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8 October 2023  Amanda J. Brook  Senior Product Manager
 

Summary
If you've forgotten your Windows 10 PIN and have no internet connection, don't worry! This article covers various methods to help you regain access to your computer, including using Renee PassNow, an installation CD, and creating a new account. Don't forget to always create a password reset disk for your account and maintain strong passwords for future instances. Let's get started!



Table of contents

table iconUnderstanding the PIN reset limitations
table iconMethod 1: Resetting the Password with Renee PassNow
table iconMethod 2 : Exploring the option of using an installation CD
table iconMethod 3: Regaining Access to Windows 10 with Renee PassNow
table iconAlways create a password reset disk for your account
table iconConclusion
Windows 10 forgot pin no internet: Forgetting a PIN can be frustrating, especially when you need to access your Windows 10 computer urgently. But what happens when you not only forget your PIN, but also do not have access to the internet? This presents a unique challenge in regaining access to your computer. In this chapter, we will dive deeper into understanding the limitations of resetting a PIN and why a forgotten PIN and no internet access can complicate the process. From security measures to potential solutions, we will explore what to do when faced with this particular predicament. Stay tuned for a better understanding of this common issue.

Why resetting a forgotten PIN need internet access for a Windows 10 computer

In the digital age, where our lives are intricately connected to technology, it can be incredibly frustrating to forget a PIN that grants us access to our devices. Windows 10 offers a solution by allowing users to reset their PINs, but an interesting requirement is that internet access is needed to perform this reset. You might wonder why internet access is necessary for such a seemingly simple task. Let’s delve into the core reasons behind this requirement.
Enhanced Security Measures and Authentication Process
One of the primary reasons behind the need for internet access is the stringent security measures put in place by Microsoft. When you set up a PIN on Windows 10, it is used as a method of authentication to verify your identity and grant access to your device. To ensure the utmost security, Microsoft requires an online connection to validate your identity and authorize the PIN reset process.
Account Verification and Data Synchronization
Another crucial aspect is the verification of your user account details. When you forget your PIN and wish to reset it, the operating system needs to verify that you are the legitimate owner of the account. This verification process often involves cross-referencing your account information with the data stored on Microsoft servers. To facilitate this verification and ensure data synchronization, an internet connection is required to establish communication between your device and the authentication servers.
Utilizing Cloud-based Services for PIN Reset
Windows 10 incorporates cloud-based services as part of its operating system functionality. These services enable users to access their data across various devices and ensure a seamless computing experience. When you reset your PIN, it not only affects your local device but also synchronizes the updated PIN with your Microsoft account in the cloud. Internet access is necessary for this synchronization process to occur, as it allows the system to update your PIN information across all your devices connected to the same Microsoft account.

Method 1: Resetting the Password with Renee PassNow

Forgot your Windows 10 PIN and don’t have an internet connection? Don’t worry, there’s a solution to regain access to your computer. One effective method is by using a password reset tool called Renee PassNow to reset password first, and switch to login with password.
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.
Renee PassNow – Professional Windows System Rescue Tool

Remove Windows Login Password 3 steps for whole password remove process.

Recover the files Recover the deleted files without Windows system.

Transfer the data Transfer the important files of the computer with system.

Fix Windows startup error Fix various Windows startup failures or crashes.

Erase disk Completely erase disk files which will not be restored.

Remove Windows Login Password 3 steps for whole password remove process.

Recover the files Recover the deleted files without Windows system.

Transfer the data Transfer the important files of the computer with system.

Free TrialFree TrialNow 2000 people have downloaded!
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
windows 10 forgot pin no internet
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.
Step 7 : Switch to login with password
switch to Input password to login Windows
Using Renee PassNow eliminates the need for an internet connection and provides a reliable way to regain access to your Windows 10 computer. It offers a convenient and secure solution, ensuring that you don’t lose access to your important files and documents.

Method 2 : Exploring the option of using an installation CD

In situations where you have forgotten your Windows 10 PIN and have no internet connection, using an installation CD can be an effective method to regain access to your computer. This method involves replacing the “utilman.exe” program with “cmd.exe” through the Command Prompt, allowing you to reset the password and regain control over your Windows account. Follow the steps below to execute this method successfully:
Step 1: Prepare a bootable Windows 10 installation CD or USB on another accessible computer.
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
Step 2: Insert the bootable Windows 10 installation CD or USB into the locked Windows 10 computer. Press the appropriate key (usually F12, F11, or Esc) to access the boot menu and select the USB drive as the boot device. Follow the on-screen instructions to install a fresh copy of Windows.
Step 3: Once the Windows installer loads, you’ll be presented with the initial Windows 10 setup screen. Press Shift + F10 simultaneously to open a Command Prompt window.
Step 4: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter to change the current directory of the Command Prompt to the root of the C: drive:

C:

Step 5: To access the System32 folder, which contains the necessary files, enter the following commands one by one and press Enter after each command:

cd Windows

cd System32

Step 6: Replace “utilman.exe” with “cmd.exe” to gain access to the Command Prompt. Before proceeding, it’s important to make a backup of “utilman.exe” in case you want to restore it later. Enter the following two commands:

ren utilman.exe utilman.exe.bak

copy cmd.exe utilman.exe

Step 7: Remove the installation CD or USB and restart the computer. You can either use the command

shutdown /r

or manually shut down and then turn on the computer.
Step 8: After restarting your computer, you will be back at the Windows 10 sign-in page. Instead of entering a PIN, click on the “Ease of Access” icon at the bottom-right corner of the screen.
ease of use button in Windows login screen
Step 9: The Command Prompt will open instead of the Ease of Access menu. Here, you can reset the password by using the “net user” command followed by the username and new password. Use the command below, replacing “username” with the desired username for the new account and “newpassword” with the desired password:

net user username newpassword

Step 10: Once you have executed the necessary commands, close the Command Prompt and you will see the new user account on the Windows sign-in screen. You can now log in using the newly created account and the associated password.
Note: It is important to put back the original “utilman.exe” file to maintain system security. To restore it, follow the same steps mentioned above but replace “cmd.exe” with “utilman.exe.bak” in the commands.
By following these steps, you can effectively use an installation CD to replace “utilman.exe” with “cmd.exe” and reset the Windows account password, allowing you to regain access to your Windows 10 computer without the need for an internet connection.

Method 3: Regaining Access to Windows 10 with Renee PassNow

In addition to resetting the password or using an installation CD, another method you can try to regain access to a Windows 10 computer when you’ve forgotten the PIN and have no internet access is by creating a new account using Renee PassNow.
Step 1: Download and Install Renee PassNow
To begin, download Renee PassNow from the official website onto a separate computer with internet access. Once downloaded, install the program by following the on-screen instructions.
Renee PassNow – Professional Windows System Rescue Tool

Remove Windows Login Password 3 steps for whole password remove process.

Recover the files Recover the deleted files without Windows system.

Transfer the data Transfer the important files of the computer with system.

Fix Windows startup error Fix various Windows startup failures or crashes.

Erase disk Completely erase disk files which will not be restored.

Remove Windows Login Password 3 steps for whole password remove process.

Recover the files Recover the deleted files without Windows system.

Transfer the data Transfer the important files of the computer with system.

Free TrialFree TrialNow 2000 people have downloaded!
Step 2: Create a Bootable USB or CD
Insert a USB drive or CD into the separate computer and launch Renee PassNow. Select the option to create a bootable media and choose the appropriate USB drive or CD as the destination. Follow the prompts to successfully create the bootable media.
Create New Windows 10 Password Reset Disk with Renee PassNow
Step 3: Boot the Locked Computer
Insert the bootable USB or CD into the locked Windows 10 computer. Restart the computer and access the BIOS settings by pressing the appropriate key (such as F2 or Del) during startup. Once in the BIOS settings, navigate to the Boot tab and change the boot order to prioritize the bootable media.
After loading into main interface, please select the “PassNow!” function.
Step 4: Use Renee PassNow to Create a New Account
After configuring the boot order, save the changes and exit the BIOS settings. The computer will then boot from the bootable media. Once Renee PassNow launches, select the “PassNow!” function from the main interface.
Choose the Windows installation you want to regain access to and select the “Create a new account” option. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new user account with administrator privileges.
Select target user account in the list
Step 5: Restart and Access Windows 10
After successfully creating the new account, remove the bootable media and restart the computer. On the Windows login screen, select the newly created account and enter the password you set during the account creation process.
Note: By creating a new account with administrator privileges, you will have full access to the Windows 10 computer and the ability to make necessary changes or recover data.
In summary, creating a new account with Renee PassNow is an effective method to regain access to a Windows 10 computer when you’ve forgotten the PIN and have no internet access. By following the provided steps and troubleshooting common issues, you can successfully create a new account and regain control of your Windows 10 system.

Always create a password reset disk for your account

If you’re using Windows 10, it’s important to always have a backup plan in case you forget your pin and have no internet access. One simple yet effective way to avoid getting locked out of your account is to create a password reset disk. This will allow you to reset your forgotten pin without needing to connect to the internet.
Step 1: Insert a USB flash drive into your computer. Ensure that the flash drive has enough storage capacity to hold the password reset information.
Insert a USB flash drive
Step 2: Press WinKey + R, enter “Control Panel”
Press WinKey + R, enter "Control Panel"
Step 3: Select “User accounts” in “Control Panel” dialog.
select User accounts in Control Panel
Step 4: Click on the “Create a password reset disk” option when it appears in the search results. A Forgotten Password Wizard will open. Click “Next” to proceed.
click Create a password reset disk option
Step 5: Select your USB flash drive from the list of available drives. Make sure you have chosen the correct drive as the data on it will be erased during the process.
Step 6: Enter your current user account password when prompted. This step verifies your identity and allows the computer to create the password reset disk.
Create a password reset disk Enter your current user account password when prompted
Step 7: Wait while the password reset disk is being created. The progress bar will show the status of the disk creation process.
Step 8: Once the process is complete, a confirmation message will appear. Click “Next” and then “Finish” to complete the procedure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, forgetting a PIN and not having internet access can be a frustrating situation on a Windows 10 computer. However, there are various methods you can use to regain access. You can use a third-party software like Renee PassNow to reset your password and switch to using a password instead of a PIN. Another option is to use an installation CD to reset the PIN and gain access to your computer. Alternatively, you can create a new account using Renee PassNow to access your Windows 10 computer. It is also important to always create a password reset disk for your account to avoid being locked out in the future. With these methods, you can regain access to your computer and continue using it without any interruptions. Remember to always keep your passwords secure and have a backup plan in case you forget them.