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.
This feature requires removable media, such as a USB flash drive. Please connect a USB flash drive, and then try again.
Table of contents
Workaround #1: Login inbuilt Administrator account to reset password
Workaround #2: Create a new Administrator account
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.