Forum Discussion
Create windows 10 password reset disk without knowing the password?
My son was locked out of his Windows 10 PC and unfortunately, he don't remember the password he changed recently. I need to help him create Windows 10 password reset disk to regain access to Windows 10, but I'm unsure how to proceed without knowing the existing password. I've searched online but haven't found a clear, step-by-step guide that addresses my situation.
Could someone please provide detailed instructions that can assistant me create a Windows 10 password reset disk from another computer under these circumstances? Additionally, if there are any precautions I should take to avoid data loss or system issues, that information would be great!
It is now a very simple task to create a Windows 10 password reset disk even you don't know the password. I successfully reset my Windows 10 password without any data loss thanks to this helpful tutorial: https://www.readdwrite.com/reset-windows-password
You can create a password reset disk on another computer and reset the forgotten password on a locked computer!
8 Replies
- FedricksonCopper Contributor
this is the exact issue i was going through for the past four days and it was xiaospy1 on tiktok that helped me out.
- FedricksonCopper Contributor
Xiaospy1 on tiktok are professional recovery assistance, they got mine recovered
- TomilsonwIron Contributor
If you want to help your son regain access to his Windows 10 PC without knowing the password, you can make or use a password reset tool through the Command Prompt. Resetting the password using the Command Prompt through the Windows installation disk is a powerful but slightly technical method. Here are detailed step-by-step instruction to create a Windows 10 password reset disk.
- Reset password using command prompt with Windows 10 installation disk.
- Download Windows 10 ISO file on another computer and create a bootable USB drive with Rufus.
Insert the target computer, boot from the USB drive and select "Repair your computer". - Select "Command Prompt" in "Troubleshoot > Advanced options" and enter the following command to replace "Sticky Keys":
copy c:\windows\system32\sethc.exe c:\ copy c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe c:\windows\system32\sethc.exe
Restart the computer, press the Shift key five times on the login screen to open the command prompt, and enter net user username new password to reset the password.
Advantages: No additional software is required, it is purely manual operation, but you need to be careful to avoid accidentally deleting system files.
- NguyenaisBronze Contributor
Here are a few suggestions if the windows 10 password reset usb you created did not work as expected:
Verify that you are using the correct USB flash drive or floppy disk that was specifically created as the password reset disk for the affected account.
Ensure that the password reset disk was created on the same version of Windows 10 that you are currently using. Discrepancies between system updates or editions might affect compatibility.
Sometimes, specific USB ports may not function correctly. Try using a different USB port, preferably a USB 2.0 port if available, as they tend to be more reliable for booting and system tasks.
Over time, USB drives can become corrupted or damaged, rendering the password reset disk unusable. Check the integrity of the reset disk by accessing it on another computer. If the disk is not recognized or files are missing, it may be corrupted.
P.S. If after trying these solutions the Windows 10 password reset usb still does not work, you should seek professional technical support to regain access to your system without compromising your data.
- YarisyoyoIron Contributor
Honestly, it is a proactive way to ensure you can regain access to your account if you ever forget your password by creating and using a Windows 10 password reset disk. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to create a Windows 10 password reset disk and how to use it to when you forgot Windows 10 login password.
How to Create Windows 10 password reset disk USB:
- Press the Windows key and type “Create a password reset disk,” then select the corresponding Control Panel option.
- Click Next on the introductory screen. Select the USB drive you inserted from the dropdown menu and click Next.
- Enter your current account password when prompted to verify your identity. Click Next, and then Finish to complete the process.
How to Use Windows 10 password reset disk USB:
- When you forget your password, start your computer and reach the Windows 10 login screen.
- Enter an incorrect password to trigger the error message.
- Click on the “Reset password...” link that appears below the password field.
- Plug in the USB flash drive containing your password reset disk when prompted.
- The Password Reset Wizard will open. Select your USB drive from the list and click Next.Enter a new
- password for your account and confirm it. You may also be asked to create a password hint to help you remember the new password in the future.
