How to Factory Reset a Computer That Is Locked?
30 August 2025 Technology Manager of Test Dept.
Last update by Olivia Brown at 31 August 2025
Summary
Learn how to factory reset a computer that is locked, clear forgotten passwords, and restore system access using trusted tools like Renee PassNow. Practical solutions are outlined for users.
Table of contents
Are you locked out of your computer and desperate to regain access? Whether you’ve forgotten your password, purchased a secondhand PC with an unknown login, or encountered a system glitch that blocks the login screen, this guide is your solution to factory reset a computer that is locked. We’ll explain why your computer might be locked, outline practical solutions to address these issues, detail when you’ll be prompted for a password during a reset, and show how to use Renee PassNow to quickly remove the password without losing data. Additionally, we’ll provide steps for a factory reset if needed. With clear instructions and reliable tools, you’ll regain control of your system in no time. Let’s get started!
Tip: Want to avoid a full factory reset and save your files? Renee PassNow can securely remove your Windows login password. See “Bypassing Your Windows Password Without a Full Reset“ for details.
A locked computer can stem from several issues, making it impossible to log in without the correct credentials. Common reasons include:
- Forgotten Password: You may have forgotten the password for your local or Microsoft account.
- Secondhand PC: A secondhand computer might still have the previous owner’s login credentials.
- System Glitch: Corrupted system files or security settings can lock you out of the login screen.
- BitLocker Encryption: If BitLocker is enabled, it may require a recovery key to access the system.
For the reasons above, you can perform a factory reset to erase your system data and regain access, but in some cases, your original password might be required during the reset process.
Conditions That Trigger a Password Reset Prompt
When attempting to reset a locked computer, you may be prompted for a password in these scenarios:
- Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE): The “Reset this PC” feature from the login screen may require a password if your account is protected or BitLocker is enabled.
- Microsoft Account: Resetting a computer linked to a Microsoft account might prompt for the account password or recovery key.
- Administrator Restrictions: Systems with strict security settings may demand admin password during a reset.
If you can’t provide the password, Renee PassNow can bypass this barrier, allowing you to unlock your system or proceed with a reset without issues.
If you’re hesitant to perform a factory reset due to the risk of losing valuable files, removing the password is a smarter first step. Renee PassNow is a trusted system rescue tool that can remove Windows login passwords for local accounts, administrators, or Microsoft accounts without needing the original password. Ideal for forgotten passwords or locked secondhand PCs, it also offers data transfer to back up files to an external drive and disk erasure for securely wiping sensitive data. Compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, Renee PassNow is user-friendly, supports multiple languages, and includes tools for disk management and system recovery.
Renee Passnow – Professional Windows Password Remover
Remove Windows Login Password 3 steps for whole password remove process.
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.
Tip: If you’re using a Microsoft account, Renee PassNow will convert it to a local account during the reset. You can reconnect it to your Microsoft account later.
Here’s how to use Renee PassNow to unlock your computer:
Step 1: Download and Install Renee PassNow
Download Renee PassNow and install it on a working computer. Ensure you select the version compatible with your operating system.
Step 2: Create a Bootable USB or CD/DVD
Launch Renee PassNow, insert a USB flash drive (at least 8GB) or a blank CD/DVD, and select the option to create bootable media. Follow the prompts to prepare the media.
Note: Back up any data on the USB, as it will be erased.
Step 3: Boot the Locked Computer from the Bootable Media
Insert the bootable USB or CD/DVD into the locked computer.
Restart the PC and enter the BIOS settings by pressing the appropriate key (e.g., F2, Delete, or Esc—check your device’s manual). Set the USB or CD/DVD as the primary boot device.
Common Boot Menu Access for Popular Devices:
| Server Type | Boot Menu Key |
|---|---|
| DELL | Press F12 repeatedly before the Dell logo appears. |
| HP | Press F9 multiple times when the HP logo is displayed. |
| BIOS Name | Boot Menu Key |
|---|---|
| ASRock | DEL or F2 |
| ASUS | DEL or F2 (PCs/Motherboards) |
| Acer | DEL or F2 |
| Dell | F12 or F2 |
| Lenovo (Consumer Laptops) | F2 or Fn + F2 |
| Lenovo (Desktops) | F1 |
| Lenovo (ThinkPads) | Enter then F1 |
| MSI | DEL |
| HP | Esc, then F9 for Boot Menu |
Step 4: Select the Password Reset Function
Once the computer boots from the media, the Renee PassNow interface will appear. Select the PassNow! function to begin the password reset process.
Step 5: Reset the Password
From the displayed list, choose the user account you want to unlock. Click Clear Password to remove or reset the password for that account.
Step 6: Reboot the Computer
After resetting the password, eject the bootable media and restart the computer. You can now log in without a password and decide whether to set a new one or proceed with a factory reset if necessary.
Renee PassNow lets you swiftly regain access to a locked computer without data loss, offering a smart alternative to a full factory reset. After removing the password, you can decide whether to proceed with a factory reset. Once unlocked, if you still need a reset, follow the methods below.
If removing the password isn’t enough and you need a fresh start, a factory reset from the login screen is a straightforward option. This method uses the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to restore your PC to its factory settings without requiring login credentials, especially after removing the password with Renee PassNow. Here’s how:
Step 1: Power on your computer and wait for the login screen to appear.
Step 2: Locate the Power button in the bottom-right corner. Hold down the Shift key and click Restart. If a warning appears, select Restart Anyway to proceed.
