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HP PCs - Create a password reset disk (Windows)

You can create a password reset disk for your Windows local user account to reset your password if you forget the password and cannot sign in to Windows.

Note:

If you use a Microsoft account password to sign in to Windows, you can reset your password using any device that has active Internet access. You do not need a password reset disk.

If you have forgotten your password and cannot sign in, go to HP PCs - Change or reset the computer password in Windows 11 or HP PCs - Change or reset the computer password in Windows 10.

Create a password reset disk

Use the Forgotten Password Wizard tool to create a password reset disk.

  1. Sign in to Windows using your local account.

  2. Connect a blank USB flash drive to your computer.

  3. In Windows, search for and open Control Panel.

  4. Click User Accounts, and then click User Accounts again.

    The Make changes to your user account window is displayed.

  5. Click Create a password reset disk.

    The Forgotten Password Wizard is displayed.

    Note:

    If the wizard is not displayed, press alt and tab simultaneously to switch to the wizard in the Task window, and then close it. Click Create a password reset disk again.

    Make changes to your user account window

  6. Click Next.

    Click Next in the Forgotten Password Wizard screen

  7. Select the USB flash drive from the drop-down menu, and then click Next.

  8. Type your current password in the Current user account password box, and then click Next.

  9. When the wizard finishes, click Next.

    Click Next after the Forgotten Password Wizard completes

  10. Click Finish.

  11. Disconnect the USB flash drive from the device.

    Make sure that you store the USB flash drive in a safe place and remember its location.

    Note:

    The password reset disk continues to work, even if you change your password multiple times. However, if you create another password reset disk, the original password reset disk no longer works.

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