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    Technology Manager of Test Dept.
 

Summary
Discover the best WinPE password reset tools like Renee PassNow, Hiren's Boot WinPE and PCUnlocker. Learn about their features, pros, and cons in this tutorial.



WinPE, short for Windows Preinstallation Environment, is a useful tool that allows computer users to troubleshoot and repair their systems. Among its many capabilities, one particularly handy feature is the ability to reset passwords for locked user accounts. Whether you’ve forgotten your login credentials or need to regain access to a friend or family member’s computer, WinPE provides a straightforward and efficient solution. By following a few simple steps, you can reset the password and gain entry to the system, ensuring you can continue using your computer without any further hassle.

Windows Recovery Environment : Exploring the Functionalities and Limitations

WinRE is an accessible tool for password reset, offering multiple entry points like the Start menu and command prompts. It provides a user-friendly interface with recovery tools such as Reset this PC and Startup Repair. WinRE can also boot from various sources, ensuring accessibility even in critical situations. However, it requires administrative privileges and may not support resetting Microsoft account passwords with nice interface. In those cases, seeking assistance or resetting the password directly is recommended.
If you have information about computer operation knowledge, please follow the steps below to use WinRE to reset Windows account password:
Step 1: Accessing Windows Recovery Environment
To begin, you need to access Windows Recovery Environment.

1. Start your computer or tablet .

2. Immediately after you see Windows start up (for example, some devices display a manufacturer’s logo when they restart), press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to turn off your device.
Windows start up screen
3. Repeat last step 3-5 times will lead you to Windows Recovery Environment.
enter Windows Recovery Environment
4. Click “Troubleshoot” => “Advanced options” => “Command Prompt” to start a command prompt dialog.
start a command prompt dialog in windows recovery environment
Step 2: Enabling the Administrator Account
Once you are in the Windows Recovery Environment command prompt, you need to Modifying the “Ease of Access” Executable File (utilman.exe)
1. In the command prompt window, type the following command:

C:

cd C:\Windows\System32

2. Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each command:

ren utilman.exe utilman1.exe

copy cmd.exe utilman.exe

exit

3. Reboot your computer and let Windows start normally.
Step 3: Reset Windows Account Password
1. On the login screen, click the “Ease of Access” icon located at the lower-left corner in Windows 8, 7, or Vista, or at the lower-right corner in Windows 10.
windows 10 Ease of Access for WinPE password Reset
2. In the command prompt window that appears, type the following command to reset Administrator account password:

net user ADMINISTRATOR 13245678

If you want to reset other account password, please replace ADMINISTRATOR to other user name.
After running this command, the password of ADMINISTRATOR account will be set to 12345678.
3. Close the command prompt window and reboot your device.
By following these steps, you can use Windows Recovery Environment to reset your Windows account password and regain access to your computer.
Pros:
  • Accessibility through different entry points
  • User-friendly interface with recovery tools
  • Ability to boot from various sources

Cons:

  • Requirement for administrative privileges
  • Limited support for Microsoft account passwords
  • Need more knowledge of windows command line operation

Renee PassNow: The Ultimate WinPE Tool for Password Reset

Renee PassNow is a powerful software tool that offers a simple and effective solution for password resetting in WinPE boot disk environments. With its user-friendly interface, Renee PassNow allows users to bypass forgotten passwords and gain access to their locked Windows accounts.

One of the key advantages of using Renee PassNow is its compatibility with different Windows operating systems, including Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP. This versatility makes it a valuable tool for a wide range of users, regardless of their specific Windows version.

Tips:Renee PassNow is its ability to reset passwords for both local accounts and Microsoft accounts linked to Windows. This means that regardless of the type of account, users can rely on Renee PassNow to reset their passwords and regain control of their systems.
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.

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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.

