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18 October 2026  John Weaver  Senior Program Developer
Last update by James Smith at 18 October 2026

Summary
This article outlines the technical procedures to transfer files locked Windows 10 Renee PassNow via a bootable USB drive. It covers essential solution categories including BitLocker decryption, graphical data transfer, and optional file recovery without requiring system login.



Table of contents

table iconWhy Renee PassNow is a practical way to move files without logging into Windows
table iconHow to transfer files from a locked Windows 10 PC using Renee PassNow
table iconFAQ
Can you transfer files from a locked Windows 10 PC with Renee PassNow?

Yes — you can transfer files from a locked Windows 10 PC without logging in. Renee PassNow lets you boot the locked PC from a USB drive and access your files through the graphical Data Transfer feature.

- You’ll need a second working PC and a blank USB drive to create the bootable USB.
- If your drive is encrypted with BitLocker, you’ll need the BitLocker password or recovery key.
- Do not reset, reinstall, or format the locked drive until your files are safely copied.
See the detailed steps below to get started.

Why Renee PassNow is a practical way to move files without logging into Windows

Renee PassNow is designed for users who want an easy, no-risk way to access files when locked out of Windows 10. It runs completely offline from a bootable USB, so you don’t need to log in or even have Windows working. The main tools are Data Transfer for copying files you can still access, and Undeleter for recovering files that were deleted before the lockout. Once your data is backed up, you can use Renee PassNow to reset passwords or create a new admin account safely.
Get Renee PassNow to Unlock a Windows 10 PC and Transfer Files

Prepare bootable media safely Guides you through backing up the USB drive and choosing the right x64 or x86 build before creating bootable media.

Recover the files Recover the deleted files without Windows system.

Transfer the data Transfer the important files of the computer with system.

Multifuctional Data transfer, data recovery, bootable problem recovery can be run without system.

Highly compatible Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista. UEFI boot.

Remove Login Password Support Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista. UEFI boot.

Recover the files Recover the deleted files without Windows system.

Transfer the data Transfer the important files of the computer with system.

Free TrialFree TrialNow 2000 people have downloaded!
Renee PassNow main interface with the PassNow! function highlighted

Common lockout scenarios and quick checks

Lockout Scenario ✅ Quick Check / Prerequisite

🔑 Forgotten local password

Check if you have a password reset disk or another admin account.

👤 Microsoft account/PIN failure

Ensure you can access your Microsoft account email/phone for verification.

💻 System crash / Blue screen

Verify the PC still powers on and can reach the BIOS/boot menu.

🛡️ BitLocker encrypted drive

Locate your 48-digit BitLocker recovery key (usually saved in your Microsoft account).

General solutions vs. Renee PassNow

Method Requirements & Drawbacks

Physical drive removal

Requires opening your PC and handling hardware—risky and not beginner-friendly.

Linux Live USB

Needs command-line skills and manual drive mounting—can be confusing for non-technical users.

Renee PassNow

Simple graphical interface, no hardware teardown, no coding, and all-in-one for file transfer and reset.

What to prepare before starting

✅ A second working Windows PC with internet access.
✅ A USB flash drive (all data on it will be erased during setup).
✅ An external hard drive or USB with enough free space for your files.
✅ Your BitLocker recovery key (if your locked drive is encrypted). If you do not know the recovery key, please refer to: How to Find and Use Your BitLocker Recovery Key to reset Windows Password
Item Detailed Description

Supported system versions

Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP; USB boot works on UEFI and legacy BIOS systems.

Required conditions

Working second PC, blank USB drive, external target drive, BitLocker key if encryption is enabled.

Runtime limitations

BitLocker-encrypted files require password or recovery key. Basic edition does not support BitLocker.

Typical performance

USB 3.0 transfers are faster than USB 2.0; large folders may take several minutes to copy.

How to transfer files from a locked Windows 10 PC using Renee PassNow

1. Create the bootable USB on a working PC

1. Install Renee PassNow on your working computer.
2. Connect the USB drive and back up any important files on it, as the process will erase all data.
3. Launch Renee PassNow and select Create a Live USB under “Step 1: Choose the creation method”.
use renee passnow to create usb to reset passnword
4. Choose (x64) or (x86) depending on your locked PC’s system type (most modern PCs use (x64)).
5. Click download now to download the ISO file.
6. After the ISO is downloaded, click Create USB and wait for the process to finish, then click Eject USB.

