Create a Windows Password Reset USB Flash Drive for Password Recovery

Creating a password reset disk is a precautionary measure that allows you to reset your Windows local account password in case you forget it. The password reset disk is a USB flash drive that acts as a recovery tool, providing you with a way to regain access to your files and settings.

This guide walks you through everything, what a password reset disk is, how to create one, how to use it when you're locked out, and what to do if something isn't working.

Before You Start: Does This Apply to You?

This is the number one reason customers find this process doesn't work, so please read this section first.

Not sure which account type you're using? Here's the quickest way to check in Windows 11:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Select Accounts on the left, then select Your info on the right.
3. Look at the information displayed under your account name:
   • If you see an email address under your account name and a Sign in with a local account instead link, you are signed in with a Microsoft account.
   • If you see Local Account under your account name and a Sign in with a Microsoft account instead link, you are signed in with a local account.

If you need to change or reset your Microsoft Account password, refer to Microsoft article Change or reset your Microsoft account password in Windows .

What Is a Password Reset Disk?

A password reset disk is a USB flash drive that stores a single hidden file named userkey.psw. This is an encrypted key derived from that account's local Security Identifier (SID), which is unique to both the user and the system. This file does not contain the actual password, but a cryptographic hash and key pair that allows Windows to reset the password securely without revealing the old one.

Here are a few important things to know before you create one:

• You only need to create it once. You don't have to create a new disk when you change your password. The same reset disk will still work even after future password changes.
• It works for local accounts only. A password reset disk will only work on the computer it was made on. You can create a separate disk for each local account, but it doesn't work with Microsoft connected accounts or domain accounts.
• Your USB drive won't be formatted. The USB flash drive will not get formatted, so any data on it will not be lost.
• It must be created before you forget your password. Windows 11 does not provide any method to create a password reset disk without knowing your current password or when you're already locked out.
• All Windows 11 editions, Home, Pro, Enterprise, and Education, that support local user accounts include the option to create a password reset disk using a USB flash drive.

What You'll Need

• A Dell PC or laptop running Windows 11
• A USB flash drive (any storage size, the file it creates is very small)
• Your current local account password

Step 1: Create the Password Reset Disk

Follow these steps while you are already signed in to Windows 11 with your local account.

1. Sign in to Windows 11 with the local account for which you want to create the reset disk.

2. Plug your USB flash drive into any available USB port on your Dell PC.

3. Select the Search button (the magnifying glass icon) on the taskbar. When the search menu appears, start typing password reset in the search box. When Create a password reset disk appears in the search results, select it to open it.

   Alternative method: You can also open Control Panel, select User Accounts, and then select the Create a password reset disk link on the left side.

   Another alternative: Press Windows + R, type rundll32.exe keymgr.dll,PRShowSaveWizardExW, and select OK to open the Forgotten Password Wizard directly.

4. The Forgotten Password Wizard opens. Select Next to continue.

   Note: If you don't have a USB drive plugged in, you can't select Next. Plug in a USB drive first.

5. Select your USB drive from the drop-down list, and select Next.

   Note: Make sure you select the correct drive letter that matches your plugged-in USB flash drive.

6. Enter the password for the local account you are currently using, then select Next.

   Note: If prompted to replace a previous disk for this local account, select Yes. If prompted to overwrite an existing disk when a userkey.psw file already exists on the USB drive, select Yes to replace it.

7. Wait for the progress bar to reach 100% complete, then select Next.

8. Select Finish to close the wizard.

After the wizard finishes, you can open the USB flash drive to view the password reset file, which is a 2KB userkey.psw file. Do not modify or delete the userkey.psw file on the USB drive, as this will prevent it from working as a password reset disk. However, adding or deleting other files on the USB drive is safe and will not affect the password reset file.

Security tip: Always store your Windows password reset disk in a secure place, as it contains the credentials needed to access your PC. After creating it, disconnect the USB flash drive and keep it in a safe and secure location so it's available when you need it.

Step 2: Use the Password Reset Disk When You're Locked Out

If you've forgotten your local account password, follow these steps to use the reset disk. Have your USB flash drive ready before you start.

1. Turn on your Dell PC and go to the Windows 11 sign-in screen.

2. Type any wrong password on the sign-in screen. You will see the message "The password is incorrect. Try again." Select OK under this message, the Reset password link will appear below the password input box. Select that link.

