author avatar
    Specialist of Customer Service Dept.
 

Summary
Don't let a forgotten password keep you locked out of your Windows PC. Learn how to easily create and use a free Windows password reset USB and never worry about password recovery again.



Windows password reset can be a frustrating and time-consuming task, especially when you don’t have access to your computer. Forgetting your password or being locked out of your account can happen to anyone and can disrupt your daily tasks. Thankfully, there is a solution that can save you from this headache: a Windows password reset USB. This small but powerful tool can help you regain access to your account in just a few simple steps. In this chapter, we will discuss the first method of using a pre-created Windows password reset disk for free. So, let’s dive in and learn how to reset your password with ease!

Method 1 : Pre-Created Password Reset Disk

Creating a password for your Windows account is crucial for security purposes. However, if you ever forget your password, it can be quite troublesome to reset it. Fortunately, Windows offers a free solution to this problem – creating a password reset disk. In this chapter, we will show you how to create and use a password reset disk for your local account in Windows 7 and Windows 10.
Tips:Note: To create a password reset disk for your Windows account, you must be logged in and remember your current password. The password reset disk can only be used to reset the password for your account.
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.

Using a Password Reset Disk in Windows 7

Step 1: On the login screen, enter an incorrect password and click on “Use a password reset disk instead” when prompted.
windows password reset usb free
Step 2: Follow the instructions on the screen, and when prompted, insert the password reset disk you created earlier.
Step 3: Select the password reset disk from the options provided and enter your new password.
Step 4: Click “Next” and then “Finish” to complete the password reset process.

Using a Password Reset Disk in Windows 10

Step 1: Turn on your computer and enter an incorrect password on the login screen.
windows login password is incorrect
Step 2: After a few failed attempts, a “Use a password reset disk instead” option will appear. Click on it.
windows login Use a password reset disk instead
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.
Windows Password Reset Disk Wizard
Step 6: Click “Next” and then “Finish” to complete the password reset process.
If you do not have a build-in password reset disk, you can Creating a Password Reset Disk in Windows 10
Note: This method only works for local accounts, not Microsoft accounts.
Step 1: Insert a blank USB flash drive into your computer.
Step 2: Go to the Control Panel and click on “User Accounts“.
Step 3: On the left panel, click on “Create a password reset disk“. Alternatively, you can use the “Start-Search” function by typing “Password Reset Disk” and pressing Enter. You can also open the “Run” box by pressing “Windows key + R” and typing “rundll32.exe keymgr.dll,PRShowSaveWizardExW” and pressing Enter to open the password reset disk wizard directly.
Step 4: Follow the instructions on the screen and select your USB flash drive from the drop-down menu. Make sure to use a fresh USB flash drive as it will erase all the data.
Step 5: After the password reset disk has been created, label it and keep it in a safe place.
Summary
Creating a password reset disk is a simple and free solution to reset your Windows password. However, it is important to note that this method only works for local accounts, not Microsoft accounts. It is recommended to create a password reset disk as a precautionary measure in case you forget your password in the future. For resetting a Microsoft account password, you can use third-party universal password reset disks like Renee PassNow. In the next chapter, we will discuss how to create a password reset disk using this software.

Method 2 : Creating a Password Reset Disk with Renee PassNow

In addition to adding a password to your Windows account, it is important to have a backup plan in case you forget your password in the future. This is where a password reset disk comes in handy. Renee PassNow is a free software that allows you to easily create a password reset disk for your local account in Windows 7. This method offers a simple and effective solution for resetting your password and gaining access to your computer.
To reset your Windows 7 Admin 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.
Renee PassNow – Professional Windows System Rescue Tool

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.

Fix Windows startup error Fix various Windows startup failures or crashes.

Erase disk Completely erase disk files which will not be restored.

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.

Free TrialFree TrialNow 2000 people have downloaded!
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.
Create New Windows 10 Password Reset Disk with Renee PassNow
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:
Server TypeEnter boot menu method
DELLPress the F12 key repeatedly before the Dell logo appears on the screen.
HPPress the F9 key multiple times when the HP logo is displayed.
Common Computers:
BIOS NameEnter boot menu method
ASRockDEL or F2
ASUSDEL or F2 for PCs/ DEL or F2 for Motherboards
AcerDEL or F2
DellF12 or F2
ECSDEL
Gigabyte / AorusDEL or F2
Lenovo (Consumer Laptops)F2 or Fn + F2
Lenovo (Desktops)F1
Lenovo (ThinkPads)Enter then F1
MSIDEL
Microsoft Surface TabletsPress and hold Power and Volume Up buttons
Origin PCF2
SamsungF2
ToshibaF2
ZotacDEL
HPEsc/ F9 for `Boot Menu`/ Esc/ F10/ Storage tab/ Boot Order/ Legacy Boot Sources
INTELF10
Boot the target PC with the created password reset USB/CD/DVD.
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.
After loading into main interface, please select the “PassNow!” function.
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.
Select target Windows system in the list
Select target user account in the list
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.
Note: Before restarting your computer, please disconnect the bootable USB/CD from your computer.
In conclusion, creating a password reset disk using Renee PassNow is a simple and effective solution for resetting your Windows 7 password.
To explore other free alternatives for resetting your Windows password, check out Method 3: Exploring the Offline NT Password & Registry Editor in our next chapter.

