How to Create a Windows Password Reset Disk

Issue

If a computer only has one user account and the password for the account is forgotten, there will be no way to login to the computer.

Windows 10

Windows 11

Make sure to be signed in with a local account. This won't work with Microsoft (connected) accounts.
Plug a USB flash drive into your PC. Although creating a password reset disk won't reformat your USB flash drive, you should back up any data on it before you continue. It is recommended to use the USB flash drive for this purpose only.
In the search box on the taskbar, type create password reset disk, and then choose Create a password reset disk from the list of results.
In the Forgotten Password wizard, select Next. Choose your USB flash drive and select Next.
Type your current password and select Next. When the wizard is done, select Finish.
Remove the USB flash drive and keep it in a safe place where you'll remember it. Note that you don't have to create a new disk when you change your password—even if you change it several times.

Make sure you're signed in with your local account. This won't work with Microsoft (connected) accounts.
Plug a USB flash drive into your PC. Although creating a password reset disk won't reformat your USB flash drive, you should back up any data on it before you continue.
In the search box on the taskbar, type Control Panel, and then choose it from the list of results.
In the Control Panel search box, type create password reset.
Select Create a password reset disk, and follow the remaining instructions.
When you're finished, remove the USB flash drive and keep it in a safe place where you'll remember it. Note that you don't have to create a new disk when you change your password—even if you change it several times.