0x80070773_
System Error � Password Must Change
If your Windows 10/11 machine is throwing 0x80070773, the system has flagged a fault identified as "System Error � Password Must Change". Understanding the root cause helps you avoid an unnecessary reinstall.
What Actually Happened
Windows reported 'the user's password must be changed before signing in'. This usually traces back to a locked file or broken system permissions.
Symptoms
An application, File Explorer action, or system task fails with error 0x80070773
Common Causes
- The Win32 condition ERROR_PASSWORD_MUST_CHANGE was raised: the user's password must be changed before signing in
- A file or folder involved in the operation is locked or missing permissions
- System file corruption affecting the component
How to Fix It
-
01
Close processes locking the resource or restart your PC
-
02
Run system repair:
sfc /scannow in an elevated Command Prompt -
03
Verify file/folder permissions under Properties > Security
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Root Cause Breakdown
0x80070773 wraps Win32 error 1907 (ERROR_PASSWORD_MUST_CHANGE), indicating the user's password must be changed before signing in.
Should You Worry?
No inherent risk to your data, but investigate repeated failures.
Power-User Tip
Check Event Viewer (Windows Logs > Application) for timestamp details on 0x80070773.
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