Step 3: Your computer will reboot into the Windows Recovery Environment.
Step 4: On the Choose an Option screen, select Troubleshoot.
Step 5: Choose Reset this PC from the Troubleshoot menu.
Tip: Since you’ve removed the password using Renee PassNow, the Reset this PC feature should no longer prompt for a password.
Step 6: Choose from two reset options:
- Keep My Files: Removes third-party apps and settings but preserves your personal files.
- Remove Everything: Erases all data, apps, and settings, restoring your PC to a factory-fresh state.
Tip: Concerned about losing critical files? Use Renee PassNow’s data transfer feature to back up your data to an external drive before resetting.
Step 7: Select your preferred option and click Reset to begin the process.
Your computer will restart multiple times during the reset. Once complete, you’ll have a clean system ready for a new user account setup. This method is a simple and effective way to factory reset a locked computer directly from the login screen.
If the login screen method doesn’t work or you prefer an alternative approach, you can factory reset your locked computer using a Windows installation disk. This method requires creating a bootable USB drive and using it to initiate the reset. Here’s how to do it in two phases:
Phase 1: Creating a Windows Installation Disk
Note: You’ll need access to another working computer to create the bootable USB.
Step 1: Visit Microsoft’s official website and download the Media Creation Tool.
Step 2: Run the setup file and accept the license agreement.
Step 3: Select Create installation media for another PC from the available options.
Step 4: Choose your preferred language, Windows edition, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit), then click Next.
Step 5: Insert a USB drive with at least 8GB of free space, select it as the target drive, and click Next.
Step 6: Wait for the tool to create the bootable USB. When you see “Your USB Flash Drive is ready,” safely eject the USB.
Phase 2: Performing the Factory Reset with the Installation Disk
Step 1: Insert the bootable USB into the locked computer.
Step 2: Boot your PC from the USB drive (you may need to adjust the boot order in your BIOS settings).
Step 3: When the Windows Setup screen appears, select your language, time zone, currency, and keyboard layout, then click Next.
Step 4: Click the Repair your computer link in the bottom-left corner.
Step 5: Select Troubleshoot, then choose Reset this PC.
Tip: With the password removed via Renee PassNow, you should not encounter a password prompt during the Reset this PC process, simplifying the reset.
Step 6: Choose between keeping your files or removing everything, then follow the prompts to start the reset. Your PC will restart multiple times, and once finished, it’ll be ready for a fresh setup.
If you can log into Windows after removing the password with Renee PassNow, you can also perform a factory reset directly from Windows Settings. This method is user‑friendly and works best when you already have access to the desktop.
Note: If BitLocker is enabled, check your encryption status in Settings → System → About and note your recovery key before resetting.
Step 1: Open Settings
Click the Start menu → select Settings (gear icon), or press Windows + I.
Step 2: Access Recovery Options
In the left panel, select Update and Security → click Recovery on the right.
Step 3: Choose Reset This PC
Under Recovery Options, find Reset this PC, then click Get started.
Step 4: Select a reset method
- Keep my files – Removes apps and settings, but keeps personal files.
- Remove everything – Wipes all files, apps, and settings, restoring the PC to its original state.
Tip: Back up important data to external storage if you select Remove everything.
Step 5: Confirm and start the reset
Follow the on‑screen prompts. Your PC will restart multiple times during the process—just wait for it to finish.
Whether you’ve unlocked your computer with Renee PassNow or performed a factory reset, you now have the tools to regain control. The following FAQs address common concerns to ensure you’re fully prepared for any scenario.
Does a factory reset remove all types of passwords from my computer?
A factory reset, particularly the Remove Everything option, erases all data, including user account passwords, by restoring the system to its original state. If you’ve successfully removed the login password for a Windows local account or Microsoft account using Renee PassNow, you won’t be prompted to enter a password for that account during the “Reset this PC” process.
Can I factory reset a computer without a USB drive or installation disk?
Yes, you can reset a locked computer directly from the login screen using the Windows Recovery Environment, as described in “Resetting Your Locked Computer from the Login Screen“. This method requires no external media, making it ideal if you lack access to another computer or USB drive.
How can I protect my data before a factory reset?
Before resetting, use Renee PassNow’s Data Transfer feature to move critical files to an external drive, even without logging in. If you regain access after removing the password, manually back up files to an external drive or cloud storage. Always confirm your backup is complete before selecting Remove Everything.
What if the Windows Recovery Environment doesn’t load?
If WinRE fails to load, try using Renee PassNow to clear your login password before resetting your computer. Alternatively, boot from a Windows installation disk as outlined in “Using a Windows Installation Disk to Reset a Locked Computer“. Verify that your BIOS boot order is correctly set.
Is Renee PassNow safe for password removal?
Yes, Renee PassNow is a reliable tool designed for secure password removal and system recovery. It operates without compromising your system’s integrity or personal data. Always download it from the official Rene.E Laboratory website to ensure authenticity.
Whether you’re locked out due to a forgotten password, a secondhand PC, a system glitch, or BitLocker encryption, you now have clear solutions. Start with Renee PassNow to bypass the password and preserve your data, then proceed with a factory reset using appropriate method if needed. Always back up critical files before choosing the Remove Everything option to avoid permanent loss. With Renee PassNow’s password reset and data transfer features, you can unlock your PC and safeguard your files, ensuring a smooth recovery process.
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.
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