How to remove login password in Windows

Windows is a complex and capable operating system, 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 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.

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:

1. Type netplwiz in the Start menu search bar, then click the top result to run the command.

2. Untick the box next to ‘Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer’ and hit ‘Apply’.

3. Enter your username and password, then re-enter your password. Click ‘OK’.

4. 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’.

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:

1. Hit the Windows Key + R to open the ‘Run’ window, then type regedit and hit Enter.

2. Click ‘Yes’ to confirm you allow changes to be made to your device.

3. 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.

4. From here, double-click the option named ‘DefaultUserName’ (1.).

5. Make sure your Microsoft Account username or email is set as the ‘Value data’. Click ‘OK’ to confirm.

6. Right-click a blank space and choose New > String Value (2.).

7. Name it DefaultPassword, then double-click and enter your Microsoft password as the ‘Value data’. Click ‘OK’ to confirm.

8. Within the same ‘Winlogon’ folder, double-click ‘AutoAdminLogon’ and type 1 as the ‘Value data’. Click ‘OK’ to confirm.

9. Close the Registry Editor, then restart your device.

That’s it. You should no longer be prompted to enter your password when logging in. ■