How to Reinstall Windows When Locked Out: Step-by-Step USB Method

Learn how to reinstall Windows when locked out using a bootable USB drive created with the Media Creation Tool. Step-by-step guide included.

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To reinstall Windows when locked out, you'll need a USB drive with at least 8GB space and access to another computer. First, download the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's official website, then create a bootable USB drive. After creating it, insert the USB drive into the locked computer, restart it, and enter the BIOS setup to change the boot order so the computer boots from the USB. Finally, follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall Windows. Remember, this process will erase all data on the installation drive.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Can I reinstall Windows without losing my files? Reinstalling Windows using the bootable USB typically erases all data on the installation drive. To keep files, consider backing up data before reinstalling or performing a repair install if accessible.
  2. What do I need to create a bootable Windows USB drive? You will need a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage and access to a working computer to download and run the Windows Media Creation Tool.
  3. How do I change the boot order to boot from USB? Restart your computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI settings (usually by pressing keys like F2, F12, Delete, or Esc during startup), then set the USB drive as the first boot device before saving changes and exiting.

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