- Click Next and then Finish to complete the password reset process.
- Use your new password to log into your Windows 10 account.
Important Considerations
Local vs. Microsoft Accounts: Password reset disks are designed for local accounts. If you use a Microsoft account to sign in, you will need to reset your password online through Microsoft’s password reset page.
Security: Treat your password reset disk with the same level of security as your actual password. If someone gains access to it, they could potentially access your account without your permission.
Alternative Recovery Options: Consider setting up additional recovery options, such as linking your account to a phone number or email address, to provide alternative methods for password recovery.
By following these steps, you can create a Windows 10 password reset disk that provides a reliable way to regain access to your account without the need for a complete system reset or data loss. Always ensure that your reset disk is stored securely and that you remember where it is kept.
- Nobel_BaynesIron Contributor
A Windows 10 password reset allows you to regain access to your user account when you've forgotten your password or are otherwise unable to log in. By resetting Windows 10 password, you effectively create a new password that replaces the old one, enabling you to access your files, applications, and settings as before. This process ensures that you maintain control over your account without needing to perform a complete system reinstall, which could result in data loss. In fact, you can easily create Windows 10 password reset disk usb from another computer.
When you initiate a password reset, especially using tools like a password reset disk or third-party software, the system typically updates the password hash stored in the Windows security database. This means that while the old password is no longer valid, all your data and configurations remain intact. However, it's important to note that certain encrypted files or credentials stored in password-protected applications might become inaccessible if they were tied to the previous password.
Additionally, resetting Windows 10 password may have security implications. For instance, if your account is linked to online services or synchronized across devices, you might need to update your credentials in those locations as well. It's also a good practice to create a new password reset disk after changing your password to ensure you have a reliable method for future access issues. Always ensure that you follow secure procedures when resetting passwords to protect your personal information and system integrity.
- HannanessIron Contributor
Creating Windows 10 password reset disk without knowing the password is a bit of a challenge, if you haven't set up a password reset disk before forgetting your password, that’s a bummer because Windows doesn’t allow you to create one after the fact. However, there are a few other tricks you might want to consider. Here’s what you can do:
1. Get a USB Drive: You'll need a USB drive, at least 8GB. It should be empty because it will be formatted during the process.
2. Create Windows Installation Media:
- Head over to the Microsoft Windows 10 download page.
- Download the Media Creation Tool and run it.
- Choose "Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC."
- Follow the prompts to create the USB installation media.
3. Boot from the USB Drive:
- Insert the USB drive into the locked computer.
- Restart the computer and enter the boot menu (usually by pressing a key like F12, Esc, or Delete right after you turn it on).
- Select the USB drive to boot from it.
4. Access Command Prompt:
- Once you boot into the Windows Setup screen, select your language and click "Next."
- Click on "Repair your computer" at the bottom left.
- Choose "Troubleshoot," then "Advanced options," and finally select "Command Prompt."
5. Replace the Sticky Keys Utility with cmd:
- In the Command Prompt, type the following commands to enable the command prompt on the login
- screen:
CopyReplit
copy c:\windows\system32\sethc.exe c:\
copy /y c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe c:\windows\system32\sethc.exe - This replaces the Sticky Keys utility with the Command Prompt you can use at the login screen.
6. Reboot and Trigger Command Prompt:
- Remove the USB and restart your PC.
- At the login screen, hit the Shift key five times to pop open Command Prompt instead of Sticky Keys.
7. Reset the Password:
- Type this command to reset your password:
CopyReplit
net user yourusername newpassword - Replace yourusername with your actual Windows username and newpassword with your new password.
8. Log In:
- Now that you’ve reset your password, log in using the new one!
- BobommBronze Contributor
It is now a very simple task to create a Windows 10 password reset disk even you don't know the password. I successfully reset my Windows 10 password without any data loss thanks to this helpful tutorial: https://www.readdwrite.com/reset-windows-password
You can create a password reset disk on another computer and reset the forgotten password on a locked computer!