Password Reset Disk Guide
Create a Windows password reset disk to recover your account if you forget your password. Step-by-step guide for all Windows versions.
⚠️ Important
You must create the reset disk BEFORE you forget your password. A USB flash drive is required. The disk only works for the account it was created for.
📋 Step-by-Step Instructions
Plug a USB flash drive into your computer. Any size works as the file is very small.
Press Windows Key, type Control Panel, and open it.
Click on User Accounts → User Accounts again.
In the left panel, click "Create a password reset disk".
The Forgotten Password Wizard will open. Click Next, select your USB drive, enter your current password, and click Next to create the disk.
Label the USB drive and store it in a safe place. Anyone with this disk can reset your password!
🔑 How to Use the Reset Disk
- At Windows login screen, enter any wrong password and click OK
- Click "Reset password" link that appears below the password box
- Insert your USB reset disk
- Follow the Password Reset Wizard
- Create a new password and hint
🔒 Security Tips
What is a Password Reset Disk?
A USB drive or floppy disk that contains a special file to reset your Windows password if you forget it.
| 💾 USB Drive | Any size (file is ~2KB) |
| 🔑 Current Password | Must know current password |
| 👤 Local Account | Works for local accounts only |
| 🪟 Windows Version | 7, 8, 10, 11 supported |
- Create BEFORE forgetting password
- Only works for the account it was created for
- Does NOT work for Microsoft accounts
- Anyone with the disk can reset your password
- Store in a secure, physical location
- One disk per user account
🔗 Microsoft Account Users
If you sign in with a Microsoft account, you can reset your password online:
account.microsoft.com
🚨 If You Already Forgot Password
- Use another admin account to reset
- Boot from Windows installation media
- Use safe mode with Command Prompt
- Contact Microsoft support
⚠️ This guide is for legitimate password recovery. Do not use for unauthorized access.
Related Windows Tools
Explore more tools in the windows tools category