Windows 10: I have never created a USB security key - so how can I get Windows 11 to stop requesting it?

I have never created a USB security key for Windows 11. However, Windows will occasionally pop up a message asking me to insert a USB security key for instance, this happened yesterday when I tried to generate a new ssh key in git bash. These interuptions are preventing me from getting work done.I sign in as a local adminstrator, and my user account is not associated with a Microsoft account.No one else uses the laptop, and there are no other user accounts.The laptop is a SurfacePro 5 running Windows 11 Pro version 22H2.It is not managed by a school or workplace.If I go to Settings -> Acc

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dont have usb for security key

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



In order to get better clarity on the issue, please let us know:

• When you say “got deleted off usb or usb flash drive is not working either way", are you unable to use USB flash drive on the computer?
• When you say “I don't exactly have a security key", which security key are you referring to?
• Which build version of Windows 10 is installed on the computer? Refer
  Which version of Windows operating system am I running?

I would suggest you to try plugging the USB to a different USB port and check if that helps. You can also try connecting the USB to a different computer and check.



Meanwhile, I would suggest you to refer the troubleshooting steps mentioned in the article

Error: “USB Device not recognized" when you try to access a USB external hard drive except Method 1 & 2 and see if that makes any difference.



A security key is a physical device that you can use instead of your user name and password to sign in. Since it’s used in addition to a fingerprint or PIN, even if someone has your security key, they won’t be able to sign in without the PIN or fingerprint
that you create.​​​



However, if you had configured security key earlier by any chance, you may refer Sign
in to your Microsoft account with Windows Hello or a security key.



For additional information, see
Windows Hello and FIDO2 Security Keys enable secure and easy authentication for shared devices.



Let us know the results. If the issue persists, we will certainly assist you further.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator

 

Installing windows off of a USB stick

Step By Step from vista:
From admin cmd prompt

1. diskpart
1a. list disk
2. select disk 1 (replace 1 with your usb drive)
3. clean
4. create partition primary
5. select partition 1 (replace 1 with your usb drive)
6. active
7. format fs=fat32
8. assign
9. exit

Copy Windows Vista's DVD ROM content to the Flash Drive

xcopy d:\*.* /s/e/f e:\ (d being your vista cd and e being your usb stick)

And that's it, boot off your usb disk

 

Multi-bootable USB

Hey guys from TPU, couldn't find any specific thread pertaining to the question asked on title. As mentioned, I'm trying to create a bootable USB, but with many specifics boots available.

I've been trying to create one with multiple boot device including one that enables me to run Windows 10 directly on the USB Thumb Drive but to no avail.

The list of bootable images i'm trying to create are

1. Windows 10 (A full OS running from thumb drive)
2. Windows 10 ISO (Bootable disk image for fresh install)
3. MemTest86+

Have tried YUMI or UUI from the website USB PenDrive Linux but as this is my first time, i don't know how am i screwing up or am doing it right.. Anyone got a rough idea on a step by step guide? Thanks!