Password Reset Error: Requires Removable Media?

This error means the system is asking for a physical USB drive or other removable media to complete the password reset, typically because the reset method relies on a password reset disk. The fix is to use the correct reset disk, or if you don’t have one, use another recovery method like a Microsoft account, administrator account, or system restore point.

What Does This Error Mean?

The “This feature requires removable media” message appears when you try to reset a Windows password using the Password Reset Wizard, but the system cannot find the USB flash drive or floppy disk that was previously set up as a password reset disk. This disk is a special file (userkey.psw) that you create in advance, which allows you to reset your password without knowing the current one.

This is a security feature: it prevents someone from simply guessing or bypassing your password. The reset disk acts as a physical key. If you never created one, the wizard will still prompt you for it, and you’ll see this error if no suitable media is inserted.

How to Fix It If You Have the Reset Disk

1. Insert the USB flash drive that you used to create the password reset disk.
2. On the login screen, click Reset password (or press Enter after a wrong password).
3. In the Password Reset Wizard, select Use the following password reset disk and click Next.
4. Choose the correct drive letter from the drop-down list (if multiple drives are present).
5. Follow the prompts to create a new password and a password hint.

If the wizard still says it needs removable media, make sure the drive is properly recognized by the system. Try a different USB port, and check that the drive is not write-protected. Also, ensure the drive contains the file userkey.psw in its root folder.

What to Do If You Never Created a Reset Disk

If you don’t have a password reset disk, the wizard cannot help you. Here are alternative methods to regain access:

• Use a Microsoft account: If your Windows login is linked to a Microsoft account (Outlook.com, Hotmail, etc.), click I forgot my password on the login screen. You’ll be taken to a web page where you can verify your identity via email or phone and reset the password online.
• Use another administrator account: If there is a second user account with administrator privileges, log in with that account, then go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users (or Control Panel > User Accounts) and change the password for the locked account.
• Use a system restore point: Boot into Advanced Startup (hold Shift while clicking Restart) and choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore. If you have a restore point from before the password was changed, this might revert the system to a state where you knew the password. This is not guaranteed and may affect recent files.
• Perform a factory reset: As a last resort, you can reset the PC entirely, but this erases all personal files and installed apps. Choose Troubleshoot > Reset this PC from the Advanced Startup menu.

How to Create a Password Reset Disk (for Future Use)

Creating a reset disk is simple and can save you from this error later. You need a USB flash drive (or floppy disk on older systems).

1. Plug in the USB drive.
2. Open the Control Panel and search for Create a password reset disk (or go to User Accounts and click Create a password reset disk in the left pane).
3. Follow the Forgotten Password Wizard. You will be asked to insert the drive and enter your current password.
4. The wizard creates a file called userkey.psw on the drive. Store the drive in a safe place—anyone with it can reset your password.

Note that the reset disk is tied to the specific user account and the specific password at the time of creation. If you change your password later, you should create a new reset disk.

Common Misconceptions and Pitfalls

• Any USB drive will work: No, it must contain the userkey.psw file created for that account. A blank drive or one with other files won’t work.
• The error appears even with the correct drive: This can happen if the drive letter changed, the drive is corrupted, or the file was deleted. Try a different USB port, or recreate the disk if you still know your current password.
• It’s a Windows bug: Usually not—it’s a security measure. The system intentionally requires the physical key.
• You can bypass it with command prompt: Some older tutorials suggest using Command Prompt to enable the built-in Administrator account or replace the sticky keys executable. These methods are often blocked in current Windows versions and can be a security risk. They are not recommended.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tried all the above and still can’t get in, you may need to contact your IT department (if it’s a work computer) or a reputable computer repair service. They have specialized tools that can reset passwords, but these often require physical access to the drive and may be considered a security risk. Always ensure you are the legitimate owner of the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a CD or DVD as a password reset disk?

Yes, on older Windows versions (7 and earlier), you could use a floppy disk or a CD/DVD. Modern Windows (10 and 11) only supports USB flash drives. If you have an older disk, you can’t use it on a new PC.

Will a password reset disk work if I changed my password after creating it?

No. The reset disk is only valid for the password that was active when you created it. If you change your password, you need to create a new reset disk. If you forgot the new password, the old disk won’t help.

Is there a way to reset a Windows password without any recovery options?

If you don’t have a reset disk, a Microsoft account, or another administrator account, and you haven’t enabled any recovery features, the only sure way is to reinstall Windows, which erases your files. This is why it’s crucial to create a reset disk or link your account to a Microsoft account.

Can I copy the userkey.psw file to another USB drive?

Yes, you can copy the file to another drive, and it will work as long as the drive is recognized and the file is in the root directory. However, it’s safer to keep the original drive intact.

Does this error appear on macOS or Linux?

No, this specific error is unique to Windows. Mac uses a different password reset method (Apple ID or Recovery Mode), and Linux typically allows password reset from a live CD or single-user mode.

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