Forum Discussion
How to create a password reset disk after forgetting Windows 11 password?
I’m in a bit of a tricky situation. I’ve forgotten the password to my Windows 11 laptop because of recent change, and I didn’t create a password reset disk beforehand. Now I’m unable to log in, and I’m unsure how to unlock my Windows 11 computer.
Is there any way to create a password reset disk without knowing the password after I've already been locked out? I’m looking for a solution that doesn’t involve losing my data if possible. Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance for your help!
10 Replies
In fact, you can create a password reset disk on another computer if you forgot Windows 11 password, even you don't know the password. Here is an useful guide you can check out:
https://www.readdwrite.com/reset-windows-password
I tested on two Windows 11 PCs and worked flawlessly.
- If you confirm that you're using a local account and you have access to the system, you can follow the usual steps to create a password reset disk via the Control Panel. Just go to Control Panel > User Accounts > Create a Windows password reset disk.
If you've already forgotten your password and don't have a reset disk, recovering access might be a bit trickier. Unfortunately, you might have to use other methods to regain access, like a Windows installation media for a full reset. "How do I create a password reset disk if I forgot my password?" This is a common question when you browse across the Microsoft forums. Please don't worry, there are several ways to help you make a Windows password reset disk USB for Windows 11, Windows 10 and Windows 7. This is solely for local account!
Net User Command: This is the built-in command for resetting Windows password. You can do this with another administrator or boot in to safe mode. This method allows you to change the password without needing the old one, but it requires administrative privileges.
Factory Reset: If you are completely locked out of your Windows 11 device and cannot reset the password by any other means, performing a factory reset is a last resort. This process will restore the device to its original state, erasing all files, applications, and settings.
Ask Microsoft Support: When other methods fail or you need more assistance, you can contact Microsoft tech support for help in resetting your Windows 11 password. Microsoft support can guide you through various troubleshooting steps and, in some cases, may assist with account recovery if it's a Microsoft account.
- You might need a few minutes (or longer) to verify your identity. This means extra time spent staring at the lock screen when you just want to get back into your laptop ASAP. Sometimes, you gotta wait for that verification email or SMS to come through. If you have two-factor authentication enabled (which is a good security measure), you need to have access to your secondary device (like your phone) to receive the code. If you don't have that or it's not working, then you're stuck!
Cherylkoin Most Windows 11 use Microsoft account for login. Please follow the steps list below to reset Windows 11 password of Microsoft account without password reset USB.
Step 1: On the lock screen, click on the "I forgot my password" link under the password input box.
Step 2: You will be redirected to the Microsoft account recovery process.
Step 3: Enter your Microsoft account email address and follow the prompts.
Step 4: You may be asked to verify your identity using a phone number or alternate email address linked to your Microsoft account.
Step 5: Once verified, you’ll be prompted to enter a new password.
Step 6: After resetting Windows 11 password, you can use the new password to log in to Windows 11 computer.Cherylkoin Before creating a password reset disk for Windows 11, the first thing to do is checking it is a local account or Microsoft as the solution is totally different!
To determine whether the login account is a Microsoft account or a local account when you have forgotten the login password, you can observe the username displayed on the login screen. If the username is an email address, it indicates that the account is a Microsoft account. Microsoft accounts are tied to an email address and allow you to log in across multiple devices and services using the same credentials.
On the other hand, if the username is not an email address and appears as a simple name or phrase, it is likely a local account. Local accounts are specific to the individual device and are not linked to any online services. You have to create a password reset disk for Windows 11 local account when the password is lost or forgotten.
- To create a password reset disk after forgetting Windows 11 password, the USB drive should be formatted as FAT32 or NTFS to ensure compatibility with Windows. Avoid using exFAT or other formats that might cause issues. And make sure your USB drive has enough space to hold the password reset disk. A minimum of 512 MB is recommended, but 1 GB or more is ideal.
If you have a Windows 11 installation media (USB drive or DVD), you can use it to create a password reset disk. Here's how:
- Insert the Windows 11 installation media (USB drive or DVD) into your laptop.
- Restart your laptop and select " Boot from USB drive" or " Boot from DVD" (depending on your media type).
- Once booted, select the language and other options as prompted.
- Click on "Repair your computer" and then select "Troubleshoot".
- Click on "Reset this PC" and follow the prompts to reset your PC.
- When prompted, select "Create a recovery drive" and follow the instructions to create the password reset disk.
How to create a password reset disk? Windows 11 has a built-in feature called "Recovery Environment" that allows you to create a password reset disk without knowing the password. Here's how:
- Restart your Windows 11 laptop and immediately start tapping the F11 key (or F8 key on older systems) until you see the "Recovery Environment" menu.
- Select "Troubleshoot" and then click on "Reset this PC".
- Click on "Get started" and follow the prompts to reset your PC.
- When prompted, select "Create a recovery drive" and follow the instructions to create the password reset disk.
- Do you use a Microsoft or local account for login? For Microsoft account, you can set a new password with the password recovery option from official website. After that, you can use the new password for login and there is no need to create a Windows password reset disk any more!
