USB Password Reset Disk Windows 10: Step-by-Step

This guide shows you how to create a USB password reset disk for Windows 10, which lets you regain access to your local account if you forget your password. You’ll need a blank USB flash drive and access to your currently logged-in account. Note that this method only works for local accounts, not Microsoft accounts.

What You’ll Need

• A blank USB flash drive (at least 1 GB is fine; it will be formatted, so back up anything on it)
• Access to your Windows 10 computer with the local account you want to protect
• Your current password (you must be logged in to create the disk)

Step-by-Step

1. Plug in the USB drive. Insert the flash drive into a USB port on your computer. Windows will usually auto-play; close any pop-up windows.
2. Open the Control Panel. Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter. Alternatively, search for “Control Panel” in the Start menu.
3. Go to User Accounts. In the Control Panel, click User Accounts (if you see “User Accounts and Family Safety” first, click that, then User Accounts).
4. Find the “Create a password reset disk” link. In the left sidebar, click Create a password reset disk. This opens the Forgotten Password Wizard.
5. Start the wizard. Click Next on the welcome screen.
6. Select the USB drive. From the drop-down list, choose your USB flash drive. If it doesn’t appear, make sure it’s plugged in properly and click Refresh. Then click Next.
7. Enter your current password. Type the password for the account you’re currently logged into. Click Next.
8. Wait for the wizard to finish. Windows will write the password reset file (userkey.psw) to the USB drive. This usually takes less than a minute. When the progress bar completes, click Next, then Finish.
9. Label and store the USB drive safely. Remove the drive and write “Windows Password Reset” on it with a marker. Keep it in a secure place — anyone with this drive can reset your password.

Common Mistakes

• Using a Microsoft account. This method only works for local accounts. If you sign in with an email address and password, you need to reset your password online instead.
• Creating the disk after you’ve forgotten the password. You must create the reset disk while you can still log in. Once you’re locked out, you can’t create it.
• Using the same USB for other files. The reset disk file is hidden, and if you delete it or reformat the drive, it stops working. Keep the drive dedicated to this purpose.
• Forgetting that the disk is tied to the specific account. A reset disk created for one local account won’t work for another account on the same PC.

Tips

• Create it immediately after setting up a new local account. That way you’re never locked out.
• Make a second copy. If you have another USB drive, create a duplicate reset disk and store it in a different location.
• Use a password manager. To avoid needing the reset disk, store your password in a reputable password manager.
• Test the disk (optional). If you want to be sure it works, you can test it by logging out and using the “Reset password” link on the login screen. Just be aware that you’ll need to set a new password.

Troubleshooting

• The USB drive doesn’t appear in the wizard. Make sure the drive is properly inserted. Try a different USB port. If it still doesn’t show, the drive may be faulty or formatted in a way Windows doesn’t recognize. Reformat it as NTFS or FAT32, then try again.
• The wizard says “The disk drive is not a fixed drive.” This happens with some USB sticks that Windows treats as removable media. Try a different USB drive, preferably a standard flash drive from a major brand.
• You get an error during creation. Close any programs that might be using the USB drive. If the drive has write protection, disable it. Try a different USB port.
• The reset disk doesn’t work when you try to use it. The most common cause is that the disk was created for a different account. Double-check that you’re using the correct USB drive and that it’s the one you created for that specific account.
• You’ve already forgotten your password and have no reset disk. Unfortunately, the built-in reset disk is the only offline method for local accounts. You would need to use another administrator account or perform a system reset (which may lose data). For future, create a reset disk now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same USB reset disk for multiple accounts?

No, each reset disk is tied to the specific account it was created for. You need a separate disk (or a separate file) for each local account.

Does this work for Microsoft accounts?

No. Microsoft accounts use online verification. If you forget your password, go to account.microsoft.com and follow the password recovery process.

Will creating a reset disk slow down my USB drive?

No. The disk just contains a small file (userkey.psw). The drive remains usable for other files, but if you delete that file, the reset disk stops working.

Can I use a CD/DVD instead of a USB?

Windows 10’s built-in wizard only supports USB drives. For CDs, you’d need third-party software, which is not covered here.

How do I use the reset disk when I’m locked out?

On the login screen, after entering a wrong password, click the Reset password link. Insert the USB drive, follow the wizard, and set a new password.

Is the reset disk secure?

It’s as secure as the physical drive. Anyone who has it can reset your password and access your account. Store it in a locked drawer or safe.

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