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4 June 2025  Jennifer Thatcher  Technology Manager of Test Dept.
Last update by Emma Johnson at 11 June 2025

Summary
Learn how to create a password reset disk on Windows 11 for your local account. This guide covers step-by-step instructions and explores reliable alternatives to regain access if you’re locked out of your device.



Table of contents

table iconUnderstanding Password Reset Disks and Their Importance
table iconStep-by-Step Guide to Create Password Reset Disk on Windows 11
table iconHow to Use Your Password Reset Disk Effectively
table iconAlternative Solution: Professional Password Recovery Tools
table iconBest Practices and Security Considerations
table iconConclusion
Forgetting your Windows 11 password can be a hassle, but a password reset disk can prevent lockouts. This guide explains how to create a password reset disk on Windows 11 and explores alternative solutions like Renee PassNow for when you’re already locked out.
User creating Windows password
Windows 11 offers enhanced security features, including the ability to create a password reset disk, a simple yet effective tool to regain access to your system if you forget your login credentials.

Understanding Password Reset Disks and Their Importance

A password reset disk is a removable storage device containing encrypted data tied to your Windows local account. It acts as a key to unlock your computer when you forget your password. Note that it only works for local accounts, not Microsoft accounts linked to Windows 11.
Local Account and Microsoft Account
Windows Local AccountWindows Microsoft Account

Password Reset Disk Support

✅ Yes

❌ No

Disk Creation Timing

Must be created before losing access

Not applicable

Works for Multiple Accounts

❌ No, each disk is tied to a single account

❌ No disk available

Recovery Method

Uses the reset disk created earlier

Uses online recovery options

Internet Dependency

❌ No internet required

✅ Requires internet

Alternative Recovery Options

External recovery tools (e. g., third-party software Ophcrack, Renee PassNow)

Reset password via Microsoft account recovery (e. g., third-party software Renee PassNow)

Security Risk

Physical disk can be lost or stolen

Recovery secured via identity verification

Key Takeaways:

  • Local accounts require a manually created password reset disk before losing access. Note: You don’t need to create a new disk when you change your password.
  • Microsoft accounts don’t support reset disks but offer online recovery options, including email/phone verification.
If you’ve forgotten your Microsoft account password and online recovery methods haven’t worked, you can try using a third-party tool like Renee PassNow to reset it. However, these tools may have side effects—they can break the link between your local account and your online Microsoft account, requiring you to manually reconnect them afterward.

Step-by-Step Guide to Create Password Reset Disk on Windows 11

Creating a password reset disk on Windows 11 is simple but requires access to your account and password. You cannot create one after being locked out.

Prerequisites for Creating Your Password Reset Disk

Ensure you have:
- A USB flash drive or floppy disk (USB recommended)
- Administrative access to your Windows 11 computer
- Your current account password
- At least 1GB of free space on your storage device

Detailed Steps to Create Password Reset Disk on Windows 11

Step 1: Access the Control Panel
Open the Control Panel by clicking the Start button, typing “Control Panel” in the search bar, and selecting it from the results.
Step 2: Navigate to User Accounts
In Control Panel, click “User Accounts” to access account management tools, including the password reset disk option.
Step 3: Initiate Password Reset Disk Creation
Click the “Create a password reset disk” link in the left sidebar to launch the Forgotten Password Wizard.
search "Create Windows Password Reset Disk"
Step 4: Welcome to the Forgotten Password Wizard
The wizard opens with a welcome screen. Click “Next” to proceed.
Step 5: Select Your Storage Device
Choose your USB drive or removable storage device from the dropdown menu. Click “Next.”
Step 6: Enter Your Current Password
Enter your current account password to authorize the process, then click “Next.”
click to create windows 10 password reset disk
Step 7: Disk Creation Process
A progress bar will show the creation status. This step is quick and depends on your system’s performance.
Step 8: Completion
When the progress reaches 100%, click “Next” and “Finish.” Your password reset disk is ready.

How to Use Your Password Reset Disk Effectively

Knowing how to use your password reset disk is key to regaining access when locked out.

