[Simple Methods] How to Wipe A Computer Without Password

Why need to wipe a PC without a password

Whether you're planning to sell your old laptop or reuse a second-hand PC, it's crucial to ensure your private information remains secure. Since simply deleting or formatting operations cannot ensure to remove all from your computer, you need to wipe all data from the PC to prevent your private data from being leaked.

But sometimes, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to wipe a computer but don't have the password. Whether you've forgotten the password or purchased a used computer with an unknown password, here are some methods about how to wipe a computer without password.

How to wipe a computer without Admin password

When faced with the task of wiping a computer without the administrator password, there are methods available that allow for the secure erasure of data without Administrative privileges. By following the outlined procedures, it is possible to effectively wipe the computer and ensure the removal of sensitive information.

▶ Method 1. Factory resetting your PC

When faced with a forgotten password on your PC, factory resetting provides a viable solution to wipe the device and restore it to its original state.

Step 1. On the locked PC screen, simultaneously click "Restart" and hold down the "Shift" key.

Step 2. Select the "Troubleshoot" option from the menu that appears.

Step 3. In the subsequent window, choose "Reset this PC", followed by "Remove everything" to erase all information, including the lost password.

Step 4. You'll be presented with two options: "Cloud download" and "Local reinstall". Choose the appropriate option.

Step 5. Next, you'll be prompted to select either "Only the drive where Windows is installed" or "All drives".

Step 6. In the new window, click "Fully clean the drive", and then select "Reset". This process will remove all data from your PC.

 ▶ Method 2. Using Command Prompt (CMD) to clean data

When you don’t know how to wipe a computer on Windows 10 without password, you can try CMD. Under Windows Recovery Environment, you can employ Command Prompt (CMD) to delete all data on your PC. Follow the detailed steps below to learn how to wipe your computer without a password using this method.

Step 1. In the "Choose an option" window, select "Troubleshoot".

Step 2. Click "Advanced options" and then choose "Command Prompt".

Step 3. In the Command Prompt (CMD), type "diskpart" and press "Enter" to execute the Diskpart tool.

Step 4. Enter "list volume" and press "Enter" to display all the partitions on your PC. Note the drive letter associated with the system drive. Exit Diskpart by typing "exit" and pressing "Enter".

Step 5. Type "move E:\windows\system32\utilman.exe E:" and press "Enter" to move the utilman.exe file to the root directory of the system drive.

Step 6. Enter "copy E:\windows\system32\cmd.exe E:\windows\system32\utilman.exe" and press "Enter" to copy the cmd.exe file to the target path.

Step 7. Input "wpeutil reboot" and press "Enter".

Step 8. Click the human icon in the corner to run CMD, then type "net user "Leah George" 2022" to reset the password as "2022". Press "Enter." Exit by typing "exit" and pressing "Enter".

Step 9. Unlock the PC using the new password, press the "Windows" key, type "cmd", and select "Run as Administrator". Enter the following commands, pressing "Enter" after each one:

• diskpart (to run the Diskpart tool)
• list disk (to list all disks on the target PC)
• select disk 2 (to choose the disk you want to wipe)
• clean all (to delete all data from disk 2)

Try AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional (user-friendly alternative)

How to wipe a computer without password? If you find the previously mentioned methods challenging to execute, an alternative and more straightforward option is to try the AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. This convenient tool is compatible with various Windows operating systems, including Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP. 

With its user-friendly interface, you can effortlessly make a password reset USB and reset or remove the password with ease. Unlike a Windows password reset disk, this tool allows for immediate creation and usage when the password is lost. Once the computer is unlocked, you can utilize the "Wipe Hard Drive" function to thoroughly erase all data on the PC.

Alternatively, you have the option to wipe the Windows 10 PC under Win PE. This method involves creating a bootable media that enables you to wipe the entire PC using the disk, even if the PC is locked. This approach eliminates the need to reset the PC password.

Now, let's proceed with the step-by-step instructions on how to wipe a computer clean without password.

 ✦ Option 1. Resetting the password and wiping the disk

This option allows you to reset the PC password and then proceed to wipe the disk on your Windows PC.

☀ Stage 1. Removing the Forgotten Windows Password

First, prepare a USB drive to create a password reset USB. Remember to back up important data since the USB content will be erased during the process.

Step 1. Insert the USB into another working PC, download and open AOMEI Partition Assistant. Click on "Tools" and select "Reset Windows Password".

Step 2. Click “Next” in the small window.

Step 3. Follow the prompts in the pop-up window and choose USB Boot Device, then click “Proceed”.

Step 4. Read the instructions and click "Yes" to proceed.

Step 5. After the bootable USB is created, remove it from the PC and insert it into the locked PC.

Step 6. Turn off and restart the locked PC, then follow the on-screen instructions to change the boot drive. Select the Windows system and proceed.

Step 7. All user accounts on the PC will be listed. Choose the target account and select either "Remove Account Password" or "Reset Account Password".

Step 8. Enter and confirm a new password, then click "Yes".

 ☀ Stage 2.Wiping data on your Windows PC

After successfully unlocking the PC with the new password, install AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional and use the "Wipe Hard Drive" function to securely erase all data from the PC.

Tip: If your disk is an SSD, consider using the "SSD Secure Erase" feature.

Step 1. In the main interface, right-click on the target hard disk and select "Wipe Hard Drive".

Step 2. In the small window, choose a method to wipe your disk, such as "Fill sectors with Zero." Click "OK". You can also try the other three options: Fill sectors with random data, DoD 5220.22-M and Gutmann.

Step 3. Click "Apply" and "Proceed" to initiate the PC disk wiping process.

 ✦ Option 2. Wiping the PC under Win PE

This method offers a simpler and faster way to wipe your Windows 10 PC without retrieving the password. Follow the steps below.

Step 1. Insert the bootable USB created earlier into the target PC. Restart the PC and press the appropriate key (refer to the PC's official page) to access the boot menu. Select the USB Device and press "Enter" to boot from it.

Step 2. Once the booting process completes, you'll see the AOMEI Partition Assistant main interface. Right-click on the target PC's hard drive and select "Wipe Hard Drive".

Step 3. In the small window, tick "Fill sectors with Zero (Safe, Quick)" and click "OK".

Step 4. A warning will appear, indicating that this operation may delete all partitions, including the system partition. Click "Yes".

Step 5. Click "Apply" and "Proceed" to initiate the wiping process on the target hard drive.

To sum up

How to wipe a computer without password? In this tutorial, we have outlined three effective methods to wipe all data from a locked Windows PC without requiring a password. If you prefer a hassle-free experience, AOMEI Partition Assistant is a reliable choice.

Additionally, this tool offers other useful functions for optimizing your PC, such as PC Cleaner, NTFS to FAT32 Converter, Migrate OS to SSD/HDD, and so on. The Server Version is also available for Windows Server users. Safeguard your data and enjoy the enhanced performance with these comprehensive solutions.