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Summary
Find yourself locked out of your Windows 10 computer? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Learn how to easily reset your Windows 10 password using the Command Prompt without the need for a disk. Whether it's through Windows Recovery Environment or DART, our step-by-step guide will have you back in your computer in no time. Plus, discover a reliable tool, Renee PassNow, to simplify the process even further.



Have you forgotten your Windows 10 password and don’t have a recovery disk to reset it? Don’t worry, you are not alone. Many users face this issue and are left wondering if there is a way to reset their password without the disk. The good news is, there is! By using the Command Prompt in the Windows Recovery Environment, you can easily reset your password and gain access to your computer again. In this chapter, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of accessing the Command Prompt and resetting your Windows 10 password from the Windows Recovery Environment. So, let’s get started and regain access to your device in no time.

Method 1 : Reset Windows 10 Password Using WinRE Command Prompt without Disk

To regain access to your Windows 10 computer and reset your password, you can follow these step-by-step instructions using the Command Prompt from the Windows Recovery Environment. Windows 10/11 contains a Recovery Environment, this Environment is build-in :

Option 1 : Use Build-in Windows Recovery Environment

Tips:This method required your Windows Build-in account Administrator is enabled and without password.
Step 1: Go to the sign-in screen, and then restart your PC by pressing the Shift key while you select the Power button > Restart in the lower-right corner of the screen.
press Shift key and click the restart button
Step 2: After restarting your computer, you will be presented with the Windows Recovery Environment. Select your language preferences and click “Next.
Step 3: On the next screen, click on “Troubleshoot” and then select “Advanced options.
windows recovery environment - Troubleshoot
Step 4: In the Advanced options menu, choose “Command Prompt” This will open a Command Prompt window.
Select Command Prompt
Step 5: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

net user

This command will display a list of user accounts on your Windows 10 system.
Step 7: Identify the username of the account for which you want to reset the password.
Step 8: To reset the password for the identified username, type the following command and press Enter:

net user user_name new_password

Replace <user_name> with the actual username of the account you want to reset the password for, and <new_password> with the new password you want to set.
Step 9: After executing the command, you should see a message confirming that the command completed successfully.
Step 10: You can now close the Command Prompt window and restart your computer.
Step 11: Once your computer restarts, you can log in to the Windows 10 account using the new password you set.
If you are unable to access the Command Prompt from the Windows Recovery Environment, there are alternative methods you can try.

Option 2 : Windows 10 Installation or Recovery Media

Using the Windows Recovery Environment does not require a disk. However, it is necessary for your built-in Windows account Administrator to be enabled and password-free. If your Administrator account is disabled or lacks administrator rights, you will need to utilize the Windows 10 installation or recovery media to access a Command Prompt :
1. Insert your Windows 10 installation or recovery media into your computer and restart the machine. Press F12 (or other key specific to your system) to open the boot options menu. Select the media to boot from it.
In some cases, reinstalling the Windows operating system may be a better option. This can be done by creating a bootable USB drive with the Windows installation media. Users can download the Windows ISO file from the official Microsoft website and use a tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB drive.
If you do not have a Windows Installation media, you may download Windows Installation Creation Tools here:
Windows VersionDownload LinkRequirement
Windows 7https://learn.microsoft.com/lifecycle/products/windows-7PC with a working Internet connection/ a blank USB flash drive or DVD with at least 8 GB of available storage space/ a product key
Windows 8/8.1https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows8Same to above
Windows 10https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10Same to above
Windows 11https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11Same to above
2. The PC will start and load the Windows 10 installation or recovery screen. Select your language preferences and click “Next.
3. On the next screen, click “Repair your computer” at the bottom.
repair your computer windows 10
4. In the start screen, select “Troubleshoot.
5. Select “Command Prompt” in Advanced Options
6. A Command Prompt window will appear. Enter the following command to copy the Ease of Access executable:

copy d:\windows\system32\cmd.exe d:\windows\system32\utilman.exe

This will replace the Ease of Access executable with the Command Prompt.
7. Type

exit

to close the Command Prompt.
8. Click “Continue” to boot the system up to the Windows 10 login screen.
9. On the login screen, click the “Ease of Access” button located in the lower-right corner.
ease of use button in Windows login screen
This will open the Command Prompt instead of the Ease of Access executable.
10. From the Command Prompt, use the

net user

command to reset the password for a specific user:

net user

Replace <user_name> with the actual username of the account you want to reset the password for, and <new_password> with the new password you want to set.
11. Close the Command Prompt and login to Windows 10 using the new password.
By following these instructions, you should be able to access the Command Prompt and reset your Windows 10 password using the Windows Recovery Environment, Safe Mode with Command Prompt, or a Windows 10 installation or recovery media.
Pros:
  • Resetting password without disk or additional software
  • Multiple methods available for resetting password

Cons:

  • Requires access to Windows Recovery Environment or installation/recovery media
  • Requires administrative privileges

