Password confusion/newb

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Level 1

4 points

Password confusion/newb

Good morning,

I moved (back) to MacOS after many years of using ChromeOS. It hasn't been the smooth transition I was hoping for, but everything basically worked well enough.

I decided to upgrade to Monterey 12.3.1 yesterday. The problem is, I keep getting asked for a password I don't have, or know. I don't know what the password is for 'software update'. (Pictures attached.)

Caveats first: I know this is my responsibility, but I can't for the life of me understand what has happened. I haven't changed either my Apple ID or the password I was asked for when I set up this machine (what I call the 'computer password', don't know what the Apple term is.) The error is most likely mine, but I don't see how to fix it.

Any ideas what I'm doing wrong?

Thank you,

Julian

MacBook Air (2020 or later)

Posted on Apr 19, 2022 7:06 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

PRP_53

Level 10

91,783 points

Apr 19, 2022 7:25 AM in response to jmarsano210x

As mentioned in previous posting, the Original Password for the computer when it was first setup as New and is usually the defacto Admin Account of this computer.

If you can remember it

Reset Computer Password for the Administrator Account Password

Intel Computer

1 - Restart computer and immediately hold Command + r keys

2 - Top Tool Bar >> Utilities >> Terminal

3 - Type resetpassword as one word and no spaces

4 - Press Return key

5 - Follow the prompts and remember the New Password

Apple Silicon M1 Computer

1 - Choose Apple menu > > Shut Down.

2 - Press and hold the power button on your Mac until you see “Loading startup options.”

3 - Click Options, then click Continue.

4 - Top Tool Bar >> Utilities >> Terminal

5 - Type resetpassword as one word and no spaces

6 - Press Return key

7 - Follow the prompts and remember the New Password

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Answer 2

jmarsano210x Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 19, 2022 8:05 AM in response to PRP_53

Hi there,

Thank you for your insight esp. step 7! I have never gotten locked out of a computer this way before in over 30 years, so I guess there's a first time for everything. I'll try this out when I have a little more time and let you all know.

Thanks again,

Julian

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Answer 3

PRP_53

Level 10

91,783 points

Apr 19, 2022 8:17 AM in response to jmarsano210x

Under certain and strict condition like only One Admin Account and No FileVault on the drive - one could have Automatic Login Enabled.

Over several upGrades to newer versions of macOS - one have have become forgetful of the Admin Account password.

Starting, I think in Big Sur and for sure in Monterey, the User must input the Password before the download will commence. It will ask again before the actual Installation of Monterey will commence.

This is a New and Improved feature and behaves much like iOS does. The lines between macOS and iOS become closer and closer and more blurred IMHO.

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Answer 4

KiltedTim

Level 10

203,758 points

Apr 19, 2022 7:11 AM in response to jmarsano210x

That would be the password for your local user account on your Mac.

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Answer 5

jmarsano210x Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 19, 2022 8:05 AM in response to KiltedTim

Thanks, that was my thought--I'm at a loss to understand why it won't accept my input. Obviously I'm doing something wrong. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Julian

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Password confusion/newb

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