Applies to Windows 7

Create a password reset disk

If you forget your Windows password, you can use a password reset disk to create a new one. We recommend that you create a password reset disk when you create your password, so you don't lose access to your files and information.

Note

A password reset disk can only be created for local user accounts. If your computer is on a domain, a system administrator can reset your domain password.

To complete these steps, you'll need removable media (a USB flash drive or floppy disk).

Watch this video to learn how to create a password reset disk (0:59)

To create a password reset disk

Insert your removable media.
Open User Accounts by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking User Accounts and Family Safety, and then clicking User Accounts.
In the left pane, click Create a password reset disk, and then follow the instructions. Make sure you store the password reset disk in a safe place.