In the Windows operating system, user accounts can sometimes get locked due to various reasons such as multiple failed login attempts or security policies. Unlocking these accounts is essential to ensure users can regain access to their accounts and continue their work without any interruptions. This article will provide a detailed and practical guide on how to unlock user accounts in the Windows environment, specifically focusing on the Command Prompt and PowerShell methods.

Examples:

1. Unlocking User Accounts using Command Prompt:

• Open the Command Prompt by pressing Windows + R, typing "cmd," and pressing Enter.


• Type the following command: net user <username> /active:yes, replacing <username> with the actual username of the locked account.


• Press Enter to execute the command.


• The user account should now be unlocked and accessible.

2. Unlocking User Accounts using PowerShell:

• Open PowerShell by pressing Windows + X and selecting "Windows PowerShell."


• Type the following command: Unlock-ADAccount -Identity <username>, replacing <username> with the actual username of the locked account.


• Press Enter to execute the command.


• The user account should now be unlocked and accessible.