How to Reset or Bypass Windows 10/11 Password Using Hiren’s Bootable USB (Step-by-Step Guide)
Forgot your Windows 10 or Windows 11 password or PIN and can’t access your computer? Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Many users face this issue after a system update, long inactivity, or simply forgetting their login credentials.
In this complete guide, I’ll show you how to reset or bypass a forgotten Windows password using Hiren’s Bootable USB. This method works for local accounts and Microsoft account PINs and does not require reinstalling Windows or losing data.
This tutorial is simple, beginner-friendly, and works on most laptops and desktops.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This guide is only for educational purposes and should be used only on computers you own or have permission to access. Unauthorized access to someone else’s computer is illegal.
What Is Hiren’s BootCD?
Hiren’s BootCD PE is a powerful bootable recovery tool based on Windows PE. It contains many utilities used for:
Password reset
System recovery
Disk repair
Data backup
Malware removal
It is widely trusted by IT professionals and technicians.
What You’ll Need
Before starting, make sure you have:
A USB flash drive (minimum 8GB)
Another working computer
Internet connection
Your locked Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC
Step 1: Download Hiren’s BootCD ISO
Download the official ISO file from the trusted source:
🔗 Hiren’s BootCD ISO Download:
https://www.hirensbootcd.org/download/
👉 Make sure you download the Hiren’s BootCD PE (x64) version.
Step 2: Download Rufus (Bootable USB Creator)
Rufus is used to create a bootable USB drive from the ISO file.
🔗 Rufus Tool Download:
https://rufus.ie/en/
No installation required — just download and run it.
Step 3: Create Hiren’s Bootable USB Using Rufus
Insert your USB drive
Open Rufus
Under Device, select your USB
Under Boot Selection, choose the Hiren’s BootCD ISO
Partition Scheme:
GPT → for UEFI systems
MBR → for Legacy BIOS
File System: NTFS
Click Start
Wait until the process completes
⚠️ All data on the USB will be erased
Step 4: Boot From USB (BIOS / Boot Menu)
Insert the USB into the locked computer
Restart the PC
Press the boot key repeatedly:
F12 / F9 / ESC / F8 (varies by brand)
Select the USB device
Hiren’s BootCD PE will load
Step 5: Reset Windows Password Using Hiren’s Tools
Once Hiren’s desktop loads:
Open Utilities
Go to Security > Password
Open Windows Login Unlocker or NT Password Edit
Select your Windows installation
Choose the user account
Click Reset / Clear Password
Save changes and exit
🎉 That’s it! Your password is now removed.
Step 6: Restart and Login to Windows
Remove the USB drive
Restart your computer
Select your user account
Login without a password
Set a new password from Windows settings
Does This Work for Windows 11?
✅ Yes!
This method works for:
Windows 10 (all editions)
Windows 11 (local accounts)
Forgotten PIN issues
⚠️ Note: For Microsoft online accounts, this removes local login protection, not the online password itself.
Advantages of Using Hiren’s BootCD
✔ No Windows reinstall
✔ No data loss
✔ Free and trusted
✔ Works offline
✔ Fast and reliable
Common Issues & Fixes
USB not booting?
Disable Secure Boot in BIOS
Switch UEFI ↔ Legacy mode
Hard disk not detected?
Change SATA mode to AHCI
Final Thoughts
Hiren’s BootCD is a lifesaver when you’re locked out of your Windows system. With just a USB drive and a few simple steps, you can regain access to your computer safely and quickly.
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