Resetting Your Windows 10 Password Using a USB Drive

As technology continues to advance, the security of our devices has become increasingly important. One of the most common security measures we use to protect our devices is a password. However, it can be frustrating and time-consuming when we forget our password, especially for our computers. Luckily, Windows 10 offers a solution with its built-in password reset disk feature. In this chapter, we will explore how to use this feature to create a Windows 10 password reset USB, so you can easily reset your password in case you ever forget it.

Method 1: Creating a Windows 10 Password Reset USB with Built-In Feature

The first and most recommended method to create a password reset USB for your Windows 10 account is by using the built-in password reset disk feature. This method requires you to be logged in to your account and to remember your current password. If you do not know your password or are unable to log in to your account, you can skip to the next method.

If you forget your password and have not created a password reset disk beforehand, you can use a third-party universal password reset disk, such as Renee PassNow, to reset your password.

Step 1: Turn on your computer and enter an incorrect password on the login screen.

Step 2: After a few failed attempts, a “Use a password reset disk instead” option will appear. Click on it.

Step 3: Follow the instructions on the screen, and when prompted, insert the password reset disk you created earlier.
Note: To reset the password of the current account, you must use a password reset disk created specifically for that account. Using a password reset disk created for another account will not work.

Step 4: Select the password reset disk from the options provided and click “Next”.

Step 5: Enter your new password and confirm it. You can also provide a hint for your new password if desired.

Step 6: Click “Next” and then “Finish” to complete the password reset process.

Creating a password reset USB using the built-in feature in Windows 10 is a simple and effective way to ensure you can access your account even if you forget your password. It is recommended to create a password reset disk as soon as you set up your account, to avoid any future inconvenience.

Method 2: Resetting Windows 10 Password with Third-Party Bootable USB Drive

In the previous topic, we discussed how to create a Windows 10 password reset USB drive using the built-in feature. However, sometimes you may forget your password and do not have a password reset disk beforehand. In such cases, a third-party universal password reset disk can come in handy.

Renee PassNow is one such software that allows you to create a bootable USB drive to reset your Windows 10 password. In this chapter, we will guide you through the steps of using this software to reset your password and regain access to your computer.

To reset your Windows password using Renee PassNow, follow these steps:

Step 1: Download and Install Renee PassNow
Start by downloading Renee PassNow from the official website and install it on a different computer that you can access. You can choose the appropriate version based on your computer’s operating system.

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB or CD/DVD
Launch Renee PassNow and insert a USB flash drive or blank CD/DVD into the computer. Select the option to create a bootable media. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Step 3: Boot the Locked Server from the Bootable Media
Insert the bootable USB or CD/DVD into the locked Windows computer. Restart the computer and enter the BIOS settings by pressing the appropriate key (usually F2 or Delete). Configure the boot order to prioritize the bootable media.

Common Server:

Common Computers:

Step 4: Select password reset function
After successfully booting from the bootable media, Renee PassNow will load. Select “PassNow!” function after booting from the new created Windows password reset disk.

Step 5: Resetting the Password
Choose the user account for which you want to reset the password. Then, click on the “Clear Password” button. Renee PassNow will remove or reset the password for the selected user account.

Step 6: Reboot the PC
Once the password is reset, remove the bootable media from the PC and restart the computer. You will now be able to log in to Windows Account without a password.

Using a third-party software like Renee PassNow can be a fast and efficient way to reset your Windows 10 password in case you forget it. It is always recommended to have a password reset disk beforehand to avoid any hassle in such situations. But if you don’t have one, Renee PassNow can be a reliable alternative.

Extra : How to connect an account to Microsoft Account after resetting password

Resetting the password for a Windows account linked to a Microsoft account may cancel the connection. Consequently, you will need to re-establish the link following the password reset.

When using a local account on Windows 10, you may encounter issues accessing network shares or other services tied to your Microsoft account. To ensure smooth connectivity, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Start menu and click on “Settings.”

Step 2: In the Settings window, select “Accounts” and click on “Your info.”

Step 3: Under the “Your info” section, you will see the option to sign in with a Microsoft account. Click on “Sign in with a Microsoft account instead.”

Step 4: If prompted, enter your Microsoft account email address and click on “Next.”

Step 5: Enter the password for your Microsoft account and click on “Sign in.”

Step 6: You may need to complete a two-factor authentication process, such as entering a security code sent to your email or phone. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete this step.

Step 7: Once the verification is successful, your local account will be connected to your Microsoft account.

By connecting your local account to your Microsoft account, you can ensure that your credentials are properly recognized when accessing network shares or other services that require Microsoft account authentication. This resolves issues where your local account credentials are not accepted.

Method 3: using a Windows Installation USB to Reset Forgotten Password

In the previous chapter, we discussed how you can reset your Windows 10 password using a third-party bootable USB drive. However, if you don’t have access to a third-party tool, you can also use a Windows installation USB to reset your forgotten password.

To reset your Windows 10 password using this method, you will need to have a bootable Windows installation USB and a working Internet connection. If you do not have a bootable USB, you can create one easily using the Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website. Here’s a step by step guide on how to use a Windows installation USB to reset your forgotten Windows 10 password.

Step 1: Create a Bootable Windows Installation USB

The first step is to create a bootable Windows installation USB. To do this, follow these steps:

1.1: Insert a USB Drive or DVD

Insert a USB drive or DVD into your computer. Make sure it has at least 8GB of storage space available.