Method 3 : Offline NT Password & Registry Editor

The Offline NT Password & Registry Editor is a highly useful and popular utility that allows you to access and edit the Windows registry in order to remove or reset a forgotten password. While it may seem daunting at first, the process is actually quite simple and straightforward.
How it Works:
The Offline NT Password & Registry Editor was developed during a time when Microsoft introduced NTLM password hashing, making it perfect for older versions of Windows if you have forgotten the admin password. It comes with a text-based interface, which may be unfamiliar to some users, but it only requires a series of easy choices on the command line.
Step 1: Download and Prepare the Tool
In order to use the Offline NT Password & Registry Editor, you will first need to download the software and burn the ISO image to a USB drive or CD. This will create a bootable drive that you can use to access the Windows registry on your locked PC. You can download the ISO file from the official website.
https://pogostick.net/~pnh/ntpasswd/
Step 2: Boot From the USB/CD
Insert the bootable USB drive or CD into the locked PC and restart it. Make sure to change the boot order in the BIOS settings if necessary. Once the tool is loaded, you will see a text interface with a prompt that says “boot:”. Press Enter to continue.
Offline nt password select disk
Step 3: Select the Drive and User Account
From the prompt, type “1” to enter the password editing function. The tool will then list all user accounts on the screen. Select the account for which you want to reset the password.
Offline nt Password Select account and reset password
Step 4: Reset the Password
Choose the option to reset the password and follow the prompts to make your changes. Once the process is complete, you can remove the USB drive or CD and restart the PC.
It is important to note that using the Offline NT Password Editor may require some technical knowledge and can be complicated for beginners. Make sure to carefully follow the instructions provided with the software or seek assistance from an experienced individual to ensure successful completion of the process.
If you have forgotten your Windows admin password and none of the other methods work for you, the Offline NT Password & Registry Editor is a great free alternative. It may require some technical knowledge, but it can effectively reset your password and allow you to regain access to your account. Just make sure to use caution when editing the registry and follow the instructions carefully.
For more information on password reset methods and best practices for storing and keeping your password reset disk secure, please refer to the following chapters.
Pros:
  • Free and effective way to reset a forgotten Windows password
  • Can reset the password and allow you to regain access to your account

Cons:

  • May not work for newer versions of Windows
  • Text-based interface can be intimidating for some users
  • Editing the registry can cause serious problems with the system

Storing and Securing Your Password Reset Disk

Using a Password Reset Disk
A password reset disk is a helpful tool that allows you to easily reset your Windows account password in case you forget it. However, it is essential to store and keep this disk secure to protect your account from potential hacking attempts. Here are some best practices for storing and keeping your password reset disk secure.
Create the Password Reset Disk on a Trusted Computer
When creating a password reset disk, it is important to use a trusted computer that you have access to. This ensures that the disk is created without any malicious software that may compromise the security of your computer and account. Additionally, it is recommended to regularly update your computer’s antivirus software to prevent any potential security threats when creating the disk.
Keep the Password Reset Disk in a Secure Location
Once you have created a password reset disk, it is crucial to store it in a secure location. This could be a locked drawer or a safe that only you have access to. It is important to keep the disk away from potential hackers or anyone who may try to access your account without your permission.
Do Not Share the Password Reset Disk
It is important to never share your password reset disk with anyone, even someone you trust. This includes family members, friends, or even IT technicians. Sharing the disk increases the risk of it falling into the wrong hands and compromising the security of your account.
Alternative Options for Windows Password Reset
If you do not have a password reset disk or have lost it, there are other options available to reset your Windows account password. You can use a third-party universal password reset disk, such as Renee PassNow, to reset your password. However, make sure to research and choose a reputable and secure tool.
Things to Pay Attention to
- Always use a trusted computer when creating a password reset disk.
- Keep the disk in a secure location and do not share it with anyone.
- Regularly update the disk to keep it up-to-date.
A password reset disk is a useful tool for resetting your Windows account password. However, it is important to store and keep the disk secure to prevent any potential security threats. Follow the best practices outlined above to ensure the security of your account and make sure to regularly update the disk to keep it up-to-date.

Conclusion

In conclusion, having a Windows password reset disk can be a lifesaver in case you forget your password or get locked out of your computer. In this article, we have explored three methods for creating a Windows password reset disk: using a pre-created one for free, using a paid software like Renee PassNow, and using a free alternative like offline nt password & registry editor. Each method has its own advantages and drawbacks, so it is important to choose the one that best fits your needs. Additionally, we have discussed best practices for keeping your password reset disk secure. Remember to store it in a safe and accessible place, and to not share it with anyone else. With a Windows password reset disk, you can easily regain access to your computer without having to spend money or go through complicated procedures. So, make sure to create one today and keep it safe for any future emergencies.