Create a Password Reset Disk in Windows 10/11 and Use It to Regain Local Account Access

Create a Password Reset Disk in Windows 10/11 and Use It to Regain Local Account Access​

Difficulty: Beginner | Time Required: 10 minutes
Forgetting your Windows password can quickly turn into a stressful experience, especially if you use a local account and do not have another way to sign in. Fortunately, Windows 10 and Windows 11 include a built-in tool that lets you create a Password Reset Disk on a USB flash drive. If you ever forget your password later, that disk can help you regain access without reinstalling Windows or losing your files.
This guide walks you through how to create a password reset disk, how to use it from the sign-in screen, and what to know before relying on it.

What a Password Reset Disk Does​

A password reset disk is a small recovery file stored on a USB flash drive. It allows you to reset the password for a local Windows account if you forget it.

Important limitation​

This method works only for:

• Local accounts in Windows 10 and Windows 11

It does not work for:

• Microsoft accounts signed in with an email address
• Domain or work/school-managed accounts in most business environments

If you use a Microsoft account, password recovery is usually done online through Microsoft's account recovery process instead.

Prerequisites​

Before you begin, make sure you have:

• A local account on Windows 10 or Windows 11
• Access to that account right now while you still know the password
• A USB flash drive connected to the PC
• Permission to use the current password for the account

Good to know​

• The USB drive does not need to be large; the reset file is very small.
• You can keep other files on the USB drive, but it is a good idea to use a drive you can store safely.
• You only need to create the disk once for that local account.

How to Create a Password Reset Disk in Windows 10/11​

The Password Reset Disk wizard is still available in both Windows 10 and Windows 11 through the classic Control Panel.

Step 1: Sign in to your local account​

Log in to the Windows local account you want to protect with a reset disk.

Note: You must create the disk before you forget the password. It cannot be made after you are already locked out.

Step 2: Insert a USB flash drive​

Connect your USB flash drive to the computer and wait for Windows to recognize it.
If a File Explorer window opens automatically, you can close it for now.

Step 3: Open Control Panel​

There are several ways to get there:

1. Click Start
2. Type Control Panel
3. Open Control Panel

If you prefer, you can also press Windows + S and search for it.

Step 4: Go to User Accounts​

In Control Panel:

1. Set View by to Large icons or Small icons if needed
2. Click User Accounts

You may see User Accounts again on the next screen. If so, click it one more time.

Step 5: Select “Create a password reset disk”​

On the left side of the User Accounts window, click:
Create a password reset disk
This launches the Forgotten Password Wizard.

Tip: If you do not see this option, double-check that you are signed in with a local account, not a Microsoft account.

Step 6: Start the wizard​

In the Forgotten Password Wizard:

1. Click Next
2. Select your USB flash drive from the drop-down list
3. Click Next

Make sure you choose the correct removable drive letter.

Step 7: Enter your current account password​

Windows will ask you to enter the current password for the local account.

1. Type your current password
2. Click Next

This step verifies that you are authorized to create the reset disk.

Step 8: Let Windows create the reset disk​

The wizard will create a hidden user key file on the USB drive. When the progress reaches 100%:

1. Click Next
2. Click Finish

Your password reset disk is now ready.

How to Store the Password Reset Disk Safely​

After creating the disk:

1. Remove the USB drive safely
2. Label it clearly, such as Windows Password Reset
3. Store it in a secure place, like a locked drawer or safe

Warning: Anyone with this disk may be able to reset the password for that specific local account, so do not leave it plugged into the PC or stored in an obvious location.

How to Use the Password Reset Disk If You Forget Your Password​

If you later forget your local account password, follow these steps from the Windows sign-in screen.

Step 1: Start at the sign-in screen​

Turn on the PC and go to the Windows login screen.

Step 2: Enter an incorrect password once​

Type a password attempt and press Enter.
After Windows detects the incorrect password, you should see a Reset password link or option.

Step 3: Insert the password reset USB drive​

Plug in the USB flash drive that contains your password reset disk.

Step 4: Click “Reset password”​

Select the Reset password option. This will open the Password Reset Wizard.

Step 5: Follow the Password Reset Wizard​

In the wizard:

1. Click Next
2. Choose the correct USB drive
3. Click Next

Step 6: Create a new password​

You will be prompted to:

1. Enter a new password
2. Confirm the new password
3. Add a new password hint

Then click Next.

Step 7: Finish and sign in​

Click Finish, then return to the sign-in screen and log in using your new password.
You should now have access to your local account again.

Tips and Troubleshooting​

Tip: One disk can remain valid after password changes​

A helpful feature of Windows is that a password reset disk usually remains usable even if you change your password later. You do not normally need to create a new one every time you update your password.

Tip: Test that the USB drive is still readable​

You do not need to actually reset your password to test it, but you should occasionally confirm that:

• The USB drive still works
• The drive is readable by your PC
• It has not been damaged or misplaced

Troubleshooting: “Create a password reset disk” option is missing​

Possible reasons include:

• You are signed in with a Microsoft account
• The account is managed by a workplace or school
• Group policy or system restrictions are preventing access

If you use a Microsoft account in Windows 10/11, use Microsoft's online account recovery instead.

Troubleshooting: The reset disk does not work​

Check the following:

• You are trying to reset the password for the same local account the disk was created for
• You selected the correct USB drive in the wizard
• The USB drive is not corrupted or failing

A password reset disk is tied to a specific local account. It cannot be used for other users on the same PC unless it was created for them.

Troubleshooting: No “Reset password” link appears​

Try these steps:

1. Enter a wrong password once first
2. Confirm you are at the password sign-in screen for a local account
3. Make sure the keyboard layout is correct
4. Insert the USB drive and try again

Note about Windows Hello​

If you normally sign in with a PIN, fingerprint, or face recognition, your underlying account may still use a password. The password reset disk is for the account password, not the Windows Hello PIN itself.

Version Information for Windows 10 and Windows 11​

The overall process is very similar in both operating systems:

• Windows 10: The Password Reset Disk feature is available through Control Panel > User Accounts
• Windows 11: The feature is still present, but it is also accessed through the classic Control Panel, not the modern Settings app

This means the steps in this guide apply to most standard consumer editions of both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

When This Method Is Most Useful​

A password reset disk is especially helpful if:

• You do not use a Microsoft account
• You want a quick offline recovery option
• You want to avoid more complicated recovery steps later
• You are setting up a family PC or backup recovery plan

It is one of those small preventive tasks that can save a lot of time and frustration later.

Conclusion​

Creating a password reset disk in Windows 10 or Windows 11 is a simple but valuable recovery step for anyone using a local account. It takes only a few minutes, requires just a USB flash drive, and can save you from being locked out of your PC if you forget your password. Once created, store it safely and you will have a reliable fallback option when you need it most.
Key Takeaways:

• A password reset disk works for local accounts, not Microsoft accounts
• You must create it before you forget your password
• The tool is available in Control Panel > User Accounts in Windows 10 and 11
• A USB reset disk can help you regain access without reinstalling Windows
• Safe storage is important because the disk can reset that account's password

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This tutorial was generated to help WindowsForum.com users get the most out of their Windows experience.