How to Remove or Reset Windows 10/11 Password with Bootable USB

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through resetting or removing a forgotten Windows 10 or 11 password using Hiren’s Boot USB. This method is effective, quick, and preserves your data, making it ideal for those locked out of their PCs without needing a full reinstallation.

Step 1: Create a Bootable USB with Hiren’s BootCD

To start, you need to create a bootable USB drive that contains Hiren’s BootCD. Follow these sub-steps:

1. Download Hiren’s BootCD PE ISO

   • Visit the official Hiren’s BootCD website to download the latest version of the ISO file.

2. Download Rufus USB Tool

   • Go to the Rufus website and download the latest version of the Rufus tool, which will help you create the bootable USB.

3. Prepare Your USB Drive

   • Insert a USB drive (at least 8GB is recommended).
   • Make sure to back up any important data on the USB drive, as this process will erase it.

4. Open Rufus

   • Launch the Rufus application.

5. Select the USB Drive

   • In Rufus, select your USB drive from the "Device" dropdown menu.

6. Load the Hiren’s BootCD ISO

   • Click on the "Select" button next to "Boot selection" and find the Hiren’s BootCD PE ISO file you downloaded.

7. Start the Process

   • Click "Start" to begin creating the bootable USB. A warning will appear indicating that all data on the USB will be erased. Confirm to proceed.

8. Wait for Completion

   • The process may take several minutes. Once finished, safely eject your USB drive.

Step 2: Boot from the USB Drive

Now that you have a bootable USB, you need to boot your PC from it.

1. Insert the Bootable USB

   • Plug the USB drive into the locked PC.

2. Access Boot Menu

   • Restart your PC and enter the boot menu. This is usually done by pressing a specific key (like F12, Esc, or F2) right after turning on your computer. Check your manufacturer’s instructions if unsure.

3. Select the USB Drive

   • From the boot menu, select your USB drive to boot from it.

Step 3: Use Windows Login Unlocker

Once you are booted into Hiren’s BootCD, you can reset or remove the Windows password.

1. Launch the Windows Login Unlocker

   • From the main menu, look for the option titled "Windows Login Unlocker" and select it.

2. Select Windows Installation

   • The tool will scan for your Windows installations. Choose the one you want to unlock.

3. Choose Reset or Remove Password

   • You will have options to reset or remove the password. Select your preferred choice:
   • Reset Password: Allows you to set a new password.
   • Remove Password: Eliminates the need for a password.

4. Confirm Changes

   • Follow the prompts to confirm your choice. The tool will process your request.

5. Exit and Reboot

   • Once the process is complete, exit the tool and reboot your PC. Make sure to remove the USB drive so your PC boots normally.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can successfully reset or remove your forgotten Windows password without losing any data. This method is particularly useful for those who find themselves locked out of their computers. If you encounter any issues, double-check each step or consult additional resources for troubleshooting. After regaining access, consider setting up a password manager to avoid similar situations in the future.