2. Boot the locked Windows 10 PC from the USB

1. Insert the bootable USB into the locked PC.
Insert the boot device
2. Power on the PC and immediately press the boot menu key repeatedly.
BIOS / Computer Brand Boot Menu Key BIOS Setup Key

DELL

F12

F2

HP

F9 / Esc → F9

Esc → F10

ASUS

Esc (laptops) / F8 (desktops)

F2 or Delete

Acer

F12 (enable in BIOS first)

F2 or Delete

Lenovo (Laptops)

F12 / Novo Button

F2

Lenovo (Desktops/ThinkPads)

F12

F1

MSI

F11

Delete

Microsoft Surface

Hold Volume Down + Power

Hold Volume Up + Power

3. In the Boot Priority menu, set the USB drive as the primary boot device, save changes, and reboot.
select boot order
If the PC still boots into Windows instead of the USB, disable Secure Boot or check the UEFI/Legacy boot order in BIOS.

3. Handle BitLocker encryption (If prompted)

If your system drive is encrypted, Renee PassNow will prompt you. Use BitLocker Manager to unlock the drive.
Unlock the system using the BitLocker manager provided by PassNow
- Select Unlock with Password if you know the BitLocker password.
- Select Unlock with Recovery Key if you have the 48-digit recovery key.
The Basic edition does not support BitLocker. Without the password or recovery key, encrypted files cannot be accessed.

4. Transfer files using Data Transfer

Once Renee PassNow loads, select Data Transfer on the main interface.
data transfer
1. Select the locked Windows source drive (usually C:) on the upper left.
transfer data interface
2. Select your external destination drive on the upper right.
3. Click each drive letter to make sure your important files are visible.
4. Browse to user folders such as Desktop, Documents, Pictures, and Downloads.
5. Select the files or folders you want, then press Copy in the center to start the transfer.
If your external drive is missing, click Refresh USB Drives or try a different USB port. Use Data Backup only if you want to clone the entire disk image.

Renee PassNow Data Backup interface with disk cloning options
Common personal folders to check:
Location What It Stores Why It Matters

C:\Users\YourUserName

All personal data and profile settings

Main user folder—nearly all personal files are here.

C:\Users\YourUserName\Documents

Personal documents, PDFs, spreadsheets

Default save location for most applications.

C:\Users\YourUserName\Pictures

Screenshots, photos, image libraries

Default image folder for Windows and many apps.

C:\Users\YourUserName\Downloads

Browser and app downloads

Central location for downloaded files.

C:\Users\YourUserName\Desktop

Items shown on the desktop

Files seen on the desktop are stored here.

C:\Users\YourUserName\Videos

Videos, recordings, editor exports

Default for video-related apps.

C:\Users\YourUserName\Music

Music files and audio projects

Music players and audio apps save here.

C:\Users\Public

Shared files accessible to all users

Useful for documents or media shared across accounts.

5. Recover deleted files using Undeleter (Optional)

If you need to recover files that were deleted before the lockout, use Undeleter.
1. Select Undeleter on the main interface and click Run.
data recovery function in Renee PassNow
2. Choose the function to scan the target hard disk or partition.
scan the whole partition with renee passnow recovery function to reinstall windows 7
3. After the scan, select the files you want and click Recover to restore them. Always save recovered files to your external drive, not the locked drive.
preview before recovery

FAQ

Does this method work for both Microsoft account and local account lockouts?

Yes. Data Transfer works before Windows login and does not depend on the account type. If you later use Clear All Password/PIN, a Microsoft account may be converted to a local account and might need to be relinked.

Can I transfer files if my Windows 10 PC is completely dead and won't turn on?

No. The PC must power on and be able to boot from USB. If it won’t turn on at all, you may need to remove the drive and connect it to another computer.

Why is my external USB drive not showing up in the Data Transfer window?

Click Refresh USB Drives and wait a few seconds. Try a different USB port (preferably on the back of a desktop), and make sure the drive is formatted and has enough free space.
Renee Passnow – Professional Windows Password Remover

Remove Windows Login Password 3 steps for whole password remove process.

Enable/Create Administrator One click for creating new administrator and enable the disabled account.

Widely Use New version supports UEFI boot model, which can be used on more computers, laptops and even surfaces.

Multifuctional Data transfer, data recovery, bootable problem recovery can be run without system.

Highly compatible Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista.

Remove Login Password Support Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista.

Enable/Create Administrator One click for creating new administrator and enable the disabled account.

Easy to use No need of any professional knowledge or password reset disk.

Free TrialFree TrialNow 2000 people have downloaded!

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