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How to Fix Raspberry Pi Password Not Working on Windows 11: Complete Troubleshooting Steps

If you are trying to access your Raspberry Pi from a Windows 11 computer and your password is not working, it can be frustrating. This issue often happens when connecting via SSH or remote desktop. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to fix the problem quickly.

This guide will walk you through easy and detailed troubleshooting steps to resolve the Raspberry Pi password not working issue on Windows 11. No advanced knowledge is required.

By following the instructions carefully, you will be able to regain access to your Raspberry Pi in no time. Let’s get started with some quick notes before diving into the solutions.

This article covers the most common causes and their fixes, from basic password errors to configuration problems.

Quick Note: What to Check Before Troubleshooting

  • Correct Password: Double-check you are entering the correct password. Raspberry Pi passwords are case sensitive.
  • Username: Ensure you are using the correct username, usually pi by default, unless you have changed it.
  • Caps Lock and Keyboard Layout: Verify Caps Lock is off and the keyboard layout matches what you expect, especially if using special characters.
  • Network Connection: Confirm your Raspberry Pi and Windows 11 PC are on the same network and can communicate.
  • SSH Enabled: If connecting via SSH, ensure SSH is enabled on your Raspberry Pi.

Step 1: Verify SSH Access and Enable It if Necessary

SSH (Secure Shell) is a common way to connect to Raspberry Pi remotely. If you are trying to log in using SSH and the password is not working, first check if SSH is enabled.

By default, newer Raspberry Pi OS versions disable SSH for security reasons. Here’s how to enable it:

  1. Insert the Raspberry Pi’s SD card into your Windows 11 PC.
  2. Open the boot partition, which is accessible on Windows.
  3. Create a new empty file named ssh (no extension) in the boot folder. This file signals the Raspberry Pi to enable SSH on boot.
  4. Eject the SD card safely and insert it back into your Raspberry Pi, then power it on.

Once SSH is enabled, try connecting again via your preferred SSH client (like PuTTY) using the username and password.

Step 2: Reset the Raspberry Pi Password

If you are sure your password is correct but it still doesn’t work, resetting it is a reliable option. You can reset the password directly from the Raspberry Pi if you have physical access, or via the SD card if you don’t.

Reset Password Using Raspberry Pi Terminal

  1. Connect a keyboard and monitor to your Raspberry Pi.
  2. Boot up and log in (if possible) or boot into recovery mode.
  3. Open a terminal window.
  4. Type the following command to change the password for the default user (pi):
passwd pi

Follow the prompts to enter a new password twice.

Reset Password via SD Card (If You Can’t Log In)

  1. Power off the Raspberry Pi and remove the SD card.
  2. Insert the SD card into your Windows 11 PC.
  3. Navigate to the cmdline.txt file in the boot partition.
  4. Open cmdline.txt with a text editor (like Notepad).
  5. Add the following text at the end of the line (do not create a new line):
 init=/bin/sh
  1. Save the file and safely eject the SD card.
  2. Put the SD card back in the Raspberry Pi and power it on. It will boot to a root shell.
  3. Remount the filesystem as writable by typing:
mount -o remount,rw /
  1. Reset the password for user pi with:
passwd pi

Enter the new password twice.

  1. After resetting, type:
exec /sbin/init

The Raspberry Pi will continue booting normally with the new password set.

Step 3: Confirm SSH Client Settings on Windows 11

Sometimes the password issue comes from the SSH client or connection method on Windows 11.

  • If you are using PuTTY, ensure the hostname/IP is correct and the port is 22.
  • Make sure you are selecting “SSH” as the connection type.
  • If you have saved old sessions with incorrect details, delete or update them.
  • Try using Windows Terminal or PowerShell with the command:
ssh pi@your_raspberry_pi_ip

If it still prompts for a password and rejects it, recheck the password or reset it as described above.

Step 4: Check for Keyboard Layout or Language Issues

Sometimes passwords with special characters fail because of keyboard layout mismatches. For example, a password entered on a US keyboard may differ if your Windows 11 is set to another layout.

Try entering the password in a text editor to see if the characters appear as expected before copying them into the SSH prompt.

Step 5: Use Alternative Authentication Methods

If password authentication continues to fail, consider using SSH key-based authentication. This method uses cryptographic keys instead of passwords and is more secure.

To set up SSH keys:

  1. On Windows 11, open PowerShell and generate a key pair with:
ssh-keygen

Follow the prompts to save the keys.

  1. Copy the public key to Raspberry Pi using:
ssh-copy-id pi@your_raspberry_pi_ip

This requires the password one last time.

  1. After this setup, you can log in without a password.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the default Raspberry Pi username and password?

The default username is pi and the default password is raspberry. It is recommended to change the password after first login for security.

Q: Why does my password keep getting rejected even though it’s correct?

Common reasons include SSH not being enabled, keyboard layout mismatches, or network issues. Also, the user might be incorrect or the account locked.

Q: Can I reset my Raspberry Pi password without a monitor or keyboard?

Yes, by editing the SD card’s cmdline.txt file as described in Step 2 to boot into a root shell and reset the password.

Q: How do I enable SSH on Raspberry Pi if I cannot log in?

Create an empty file named ssh in the boot partition of the SD card from another PC. This enables SSH on next boot.

Q: Is it safe to disable password login and use SSH keys only?

Yes, using SSH keys is more secure and recommended once you set up key-based authentication properly.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still cannot access your Raspberry Pi, consider the following options:

  • Re-flash the SD card: Backup important files and reinstall Raspberry Pi OS using the Raspberry Pi Imager tool. This resets everything to default.
  • Official Raspberry Pi Forums: Visit Raspberry Pi Forums for community help.
  • Check Hardware: Faulty SD cards or network issues can cause access problems. Try replacing or testing with other hardware.

Conclusion

Raspberry Pi password issues on Windows 11 can usually be fixed by verifying SSH settings, resetting the password, and checking keyboard layouts. Enabling SSH and using key-based authentication enhances security and convenience.

By following the step-by-step guide above, you should be able to resolve most password problems quickly. Remember to keep your Raspberry Pi updated and secure for smooth remote access.

If you encounter persistent issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Raspberry Pi community or consider reinstalling the OS as a last resort.

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