Windows 10 and Windows 11 are complex and capable operating systems, but this article concerns one of their most fundamental features: signing in with a password.
For many years, this was the only way you could add a layer of security to the login process. Some devices now let you unlock with your fingerprint or face instead, and Microsoft even lets you remove the password from your Microsoft account now.
But on older hardware, this simply isn’t possible. Unless you’re willing to to accept using a local account instead, there’s no official way to remove the password entirely. However, there are workaround that allow you to do just that. Here’s everything you need to know.
How to remove Windows login password in Windows 10
In Windows 10, the User Accounts tool lets you remove the username and password requirement for any account. Here’s how it’s done:
- Type netplwiz in the Start menu search bar, then click the top result to run the command
- Untick the box next to ‘Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer’ and hit ‘Apply’
- Enter your username and password, then re-enter your password. Click ‘OK’
- Click ‘OK’ again to save the changes
To reactivate Windows password login just return to this settings menu and tick the box next to ‘Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer’.
How to remove login password in Windows 11
On Windows 11, things get slightly more complicated. That same option isn’t available via the User Accounts tool, so you’ll have to use the Registry instead. You’ll need to be careful though, and follow this tutorial carefully to avoid causing permanent problems for your device:
- Hit the Windows Key + R to open the ‘Run’ window, then type ‘regedit’ and hit enter
- Click ‘Yes’ to confirm you allow changes to be made to your device
- In the address bar, you should see the word ‘Computer’. Double-click it, then paste ‘Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon’ and hit enter
- From here, double-click the option named ‘DefaultUserName’
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
- Make sure your Microsoft Account username or email is set as the ‘Value data’. Click ‘OK’ to confirm
- Right-click a blank space and choose New > String Value
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
- Name it ‘DefaultPassword’, then double-click and enter your Microsoft password as the ‘Value data’. Click ‘OK’ to confirm
- Within the same ‘Winlogon’ folder, double-click ‘AutoAdminLogon’ and type ‘1’ as the ‘Value data’. Click ‘OK’ to confirm
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
- Close the Registry Editor, then restart your device
That’s it! You should no longer be prompted to enter your password when logging in.
Related articles you may like
- How to remove the password from a Microsoft account
- I forgot my Windows password. How do I log in?
- How to change another user’s password in Windows 10