Method 2 : Access the Command Prompt from DART to Resetting Windows 10 Password

In the previous chapter, we learned about the step-by-step guide for resetting Windows 10 password using Command Prompt without a disk. However, what if you are unable to access the Command Prompt directly from your Windows 10 system? In such cases, the DART (Diagnostic and Recovery Toolset) is a useful tool that can be used to reset your Windows 10 password through the Command Prompt. In this chapter, we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to access the Command Prompt from DART for resetting your Windows 10 password.
reset windows 10 password command prompt without disk
DART, or the Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset, is an essential toolkit for IT professionals to recover and fix computers or local accounts that become unusable. One of its standout features is the Locksmith tool, which enables users to reset passwords for local accounts on Windows 10 devices. This means that even if you forget your Windows 10 password, DART can come to your rescue and help you regain access to your computer.
Step 1: Install and Create the DaRT Recovery Image
To utilize the power of DART and access the Command Prompt for resetting your Windows 10 password, you first need to install DaRT. DaRT is a part of the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) and is available for Software Assurance customers. Once installed, you can create a DaRT Recovery Image, which will act as your lifeline in case you forget your Windows 10 password and need to regain access to your system.
To get a DaRT Image. Please refer to : https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-desktop-optimization-pack/dart-v10/getting-started-with-dart-10
Step 2: Boot into DaRT Recovery Image
After creating the DaRT Recovery Image, you need to boot your Windows 10 computer using this image. To do this, restart your computer and access the boot menu. From the boot menu, select the option that allows you to boot from a CD or USB drive, depending on how you have created the DaRT Recovery Image. Once you have successfully booted into the DaRT Recovery Image, you will gain access to a range of diagnostic and recovery tools, including the Command Prompt.
Step 3: Accessing the Command Prompt
Within the DaRT Recovery Image, you can locate and launch the Command Prompt tool. The Command Prompt in DaRT allows you to execute commands and perform various operations on your Windows 10 system. It acts as a powerful tool for troubleshooting and fixing issues, including resetting a forgotten Windows 10 password. By using specific commands in the Command Prompt, such as the “Net User” command, you can modify user account settings and set a new password.
Example:

net user

Replace <user_name> with the actual username of the account you want to reset the password for, and <new_password> with the new password you want to set.
Step 4: Resetting the Windows 10 Password
Having gained access to the Command Prompt from DART, you can now proceed with resetting your Windows 10 password. By executing the appropriate commands, such as “Net User [username] [new password],” you can modify the user account settings and set a new password. Remember to follow the proper syntax and provide the necessary information, such as the username and desired password. After completing the reset process, exit the Command Prompt and reboot your computer. You will then be able to log in to your Windows 10 system using the new password.

Method 3 : Using Renee PassNow for Easy Windows 10 Password Reset

Resetting a forgotten Windows 10 password can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t have a password reset disk. However, with the right tools and knowledge, you can regain access to your computer in no time. One such tool is Renee PassNow, a reliable software specifically designed to facilitate the Windows 10 password reset process.
In this chapter, we will discuss how you can utilize Renee PassNow to reset your Windows 10 password without using a disk. We will also provide detailed instructions and examples to make the process easier for you.
Tips:If your account is Microsoft Account, Renee PassNow will convert this account to Local account. After resetting login password, you need to connect your account to your Microsoft Account again.
To reset your Windows password using Renee PassNow, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download and Install Renee PassNow
Start by downloading Renee PassNow from the official website and install it on a different computer that you can access. You can choose the appropriate version based on your computer’s operating system.
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Step 2: Create a Bootable USB or CD/DVD
Launch Renee PassNow and insert a USB flash drive or blank CD/DVD into the computer. Select the option to create a bootable media. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Create New Windows 10 Password Reset Disk with Renee PassNow
Step 3: Boot the Locked Server from the Bootable Media
Insert the bootable USB or CD/DVD into the locked Windows computer. Restart the computer and enter the BIOS settings by pressing the appropriate key (usually F2 or Delete). Configure the boot order to prioritize the bootable media.
Common Server:
Server TypeEnter boot menu method
DELLPress the F12 key repeatedly before the Dell logo appears on the screen.
HPPress the F9 key multiple times when the HP logo is displayed.
Common Computers:
BIOS NameEnter boot menu method
ASRockDEL or F2
ASUSDEL or F2 for PCs/ DEL or F2 for Motherboards
AcerDEL or F2
DellF12 or F2
ECSDEL
Gigabyte / AorusDEL or F2
Lenovo (Consumer Laptops)F2 or Fn + F2
Lenovo (Desktops)F1
Lenovo (ThinkPads)Enter then F1
MSIDEL
Microsoft Surface TabletsPress and hold Power and Volume Up buttons
Origin PCF2
SamsungF2
ToshibaF2
ZotacDEL
HPEsc/ F9 for `Boot Menu`/ Esc/ F10/ Storage tab/ Boot Order/ Legacy Boot Sources
INTELF10
Boot the target PC with the created password reset USB/CD/DVD.
Step 4: Select password reset function
After successfully booting from the bootable media, Renee PassNow will load. Select “PassNow!” function after booting from the new created Windows password reset disk.
After loading into main interface, please select the “PassNow!” function.
Step 5: Resetting the Password
Choose the user account for which you want to reset the password. Then, click on the “Clear Password” button. Renee PassNow will remove or reset the password for the selected user account.
Select target Windows system in the list
Select target user account in the list
Step 6: Reboot the PC
Once the password is reset, remove the bootable media from the PC and restart the computer. You will now be able to log in to Windows Account without a password.
Renee PassNow also offers other useful features such as data backup and disk clone, making it a useful tool for computer maintenance and troubleshooting.
Using Renee PassNow to reset your Windows 10 password is not only easy but also effective. It eliminates the need for a password reset disk and provides a secure and reliable method for regaining access to your computer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, resetting your Windows 10 password using the Command Prompt is a quick and effective method that doesn’t require a disk. Whether you have access to the Windows Recovery Environment or DART, our step-by-step instructions will guide you through the process and help you regain access to your computer. Additionally, using a reliable tool like Renee PassNow can make the process even easier and more convenient. With these methods, you no longer have to worry about forgetting your password or being locked out of your computer. So the next time you’re faced with a forgotten Windows 10 password, remember that the Command Prompt and Renee PassNow are there to help you reset it quickly and easily.