What is Syskey Encryption?
Skykey is a Windows utility that allows to create an encryption key in the SAM database that has stored in the Windows Registry. It is not configured in any of the Windows OS by default. It works on all previous versions of Windows like Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8.1 and Windows 10 computers. This can be optional, if you want to create a startup password (syskey) that can ask you for a boot password. However, not required. But do you know how to remove startup password from your Windows?
Disadvantages/Missuses of SYSKEY
Now days, even many peoples misusing this Windows utility by locking up user’s computers and demanding for money to unlock their computer. There are so many Windows users have been facing this problem. Sometimes they could be a victim of scammers by creating a Syskey password without user’s information. You might stuck in Windows boot-up because you don’t know that you can remove startup password easily. Remove Startup Password (Syskey Encryption) Click To Tweet
In solutions, this article will show you the complete process of removing Syskey password and make your computer unlocked without spending any money. Just for your information, by using below utility, Yes, you can remove Startup Password or Syskey password from the Windows Startup.
Disclaimer/Note: By using this utility, all the passwords of your local user accounts will be re-encrypted and set to blank automatically.
Requirements:
- A working Windows PC with internet access
- A USB Pen/Flash drive (4 GB is enough)
- Reset Windows Password ISO Image, Available here
Remove Startup Password (Syskey Encryption)
Once you fulfill above requirements and downloaded Reset password ISO image, then extract it. Follow the instruction given in “Installation Steps” notepad file. The ISO burner will help you to create your Pen drive bootable. Plug pen drive it to the locked computer and restart it.
At the time of booting, press F9/F12 key in order to boot from pen drive to remove your Syskey password. Once booted from pen drive, follow below steps:
Step 1. You will see the screen, under option “what do you want to do” select “Remove user sensitive information” from the drop down list and click on Next.
Step 2. On the next screen, under “What do you want to remove” select “Reset SYSKEY” from the drop-down list and click Next.
Step 3. Now, go to SAM registry file, SYSTEM registry file and SECURITY registry file, then, select their drop-down one by one and click on Next.
Step 4. On the next screen, just need to click on “<<RESET/CHANGE>>” button.
Step 5. A window will be prompted for confirmation, read and click on Yes in order to reset SYSKEY password. It will initiate a small process and will be completed in seconds.
Step 6. At last you will be getting the message that “The SYSKEY was successfully reset”. Just restart your computer and it will directly take you to your desktop. If you have been using any password for a local user account. It has removed by using this step and will not ask you for any password. Remove Startup Password (Syskey Encryption) Click To Tweet
Important Information: This is for your information, Syskey utility has been removed in Windows 10 Fall Creators update, officially released on October 17, 2017.
