How to fix PCUnlocker not booting from a password reset CD/DVD or USB drive?

Go to BIOS and change the boot order. In the Boot Device Priority section, choose CD-ROM or Removable Drive as your first boot device under the Boot menu. If the CD/DVD or USB flash drive still cannot boot up your computer, you can check whether UEFI Boot Mode and Secure Boot options are enabled in BIOS. Switch the boot mode to Legacy to troubleshoot PCUnlocker not working.

How to disable password login on Windows 10?

Press Windows and R keys at the same time. Enter netplwiz or control userpasswords2 in the Run dialog box. Uncheck the User must enter a username and password to use the computer option. Click OK to save changes. Now you can restart your Windows computer without entering a password.

Is Chntpw a good PCUnlocker alternative?

Yes. Chntpw is a password reset software for Linux and Windows. You can edit the SAM database to remove and reset local passwords. However, Chntpw is not easy to use for beginners.

How to Use PCUnlocker on Windows 11/10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Penny Warren Published on May 28, 2026Windows Password3-min reading

Forgetting your Windows password can be stressful, especially when you need your computer urgently. PCUnlocker comes to the rescue by offering a simple, effective way to unlock Windows accounts, reset passwords, and bypass login restrictions. In this guide, we'll discuss PCUnlocker and how to use it in detail.

In this article:

An Overview of PCUnlocker
Is PCUnlocker Safe to Use
Pricing of PCUnlocker Editions
Pros & Cons: Is It Worth It?
How to Use PCUnlocker on Windows 11/10 Step by Step
Password Recovery Alternative to PCUnlocker

An Overview of PCUnlocker

PCUnlocker is a Windows password recovery utility designed to help users regain access to their Windows systems when they've lost or forgotten passwords. With PCUnlocker, you can instantly unlock your Windows PC by burning a bootable CD/DVD password reset disk. Best of all, there's no need to reinstall the operating system, and your data remains protected.

Compatibility

PCUnlocker supports a wide range of Windows versions and file systems, including:

Windows Versions: Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, and server editions (2025, 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012 R2, 2008 R2, 2003 R2).
File Systems: FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, and NTFS5.
Hardware Support: RAID, SATA, IDE, SCSI, SAS hard drives, and virtual hard disks.

Key Features

1. Quickly reset or remove local administrator, domain, and other account passwords.
2. Unlock disabled, expired, or locked Windows accounts.
3. Remove logon time restrictions on local accounts and Active Directory accounts.
4. Disable the "Force Smart Card Login" feature for greater flexibility.
5. Ensure 100% recovery rate and no data loss during the reset process.

Is PCUnlocker Safe to Use

Many users may be concerned about whether PCUnlocker is completely safe to use. The answer is yes. In our tests, the full version works well on Windows 11 and 10. The tool has been tested by experts against various antivirus software, proving it's secure and reliable for unlocking your Windows PC without compromising your data.

Pricing of PCUnlocker Editions

Is PCUnlocker free? However, PCUnlocker isn't a free tool. It offers 3 editions to suit different user needs, each pricing based on the features they support:

Feature	Standard	Professional	Enterprise
Reset local admin/user passwords (Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista/XP)	√	√	√
Reset Microsoft account login (Windows 11/10/8)	×	√	√
Reset Windows local admin/user passwords (Windows Server)	×	√	√
Reset domain admin password (Windows Server)	×	×	√
Load SATA/RAID/SCSI drivers on the fly	×	√	√
Create new local admin account	×	√	√
UEFI Secure Boot support (Windows 11/10/8)	×	√	√
Price	$19.95	$29.95	$49.95

Pros & Cons: Does PCUnlock Work?

Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons to help you determine if it's worth buying.

Pros

Supports almost all Windows versions.
Remove Windows admin passwords and local accounts.
Offer a simple, intuitive graphic interface.
Does not erase or overwrite any data on your computer.

Cons

You'll need the premium version to access advanced features.
Resetting passwords for more complex or encrypted accounts may take longer.
It may be overkill for basic users.

How to Use PCUnlocker on Windows 11/10 Step by Step

Follow the steps below to get started resetting your Windows account password:

Step 1

Download and install PCUnlocker on a different computer. Use the BBurnCCC program to burn the ISO image to a blank CD/DVD, or use ISO2Disc to burn it to a USB drive.

Step 2

Insert the bootable disk into your locked computer. Power it on and press setup keys like the DELETE key, F8 key, or F2 key to enter the BIOS Setup Utility.

Step 3

Choose the BOOT menu and set Boot Device Priority option: Set the 1st Boot Device to CD/DVD-ROM if using a CD/DVD, or Removable Device if using a USB flash drive. Press F10 to save your changes and exit BIOS.

Step 4

Restart your computer with the bootable disk inserted. Select your Windows SAM registry file, and the program will automatically list all user accounts. Choose the account you want to reset, then click the Reset Password button.

Password Recovery Alternative to PCUnlocker

While PCUnlocker is an effective way to reset Windows passwords, it's worth exploring other tools that might offer different benefits. If you're looking for a more affordable alternative, imyPass Windows Password Reset is a great choice when you're locked out of your computer. It also allows you to create a bootable disk using a CD/DVD or USB flash drive to easily reset Windows passwords.

imyPass Windows Password Reset

4,000,000+ Downloads

Regain access to your Windows account when locked out.

Remove passwords for local, admin, and Microsoft accounts effortlessly.

Keep your data protected without reinstalling your OS.

Create a new user account even without administrator rights.

Compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7 and more versions.

Free Download

Step 1

Download and install the software on an available computer. Plug the empty DVD or USB flash drive into your computer to create a password reset disk.

Step 2

Insert the burned disk into your locked computer. Later, restart your computer and press the F12 key or ESC to enter the Boot menu.

Step 3

Use the arrow-down or arrow-up key to find your inserted USB drive or CD/DVD, then hit the Enter key to proceed. Then save and exit the Boot menu.

Step 4

Select the operating system and choose a Windows account. Then, click Reset Password and hit the OK button to confirm. Finally, eject your burned disk and reboot your computer.

Conclusion

To sum up, PCUnlocker Windows 11 is a trusted and secure tool for unlocking Windows accounts. With its user-friendly interface and broad compatibility, PCUnlocker offers a fast and efficient way to remove your Windows password and get your PC back to work. It's a reliable solution that's worth trying!

Penny Warren

Penny focuses on GPS troubleshooting and Windows optimization. She formerly worked as a technical support engineer, helping clients solve location-based and system issues efficiently. Backed by IT support experience, she provides practical solutions that really work. In her free time, she likes hiking and geocaching, testing GPS tech in the real world.