Bootable ISOs: Windows Password Reset (Modern Console)

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Windows Password Reset (Modern Console)

WinPE NTPWEdit Menu Launcher

Overview

This streamlined WinPE build boots to a simple numbered console menu that launches NTPWEdit for resetting Windows local account passwords. Minimal tools, fast boot, and a modern text UI reduce confusion—pick a number and press Enter.

Quick Start:

Boot with the USB, navigate to and run: “Windows Password Reset (Modern Console)”.
Once the green-letter console boots, type 1 and press Enter to launch NTPWEdit.
From here on, follow the NTPWEdit instructions (open SAM hive → select user → change/clear password → save).
You can always check the README by entering 2 and pressing Enter.

Use Cases

Expand a scenario to view step-by-step instructions.

🔑 Reset a Local Account Password (Console → NTPWEdit)

Boot → run Windows Password Reset (Modern Console) → at the green menu, type 1 → Enter.
In NTPWEdit, click Open (browse to the Windows SAM hive if needed, (e.g., D:\Windows\System32\config\SAM in WinPE).)
Select your username or the username for which you wish to Unlock Account / Reset Password
Change password (leave it clear for password to be fully removed - suggesting to do so, if you need to setup new password, you can set it once you are able to boot and login to Windows)
Save changes and Exit NTPWEdit
Reboot the PC: Type 4 → Enter (unplug the USB drive from PC so it doesn't boot with it accidentally)
Sign in → reconfigure PIN/Hello if needed.

💡 Need help? In the console, type 2 → Enter to open the README.

🔓 Unlock / Enable a Disabled or Locked Account

Console → type 1 → Enter to start NTPWEdit.
Open SAM → select user → click Unlock/Enable (if shown) → Save changes.
Reboot and sign in.

📌 Know the Limits (BitLocker, Microsoft Accounts, Domain)

BitLocker: Unlock the OS volume first (use recovery key in WinRE/WinPE) or the SAM hive won’t be readable.
Microsoft accounts: Works for local accounts; use Microsoft’s online recovery for cloud accounts.
Domain accounts: Not supported; reset via the domain controller (Active Directory).

✅ Authorized use only: Use on systems you own or have explicit permission to service.

Troubleshooting

🕵️ NTPWEdit can’t find the SAM hive

In WinPE, your OS drive might be D: or E:. Browse to ?:\Windows\System32\config\SAM.
If the disk uses Intel RST/RAID, load drivers or switch BIOS to AHCI temporarily.
For external enclosures, try a different USB port (rear-panel USB-A preferred on older boards).

🔒 BitLocker is enabled / volume locked

Open a WinPE Command Prompt → unlock with the recovery key using manage-bde -unlock X: -RecoveryPassword <KEY>.
Make the volume writable: manage-bde -protectors -disable X: (optional) → then retry NTPWEdit.

🖥️ Menu appears, but selecting a number does nothing

Ensure you pressed Enter after the number.
Try a wired USB keyboard in a different port; avoid KVMs/wireless for setup.
If the console was minimized behind a window, use Alt+Tab to focus.

🔁 Password reset worked, but Windows still won’t log in

If you cleared the password, try logging in with a blank password once, then set a new one in Windows.
Recreate Windows Hello/PIN and re-enter saved credentials.
If the profile is corrupted, create a new local admin and migrate user data.