After latest windows update, cannot log in as message asks for removable media

Question

When trying to use password reset facility, message says this feature requires removable media such as flash drive?

Answer 1

1

Start your PC, just as Windows attempts to load (spinning dots), press and hold Power Button for 5 - 10 seconds to perform a Hard Shut Down

Do this twice

On the third start Windows will boot into the Recovery Environment and from there you can access System Repair, Safe Mode, Command Prompt... etc.

Please try each option one at a time, then see if Windows will successfully login.

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If there is an option to uninstall the latest update, that may be the best option.

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Go to Troubleshoot - Advanced Option - Startup Repair

See if Windows startup can repair itself

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Go to Troubleshoot - Advanced Option - System Restore

Check to see if you have a restore point you can go back to

2

If you are still unable to log into Windows:

If you log into Windows with a Microsoft Account, try the steps on this page to reset your password.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/reset-a-forgotten-microsoft-account-password-eff4f067-5042-c1a3-fe72-b04d60556c37

If you log into Windows with a Local Account, try the steps on this page to reset your password.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/reset-your-windows-10-local-account-password-86912508-e584-37cc-86eb-6e9b0542b5ba

Answer 2

Use a different sign-in or recovery path instead of the password-reset option that requires removable media. That specific wizard is for creating/using a password reset disk and cannot proceed without a USB flash drive that was created earlier.

If sign-in is blocked and only that option appears, the practical options are:

1. Try other existing sign-in methods

• If a PIN, picture password, or Windows Hello option is available on the sign-in screen, use that instead of the password-reset link.
• If the account is a Microsoft account, use the online password reset on another device, then sign in with the new password on the PC.

2. Use a local password reset disk (if previously created)

• Insert the USB flash drive that was created earlier as a password reset disk.
• Click the password reset link again and follow the wizard; it will now use the removable media.

3. If no other sign-in method or reset disk exists

• There is no supported way to bypass or recover a forgotten local account password without a previously created reset disk or another sign-in method.
• In that case, back up any accessible data (for example, by removing the drive and attaching it to another PC, if possible) and then perform a clean installation or reset of Windows from installation media. This will remove existing accounts and data on the Windows partition.

To perform a clean install or reset using installation media when locked out, follow the documented approach for creating and booting from Windows installation media, then choose the repair or reset options from there.

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References:

• USB devices may stop working after installing the February 13, 2018 update (KB4074588)