How to Create a Password Reset Disk in Windows 11

Forgetting the password to your primary Windows computer can be a nightmare, especially if you rely on a local user account rather than a cloud-synced Microsoft Account. If you lose a local account password, there is no email reset link you can click to get back in. If you are locked out, your only recourse might be to completely wipe the hard drive and reinstall Windows, losing all your personal files in the process.

To prevent this catastrophic scenario, Windows 11 includes a legacy utility that allows you to create a “Password Reset Disk” using a standard USB flash drive. By creating this disk before you forget your password, you give yourself a master key that will instantly unlock your account if you ever get locked out.

This guide explains how to create a password reset disk for a local account in Windows 11.

Important Prerequisites

Before you begin, there are two crucial things you must know:

1. Local Accounts Only: This method only works if you are using a local offline account. If you sign into Windows 11 using a Microsoft Account (an email address like @outlook.com), this utility will not work. You would need to reset your password online through Microsoft’s website instead.
2. You Need a USB Drive: You will need a USB flash drive. The reset file is incredibly small (only a few kilobytes), so even the oldest, lowest-capacity drive will work. Creating the disk will not format or erase the existing files on your USB drive.

How to Create the Password Reset Disk

1. Insert your USB flash drive into an available USB port on your Windows 11 computer.
2. Click on the Start button on your taskbar and type Control Panel. Press Enter to open the legacy Control Panel application.
3. In the top-right corner of the Control Panel, ensure the “View by” setting is set to either Large icons or Small icons.
4. Click on User Accounts.
5. On the left-hand sidebar, click the link that says Create a password reset disk.
6. The “Forgotten Password Wizard” will launch. Click Next on the welcome screen.
7. From the drop-down menu, select the USB flash drive you just inserted. Click Next.
8. The wizard will ask you to enter your current Windows 11 password. Type it in and click Next.
9. A progress bar will appear. Because the file is tiny, it will instantly hit 100%. Click Next, and then click Finish.

You can now safely remove the USB drive. Keep it in a secure location, such as a fireproof safe or a locked drawer. Anyone who possesses this USB drive can reset your password and gain full access to your computer.

How to Use the Password Reset Disk

If the dreaded day comes and you cannot remember your password:

1. Insert your USB password reset disk into the computer.
2. On the Windows 11 login screen, type a random, incorrect password and press Enter.
3. When Windows tells you the password is incorrect, click OK.
4. A new link will appear beneath the password box that says Reset password. Click it.
5. The “Password Reset Wizard” will appear, prompting you to create a brand new password and a new password hint. You will not need to know your old password.