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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 PC 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 (Please refer the following table). Configure the boot order to prioritize the bootable media.
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: Reset the Password
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 “Reset” 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 your computer
Once the process is finished, remove the bootable media and restart your computer. You can now log in to your account without any password.
However, it is important to note that using any password reset tool, including Renee PassNow, carries certain risks. For instance, if not used carefully, there is a possibility of data loss or system instability. It is crucial to follow the provided instructions and backup important data before attempting any password reset operation.

In conclusion, Renee PassNow offers a convenient and reliable solution for password resetting in WinPE boot disk scenarios. Its compatibility, multiple password reset methods, and support for different types of accounts make it a valuable tool for users in need of regaining access to their Windows systems. 

Pros:
  • Compatibility with different Windows operating systems
  • Various password reset methods
  • Reset passwords for both local accounts and Microsoft accounts

Cons:

  • Need to purchase a license code to reset account password

Hiren's Boot WinPE: A Comprehensive Overview

Hiren’s Boot WinPE is widely recognized as a powerful tool for resetting passwords in Windows systems. This WinPE boot disk tool offers a plethora of functionalities that make it a popular choice among users. Firstly, Hiren’s Boot WinPE provides a comprehensive range of password reset options, allowing users to reset passwords for local accounts, domain accounts, and even Microsoft accounts. This versatility makes it suitable for various scenarios and user needs.
Hiren's BootCD PE - Windows 10 PE x64 for new generation PCs

Additionally, Hiren’s Boot WinPE offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies the password resetting process. With a simple and intuitive design, users can easily navigate through the different options and perform the required actions without encountering any difficulties. Moreover, this tool includes a variety of built-in utilities that further enhance its functionality. These utilities enable users to navigate through files, troubleshoot system issues, and perform various system maintenance tasks.
How to Use Hirens BootCD to Reset a Windows Password

However, like any other tool, Hiren’s Boot WinPE does have its disadvantages. One of the notable drawbacks is its limited compatibility with newer Windows versions. While it performs exceptionally well with older Windows operating systems, compatibility issues may arise when attempting to reset passwords on the latest Windows versions. Additionally, some users have reported that Hiren’s Boot WinPE can be time-consuming to set up and configure, requiring technical knowledge and expertise.

Pros:
  • Comprehensive range of password reset options
  • User-friendly interface
  • Includes built-in utilities

Cons:

  • Limited compatibility with newer Windows versions
  • Time-consuming to set up and configure

PCUnlocker: Features and Drawbacks of this WinPE Boot Disk Tool for Password Reset

PCUnlocker is another powerful WinPE boot disk tool that specializes in password reset for Windows operating systems. Like Hiren’s Boot WinPE, PCUnlocker offers a wide range of features and capabilities to assist users in regaining access to their locked accounts. However, it also presents some drawbacks that should be taken into consideration.
PCUnlocker

One significant advantage of PCUnlocker is its user-friendly interface, which makes it accessible even to those with limited technical knowledge. The tool provides a straightforward and intuitive process for resetting passwords, ensuring that users can quickly regain control of their systems. Additionally, PCUnlocker supports various Windows versions, including Windows 10, 8, 7, and even older versions such as XP and Vista.

While PCUnlocker boasts impressive features, it also has a few drawbacks that should be considered. One limitation of the tool is that it requires a separate USB drive or CD to create a bootable disk, which may inconvenience some users who do not have access to these resources. Moreover, PCUnlocker is not a free tool, meaning users have to invest in a license to fully utilize its features.

Pros:
  • User-friendly interface
  • Support for various Windows versions
  • Multiple methods for password reset

Cons:

  • Requires separate USB drive or CD to create a bootable disk
  • Not a free tool, requires a license

In conclusion, WinPE password reset tools offer a convenient and efficient solution for regaining access to a locked Windows computer. With just a few simple steps, users can reset their password and resume using their device without the need for expert assistance or the risk of data loss. Whether it’s a forgotten password or an urgent situation, WinPE password reset tools provide a reliable option for individuals to regain control over their Windows systems. By following the instructions provided by these tools, users can swiftly address password-related issues and continue using their computer hassle-free.