1.2: Download the Media Creation Tool

Go to the Microsoft website and download the Media Creation Tool. You can use the following links depending on your Windows version:

• Windows 7: https://learn.microsoft.com/lifecycle/products/windows-7

• Windows 8/8.1: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows8

• Windows 10: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10

• Windows 11: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11

1.3: Run the Tool

Once the download is complete, run the Media Creation Tool and select “Create installation media for another PC.“

 1.4: Choose Language, Edition, and Architecture

Choose the desired language, edition, and architecture for your Windows 10 installation.

1.5: Select Media Type

Select “USB flash drive” or “ISO file” as the media type.

1.6: Follow the Instructions

Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.

Step 2: Boot from the Windows Installation USB

Once you have created the Windows installation USB, you will need to boot your computer from it. To do this, follow these steps:

2.1: Insert the USB or DVD

Insert the USB drive or DVD into your computer.

2.2: Restart Your Computer

Restart your computer and enter into the BIOS settings by pressing the F2 key (or any other key depending on your computer’s manufacturer) during the startup process.

2.3: Change the Boot Order

Navigate to the “Boot” tab and change the boot order so that your computer boots from the USB or DVD first.

2.4: Save and Exit

Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings. Your computer should now boot from the Windows installation USB.

Step 3: Reset Windows Password

3.1: Once the Windows installation screen appears, click on “Next” and then “Repair your computer” located in the bottom left corner of the screen.

3.2: Next, click on “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced Options” > “Command Prompt”.

3.3: In the Command Prompt, type

and press “Enter” to create a backup of the Utility Manager.

3.4: Then, type

and press “Enter” to replace the Utility Manager with the Command Prompt.

3.5: Restart your laptop and on the login screen, click on the “Ease of Access” icon located in the bottom right corner.

3.6: This will now open the Command Prompt instead of the Utility Manager. Type

and press “Enter” to reset your password. Replace “your_username” with your actual username and “new_password” with the password you want to set for your account.

3.7: Close the Command Prompt and log in to your laptop using the new password you just set.

Once you have successfully logged in, make sure to go back to the Command Prompt and undo the changes you made in Step 4 by typing

and pressing “Enter”. This will restore the original Utility Manager on your laptop’s login screen.

By using a Windows installation USB, you can easily reset your forgotten Windows 10 password without the need for any third-party tools. However, this method may not work if you have enabled BitLocker encryption on your system. In such cases, using a third-party tool or resetting your password through your Microsoft account may be the only option.

Advantages of Using USB Drive for Password Reset

Convenience: One of the major advantages of using a USB drive for password reset is its convenience. The USB drive is a portable and easily accessible device that can be carried around and used whenever needed. This means that you can easily reset your Windows 10 password using a USB drive wherever you are, without the need for any additional equipment or complicated procedures.

User-Friendly: Another advantage of using a USB drive for password reset is its user-friendly nature. Most of the methods available for password reset using a USB drive involve simple and clear instructions that can be easily followed, even by individuals with limited technical knowledge. This makes it a viable option for a wide range of users, including beginners.

Reliability: Using a USB drive for password reset is a reliable method, especially when compared to other alternatives. The USB drive can store the necessary files and tools required for password reset, ensuring that you have all the resources you need in one place. This reduces the risk of errors or complications during the reset process.

Security: When it comes to resetting passwords, security is of utmost importance. Using a USB drive for password reset can provide an added layer of security. Unlike online methods or third-party software, the USB drive allows you to perform the password reset offline, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches. It is important to ensure that the USB drive used is secure and protected from malware or unauthorized access.

Customizability: Another advantage of using a USB drive for password reset is the ability to customize the process to your specific needs. Depending on the method you choose, you can create a bootable USB drive using built-in Windows tools or third-party software like Renee PassNow. This gives you the flexibility to tailor the reset process according to your preferences and requirements.

Cost-Effective: Using a USB drive for password reset is a cost-effective solution. Most USB drives are affordable and readily available, making it a budget-friendly option for individuals who may not want to invest in expensive password reset tools or services. Additionally, the USB drive can be reused for other purposes, providing long-term value.

Independence: Finally, using a USB drive for password reset gives you a sense of independence and self-sufficiency. You no longer have to rely on external assistance or support to regain access to your Windows 10 account. With a USB drive and the right tools, you can take control of your password reset process and resolve the issue on your own terms.

Additional Security Measures: It is important to note that while using a USB drive for password reset provides convenience and security, it is crucial to take additional security measures. Creating a password reset disk and adding security questions to your account can further enhance the security of your Windows 10 account. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing a central management system to ensure the secure use of USB drives, such as hardware encryption and password protection, to safeguard sensitive data and prevent data breaches.

Conclusion

Overall, using a USB drive for password reset in Windows 10 can be a quick and effective solution for those who have forgotten their password. In this article, we explored various methods, such as creating a password reset disk using built-in features, using third-party software, and using a Windows installation USB. Each of these methods has its advantages and can be easily done with the help of a USB drive. Additionally, resetting the password with a USB drive is a versatile solution that can be used even if there are multiple user accounts on the computer. It is also a cost-effective option, as USB drives are easily accessible and can be reused multiple times. Whether you are a novice or an expert, using a USB drive for password reset in Windows 10 is a straightforward and reliable method to access your computer again. So, next time you forget your password, remember to keep a USB drive handy for a hassle-free solution.