show that you’re working in this folder.

Enter the following:

mysqld --init-file=C:\\mysql-init.txt

Note:

There are two slashes after the C: prompt.

Also, if you choose a different name in Step 2, use the same name after the double slash.

Step 6: Clean up

Now, you can log into your MySQL server as root using the new password.

Double-check to make sure it works. If you have unique configuration options (such as launching MySQL with a -defaults-file option), go ahead and do so.
Once MySQL launches, and you’ve confirmed the password change, delete the C:\myswl-init.txt file.

At this stage, you have successfully changed MySQL root password.

Conclusion

Resetting your MySQL root password on Windows is a straightforward process when using the Command Prompt. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can efficiently recover your MySQL root password using CMD and regain control over your database. Whether you’re a seasoned MySQL user or a beginner, this method ensures that you can handle password issues without unnecessary hassle. Keep this guide handy for future reference, so you’re always prepared to reset your MySQL root password in Windows using CMD.

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MySQL | Common MySQL Queries

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