Switching off the login password in Windows 11 allows for immediate access to your desktop at startup, speeding up the boot-to-usage process and reducing friction for users who don't need strict security on their device. This is especially useful for shared computers in trusted environments, or for users who want to automate tasks at boot without manual intervention. Below are the most effective methods to remove or bypass the login password requirement on Windows 11, with clear instructions and important considerations for both local and Microsoft account scenarios.

Remove Login Password for Local Accounts Using Windows Settings

Step 1: Open the Windows Settings app by pressing Windows + I on your keyboard. This brings up the main settings panel where all account and sign-in options reside.

Step 2: Navigate to Accounts in the left sidebar, then select Sign-in options from the main panel. This section controls all authentication methods for your user account.

Step 3: Find the Password section and click on Change. This initiates the password change workflow for your local account.

Step 4: Enter your current password when prompted, then click Next. This verifies your identity before making any changes to your credentials.

Step 5: On the next screen, leave the new password, confirm password, and password hint fields completely blank. Click Next to proceed without setting a new password.

Step 6: Click Finish to finalize the change. Your local account will now have no password, so Windows 11 will bypass the password prompt at startup.

For users who previously set up a PIN, go back to Sign-in options and remove the Windows Hello PIN as well. This ensures full passwordless access at sign-in.

Remove Login Password for Microsoft Accounts by Switching to Local Account

Microsoft accounts are designed to require a password for online security and sync features. To fully remove the login password, you must switch to a local account. This breaks the sync with Microsoft services but allows for a password-free sign-in.

Step 1: Open Settings (Windows + I), then go to Accounts and select Your info.

Step 2: Click on Sign in with a local account instead. This option is found under your account details and will start the conversion process.

Step 3: Enter your current Microsoft account password when prompted to verify your identity.

Step 4: On the next screen, create a username for your new local account. Leave the password and password hint fields blank, then click Next.

Step 5: Click Sign out and finish. Your PC will now be set up with a local account that has no password, and you’ll be signed out to complete the process.

Upon the next login, you’ll be able to access Windows 11 without entering any password or PIN.

Enable Automatic Sign-In Using netplwiz

For users who prefer to keep their Microsoft account linked but want to skip the password prompt at startup, Windows offers an automatic sign-in feature. This method keeps the password set on the account but logs you in automatically.

Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, then type netplwiz and press Enter. This opens the User Accounts panel.

Step 2: In the User Accounts window, select your user account from the list. Uncheck the box labeled Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer.

Step 3: Click Apply. A dialog will appear prompting you to enter your current password twice. Carefully type your password (for Microsoft accounts, use your full email address as the username), then click OK.

Step 4: Click OK again to close the User Accounts window. Restart your computer to confirm that Windows now signs in automatically at startup.

If the option to uncheck the password requirement is missing, open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and turn off For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device. This will make the option reappear in netplwiz.

Remove Password Using Windows Terminal

Advanced users can remove the local account password using the command line. This method is direct but requires administrator privileges.

Step 1: Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin). This opens an elevated terminal session.

Step 2: Enter the following command, replacing USERNAME with your actual account name:

net user "USERNAME" ""

Press Enter to execute. If successful, your local account password will be removed.

Alternative: Registry Editor Method for Automatic Login

This approach configures Windows to log in automatically by storing your credentials in the registry. It is less secure, as the password is stored in plain text, and should only be used in controlled environments.

Step 1: Press Windows, type Registry Editor, right-click, and choose Run as administrator. Approve the UAC prompt.

Step 2: Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon using the address bar.

Step 3: In the right panel, double-click DefaultUserName and set it to your account username. If it doesn’t exist, right-click and create it as a new string value.

Step 4: Create or edit DefaultPassword and enter your account password as the value.

Step 5: Find or create AutoAdminLogon and set its value to 1.

Restart your PC to enable automatic login. Remember, this method exposes your password to anyone with access to the registry.

Cautions and Considerations

Disabling the login password removes a layer of security from your device. Anyone with physical access can start your PC and access your files. Sensitive data stored in browsers or apps may also become accessible without protection. For laptops or devices in public or shared spaces, keep the password enabled to prevent unauthorized access. If you need to leave your PC unattended during the day, use Windows + L to lock the screen manually.

  • Switching to a local account disables Microsoft account sync features, such as OneDrive, Microsoft Store, and settings backup.
  • Methods that use the registry or command line should be performed with care to avoid system misconfiguration.
  • Always back up important data before making significant account changes.

Removing the login password on Windows 11 streamlines access for trusted users and specific scenarios. Always weigh convenience against security before making this change.