Using Your Password Reset Disk Step-by-Step

1. Initial Setup: Plug your password reset disk into your computer’s USB port, ensuring it’s recognized.
2. Trigger the Reset Process: At the login screen, enter an incorrect password. After the failure, click “OK” to reveal the “Reset password” link.
3. Access Reset Options: Click “Reset password,” then select “Use a password reset disk instead” instead of answering security questions.
4. Launch Password Reset Wizard: The Password Reset Wizard will appear. Click “Next.”
complete the password reset disk finish
5. Verify Disk Detection: Confirm the correct disk is detected, then click “Next.”
Windows 7 Insert password reset disk
6. Set New Password: Enter a new password twice, choosing one you’ll remember. Click “Next.”
set new password for Windows Vista account
7. Complete the Process: Click “Finish” to reset your password and log in with the new one.

Alternative Solution: Professional Password Recovery Tools

If you didn’t create a password reset disk, professional tools like Renee PassNow can help you regain access to your Windows 11 system.
Renee PassNow is a reliable password recovery tool that creates a bootable USB or CD/DVD to reset your Windows 11 password. It works for both local and Microsoft accounts, though it converts Microsoft accounts to local ones during the process. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible for all skill levels.
Note: After resetting a Microsoft account password, reconnect it to restore online features.

Steps to Reset Your Windows 11 Password with Renee PassNow

Step 1: Download and Install Renee PassNow
Download Renee PassNow from its official website and install it on an accessible computer. Choose the version compatible with your system.
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 10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista.

Remove Login Password 3 steps for whole password remove process.

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!
Step 2: Create a Bootable USB or CD/DVD
Launch Renee PassNow, insert a USB or blank CD/DVD, and select the option to create bootable media. Follow the prompts to complete the process.
Create New Windows 11 Password Reset Disk with Renee PassNow 
Step 3: Boot the Locked Computer from the Bootable Media
Boot the target PC with the created password reset USB/CD/DVD. 
Insert the bootable media into your locked Windows 11 computer. Restart and enter BIOS (usually F2, Delete, or Esc) to set the boot order to prioritize the media.
Common Servers and Computers Boot Menu Access:
Server TypeEnter Boot Menu Method

DELL

Press F12 repeatedly before the Dell logo appears.

HP

Press F9 multiple times when the HP logo is displayed.

BIOS Name

Enter Boot Menu Method

ASRock

DEL or F2

ASUS

DEL or F2 for PCs/DEL or F2 for Motherboards

Acer

DEL or F2

Dell

F12 or F2

ECS

DEL

Gigabyte / Aorus

DEL or F2

Lenovo (Consumer Laptops)

F2 or Fn + F2

Lenovo (Desktops)

F1

Lenovo (ThinkPads)

Enter then F1

MSI

DEL

Microsoft Surface Tablets

Press and hold Power and Volume Up buttons

Origin PC

F2

Samsung

F2

Toshiba

F2

Zotac

DEL

HP

Esc/F9 for Boot Menu/Esc/F10/Storage tab/Boot Order/Legacy Boot Sources

INTEL

F10

Step 4: Select the Password Reset Function
Once booted, Renee PassNow loads. Select the “PassNow!” function to start the password reset.
click on passnow to reset login password
Step 5: Reset the Password
Select the user account from the list and click “Clear Password” to reset or remove the password.
Select target Windows system in the list 

Select target user account in the list 

Step 6: Reboot the Computer
Remove the bootable media and restart your computer. Log in without a password. Reconnect your Microsoft account if needed.
Reminder: Reconnect your Microsoft account after resetting to restore full functionality.
Renee PassNow is a fast, reliable solution for regaining access when a password reset disk isn’t available.

Best Practices and Security Considerations

Follow these tips to keep your system secure and accessible after creating a password reset disk:
Secure Storage: Store your password reset disk in a safe place, as anyone with access can reset your password.
Regular Updates: Recreate your disk after major system or password changes for compatibility.
Multiple Copies: Create backup disks and store them securely to avoid lockouts if one is lost.
Documentation: Track when and where you create your disk for better IT management.

Conclusion

Creating a password reset disk on Windows 11 is a quick, proactive step to avoid the stress of forgotten passwords. It takes just minutes to set up and can save you from costly recovery efforts. If you’re locked out without a disk, Renee PassNow offers a dependable alternative. Whether using Windows’ built-in tools or professional software, having a password recovery plan is essential. Act now to create your reset disk or explore tools like Renee PassNow to stay prepared.
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 10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista.

Remove Login Password 3 steps for whole password remove process.

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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