   Note: Make sure your USB password reset drive is already plugged in before you select Reset password.

3. Several security questions will appear below your account name. Scroll down, then select the Use a password reset disk instead link.

4. The Password Reset Wizard opens. Select Next.

5. Select the drop-down and choose your password reset USB drive. Then type a new password and a password hint to reset your password. Select Next.

6. Select Finish to close the wizard.

7. You'll be returned to the Windows 11 sign-in screen. Sign in using your new password.

This is the easiest and fastest way to reset your Windows 11 local account password without losing any data.

Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Fixes

The "Create a password reset disk" option doesn't appear

The most likely reason is that you're signed in with a Microsoft account, not a local account. This option is only available for local accounts.

If you're already on a local account but still can't find the option:

• Select the Search icon on the taskbar and type Control Panel. Select Open to access Control Panel. In the Control Panel search box, type create password reset and then select the Create a password reset disk option under the User Accounts section.

I selected "Create a password reset disk" but nothing happened

This is a known issue some users encounter in Windows 11. The Forgotten Password Wizard may have opened in the background.

• Press Alt + Tab to switch between open windows and look for the Forgotten Password Wizard running behind other windows.
• If nothing happens when you select "Create a password reset disk," try restarting File Explorer, the Forgotten Password Wizard should then appear.
• If neither of the above works, use the direct shortcut: Press Windows + R, type rundll32.exe keymgr.dll,PRShowSaveWizardExW, and select OK.

The "Reset password" link doesn't appear on the sign-in screen

• Make sure your USB password reset drive is plugged in before you attempt to sign in and trigger the error message.
• If you created a password reset disk, you can select the Use a password reset disk instead option after selecting Reset password. If that option isn't visible, scroll down on the reset password screen, it may appear below the security questions.
• Confirm that the USB drive still contains the userkey.psw file at the root level of the drive. If the file has been deleted or moved, Windows will not recognize the drive as a valid password reset disk.
• If you use a PIN to sign in instead, see PIN sign-in issues, the password reset disk is linked to your account password, not your Windows Hello PIN. To access the password sign-in screen, select Sign-in options on the sign-in screen and choose the password (key) icon.

The USB drive is not being recognized by the wizard

• Try a different USB port on your Dell PC.
• Make sure the USB drive is fully inserted and recognized by Windows before launching the wizard. You should see it appear in File Explorer.
• Ensure your Windows 11 operating system is up to date, as system updates can resolve compatibility issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I need to create a new reset disk every time I change my password?

You can create a password reset disk once for your system and use it multiple times to reset the local account password for the same account. Even if you change the local account password, you do not need to create the password reset disk again.

Q: Can I use one USB drive for multiple user accounts?

When you create a password reset disk on a USB flash drive, it creates and adds a userkey.psw file to the root directory of the USB flash drive for the specific local user account. Because only one userkey.psw file can exist on a single USB drive at a time, each local user account needs its own dedicated USB drive.

Q: Will this work on a different Dell PC?

A password reset disk will only work on the computer it was made on. The encrypted key is tied to the specific local account and the Security Accounts Manager database of the PC it was created on.

Q: I use a Microsoft account, how do I reset my password?

If you need to change or reset your Microsoft Account password, refer to Microsoft article Change or reset your Microsoft account password in Windows .

Q: I'm already locked out of my local account and never created a reset disk. What can I do?

If you set up security questions when creating your account, you can use those to recover access. If you added security questions when you set up your local account for Windows 11, you can answer them to sign back in.

During the initial setup of Windows 11, you can create security questions and answers for your local account. If you added security questions, you can reset your Windows 11 password by answering them.

If you have no security questions and no reset disk, contact Dell Support for further guidance.

Q: Does this affect my personal files or data?

No. Using a password reset disk only resets your account password. It does not delete, move, or change any of your personal files, applications, or system settings.

Tips to Keep Your Account Secure Going Forward

• Label your USB drive in a way you'll recognize, and store it somewhere safe but accessible.
• Consider setting up security questions on your local account as an extra backup recovery option.
• To prevent forgetting your Windows 11 password again, you can enable a PIN or Windows Hello (fingerprint or facial recognition) to unlock your computer conveniently.
• Consider linking to a Microsoft account. A Microsoft account can save you from the hassle of losing access to your account and data, as it allows password resets online from any device.
• Use a trusted password manager to securely store your credentials so you never have to rely on recovery tools in the first place.