You are locked out from Windows 10 and unable to access using the administrator account. Error message This feature requires removable media, such as a USB flash drive. Please connect a USB flash drive, and then try again.
prompted when you try to reset the administrator password. Follow the below simple workaround steps to resolve this error.
Workaround #1: Login inbuilt Administrator account to reset password
Step 1: Boot Windows in Safe Mode using one of the below methods:
- Press Shift and then click on the Restart.
- Open the Settings app > Update & Security > Recovery Restart now.
- Open
msconfig
and select the Safe boot and Minimal options setting and restart.
Step 2: At the login screen, click the arrow icon and select the Administrator account.
Step 3: Open Control Panel > User Accounts option.
step 4: Select Manage another account.
Step 5: Select the Administrator account.
Step 6: Click the Change the password link.
Step 7: Type in the desired password then restart the PC into normal mode.
Workaround #2: Create a new Administrator account
Step 1: Boot into the Recovery Environment (WinRE).
Step 2: Select Choose an option > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
Step 3: Type the command below and press Enter: net user administrator /active:yes
Step 4: Type exit
and press Enter.
Step 5: Restart your PC.
Step 6: Log in with the default/inbuilt administrator account, navigate to the Accounts page, and create a new Administrator account.
Step 7: Open Control Panel > User Accounts option.
Step 8: Select Manage another account.
Step 9: Select the corrupted administrator account.
Step 10: Click the Delete the account link.
Step 11: Open Run dialog box, type cmd
and then press CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER to open Command Prompt in admin/elevated mode.
Step 12: Type the command below and press Enter: net user administrator /active:no
Step 13: Restart your PC.