How to Create a Bootable USB Password Reset tool for Windows PC

While having a password for your PC provides privacy protection, recovering or resetting it can be quite cumbersome when you forget it. In online forums, users often suggest creating and utilizing a password reset disk as a solution for password resetting.

A password reset disk is a feature designed to reset forgotten passwords on Windows operating systems. It can be created using various removable storage devices such as CDs or USB drives. In the event that you lose your Windows password, the password reset USB you have prepared can assist you in resetting it. Additionally, once you have created this disk, you won't need to create it again, as it can be used indefinitely.

3 ways to create a Windows USB password reset tool

To make a Windows password reset USB, you need to employ a USB password reset tool. These software programs that can be run from a USB drive to reset the password on a Windows PC. These tools work independently of the operating system, allowing you to access and modify the password information stored on your computer. By creating a bootable USB password reset tool, you can reset your password even if you can't log in to your Windows account.

Luckily, Windows has a Password Reset Wizard for free usage. And Windows installation USB can also help users to reset password via CMD. However, these two options also have limitations. But don’t worry, there is always plan B. We’ll show you how to create a USB flash drive to reset password via another tool.

And there is one thing you need to know, although password reset USB is quite helpful, it only works for local accounts and cannot reset passwords for Microsoft accounts. If you’re using a Microsoft account, you can directly visit the official website to change password.

Tool 1. Create USB password reset disk via Forgotten Password Wizard

Forgotten Password Wizard is the Windows built-in password reset tool. You’ll need to prepare a USB drive with a capacity more than 2 GB. If there is any important data on the USB, please back it up even though it will not be formatted. Here are the procedures for creating a Windows password reset USB.

Step 1. Insert the target USB into the PC, check whether it is detected by your PC.

Step 2. Click "Start" to open the search bar, type "create password reset disk" and press "Enter" to open this function.

Step 3. When the "Forgot Password wizard" window appears, click "Next" to continue the operation.

Step 4. In the new window, choose the prepared USB and click "Next".

Step 5. Then enter the current password and select "Next".

Step 6. When the password reset USB is created, click "Next".

When you forget the password, you just need to plug in the USB, and then on the password screen, you click the “Reset Password” under the password box to enter the Password Reset Wizard. Then, you can reset password.

This tool requires users to make a password reset USB previously, and the USB cannot be used on another Windows PC. So, if you did not create a password reset disk prior to forgetting your password, you will be unable to use this method to reset it.

If you have already forgotten your password and find yourself unable to access your PC, there is an alternative method that you can directly turn to.

Tool 2. Create Windows installation USB for password reset

Windows installation media can help users access CMD without entering the system. So, if you have a blank USB (at least 5GB free space), then you can create Windows installation USB and use it on the target PC to reset password in CMD.

Step 1. Press “Win+R” at the same time to open the “Run” dialogue. Input “cmd” and hit on the “Enter” key.

Step 2. When the Command Prompt window opens, type “diskpart” and press “Enter” to launch the DiskPart.exe tool. Then execute the following command in sequence.

After you format the USB flash drive and set the primary partition as active, type “Exit” to close the diskpart.exe. Then use File Explorer to copy and paste the entire contents of the Windows ISO to the USB flash drive.

When you need to reset forgotten password, you just need to plug the USB on the PC you wish to reset the password.

Step 1. Insert the Windows Vista installation disk into CD/DVD ROM in your computer and reboot the system.

Step 2. Press any key when it asks for it. If it requires you to set the computer to boot from CD/DVD, just start your computer and then press F12 as soon as possible to open the boot menu options, select CD-DVD Rom and press Enter to boot.

Step3. Select your language and keyboard preferences there and click “Next” to continue to the next window.

Step 4. Click the “Repair your computer” link at the bottom of the screen.

Then you can choose the needed option. “Troubleshoot” offers advanced repair tools like CMD and automatic repair option.

Choose CMD on the screen.

Step 5. Type the following commands and press “Enter” after each.

• diskpart
• list volume (please remember the drive letter of the system drive)
• exit

• move E:\windows\system32\utilman.exe E:\
• copy E:\windows\system32\cmd.exe E:\windows\system32\utilman.exe
• wpeutil reboot

Now, your PC will reboot.

Step 6. On the boot screen, click the human icon to open the CMD window, then type the “net user password” and press “Enter”. Input “exit” and hit “Enter”, then enter the new password to get into the PC.

Tool 3. Easily make an all-around Windows USB password reset tool

As you can learn from the above context, two Windows-free tools have their own limits. Password Reset Wizard can’t save you if you didn’t create a password reset USB prior while creating and using a Windows installation USB to reset password need complex command orders.

In this case, why not choose a more user-friendly third-party tool to quickly fix password reset?

In contrast to the options mentioned above, utilizing AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional for password resetting or removal proves to be significantly easier. This tool simplifies the process by providing step-by-step instructions on creating a bootable USB, even if you haven't prepared anything in advance. Moreover, its extensive compatibility ensures reliable support for creating a password reset USB across various Windows PCs.

With AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional, you can effortlessly reset or remove the Windows password, whether it's for an administrator or local account, on any computer running Windows 11/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP (32 or 64-bit). This tool streamlines the entire process, making it a convenient solution for resolving password-related issues.

Step 1. Insert the target USB into the PC, download and run AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional, and click "Tools" and "Reset Windows Password".

Step 2. A small window will be popped, click "Next".

Step 3. You need to choose "General USB Flash Disk" and click "Proceed". Since the target USB will be formatted, all data will be deleted, so please back up the important data before this operation.

Step 4. Read the popped information carefully, then click "Yes".

Step 5. Wait patient, when the password reset USB is created, click "Finish".

Step 6. Take out the USB and insert it into the locked PC, then restart it. You'll be asked to change the boot drive, then boot the PC from the USB, select the Windows system, and click "Next".

Step 7. All accounts on the PC will be shown in the interface, click the target account, tick "Remove Account Password" or "Reset Account Password", then click "Next".

Step 8. If you select "Reset Account Password", you can set the new password and then click "Yes". If you select "Remove Account Password", please follow the wizard to remove it.

To sum up

Creating a bootable USB password reset tool for your Windows PC is a straightforward process that can save you from the frustration of being locked out. By following the solutions in this article, you can create a bootable USB drive and reset your Windows password, allowing you to regain access to your computer and continue with your work seamlessly.