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Password not recognised

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Hi. I have a Dell laptop running Windows 10. Six weeks ago I tried to log in & only got a grey screen with a Dell logo. Eventually, I removed & reinserted the battery ; it now gives me my customised log-in screen. However, now it doesn't recognise my password. Apparently this version is before they included security questions - when I select 'reset password', it tells me I need to insert a 'password key disc' (or USB).
I went to my Microsoft account - I can change Microsoft password, but can't see how to change the local device password.
I found instructions online to download 'recovery software' (or similar) from the Microsoft site, but I'm on a library PC & not the administrator, so I'm blocked. I don't get an option to download it directly to a USB that I can take home.
I've found advice on how to clear all programs etc. & return to factory settings - but I'd rather avoid that. I assume I'd have to reinstall Windows 10. (But there's no crucial files on the PC, so it's OK as a last resort).
Any ideas? Thanks in advance.
Bill Brickwood
 
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