Want to quickly boot to your Windows 10/11 desktop by skipping the login screen? Would you like to avoid typing your account password each time you turn on your PC? You can configure Windows 10/11 to automatically boot to the desktop without requiring you to enter the account password.
The core benefit of configuring Windows 10/11 to automatically sign-in is you don’t need to remember the password, which also means that you save a couple of seconds during the boot. This, in turn, means that Windows 10/11 boots to the desktop a couple of seconds faster.
The procedure to set up an automatic login feature in Windows 10/11 is very similar to the one in Windows 7 and Windows 8.
This method applies to both local user account and Microsoft account. In other words, whether you’re using a Microsoft account or a local user account, you can use this guide to enable automatic login.
WARNING: Enable automatic logon only if you are the sole user of your computer. If you often share your computer with others, others will be able to peek into your account without knowing the password.
You can follow one of the methods given below to turn on automatic login in Windows 10/11.
IMPORTANT: Auto or automatic login might not work if Windows Hello PIN and Windows Hello Fingerprint or any one of these are enabled. Navigate to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options page and then remove these two sign-in options.
Likewise, if you don’t want Windows 10/11 to ask for a password after waking up from sleep, on the same page, select the Never option from the drop-down box in the Require sign-in section.
Method 1 of 3
Automatically login to Windows 10/11 PC without a password
NOTE: Follow these directions only after disabling the fingerprint password and Windows Hello PIN in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
This is the easiest way to automatically log in to Windows 10/11 without entering the password.
Step 1: The first step is to open the Run command box by simultaneously pressing the Windows logo and R keys (Windows+R). In the Run dialog box, type Netplwiz and then press the Enter key.
Step 2: In the resulting User Accounts dialog, select your user account first and then uncheck the option labeled Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer. Click the Apply button to see Automatically sign in box.
Step 3: In the Automatically sign in dialog, type your password, and then re-enter the password to confirm the same.
Finally, click the OK button.
Method 2 of 3
Turn on automatic sign-in using Registry in Windows 10/11 PC
If, for some reason, you’re not able to configure Windows 10/11 to automatically log on by following the above method, please use this method.
Step 1: Open Registry Editor. To do so, type Regedit in the Start menu search box or Run command box and then press the Enter key. Click the Yes button when you see the UAC (User Account Control) box.
Step 2: In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Step 3: On the right side, look for the entry named DefaultUserName, double-click on it, and make sure that your Microsoft account or local user account name appears under the Value data box.
Step 4: Next, on the right side again, look for the entry named DefaultPassword. If the entry doesn’t exist, please create one by right-clicking on the empty space, clicking New, and then clicking String Value. Rename it to DefaultPassword and enter your password in the Value data box. Click the OK button.
Step 5: Finally, you need to enable automatic logon. To do so, on the right side (once again), look for the entry labeled AutoAdminLogon and then change its value from 0 (zero) to 1 (one).
That’s it! Restart your PC to see your Windows 10/11 automatically logging into your account without asking you to enter the password. Good luck!
Method 3 of 3
Use Autologon to automatically login to Windows 10/11
There is a free utility out there to help you automate the login process in Windows 10/11. Autologon is a free tool from Microsoft designed to help you skip the lock and login screen in Windows 10/11. To download and read how to use this tool, please refer to our how to skip lock and login screen guide.
Without a doubt, the second method is not as easy as the first one. Have fun with Windows 10!
Pradeep.chakarwarti says
Rimot workfors cmplits monitar my on
BR says
This howto needs updating for 21H1. To get the netplwiz checkbox back, you need to disable “Require Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts” toggle before going to netplwiz.
inertman says
asw of june 2021, these no longer work. netplwiz no longer has the check box, the keys dont provide this functino any longer. thanks microsoft fro screwingup a perfectly simple way to keep users from screwing up their systems andmaking us install extra software
Joseph says
Method 3
Turn on automatic sign-in using Registry
This method worked for me thank you.
Clear instructions helped me resolve this problem in Windows 10.
Other methods failed so I’m very grateful.
Many thanks !
Terry Harper says
The easy option is no longer an option. The latest update of Windows 10 has removed it.
chin says
Thanks, regedit works for me.
Jo says
I don’t want to have a password set on the computer at all, nor any microsoft account. All methods I’ve seen require one or the other. Any way to just have a single user computer with no logon screen, password or anything else? If I set a password just so that I can turn off having to enter a password I’m going to forget it guaranteed.
Dorrie Hamm says
FINALLY!! It absolutely worked! I did all three of your suggestions and the last one, while it takes some effort and “poking around” to finally follow the proper string, I have success!
Thank you sooooo much!
Ryan says
I tried the first two methods without success and then read the following. I am bumping it to the top because it was the only way I solved the issue.
**** REPOST ****
Dan says
November 4, 2016 at 6:50 pm
This worked! I tried Method 1 several times with no luck. On bottom right of the task bar is a little dialogue balloon icon. Click that. Click “All Settings.” Click on “Accounts” then “Sign-in Options.” Make “Require Sign-in” NEVER. That seems to have done it.
CT says
Thank you Jack (June 21) I succeeded for readding your comment, before that non of the 3 sCTolutions worked for me !
Jack says
Method 1 worked for me using my Microsoft password in step 3, not my PIN #.
As for Method 2, Default User Name on right side didn’t even exist so I could not go any further. However there was Force Unlock Logon which was set to zero, but being new to setting registry values I did not attempt to set it to one.
PhilB says
Make sure that your PC is NOT joined to a domain.
If it is, the “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer” tickbox will NOT appear.
Remove it from your domain and its back!!
Phanto says
Wow, I have been battling with this for a couple of years, tried everything, Option 2 worked a treat for me & simple to follow, Thank you from the bottom of my heart, you have made my day.
admin says
Leza, the method should work fine on Windows 7 as well. Refer to the Method 1 in the article.
Leza says
Will these work on a dell laptop on windows 7 ?
Clive Thomas says
Great idea for home PCs and laptops but surely a Security Breach for a networked computer? This would definitely be logged as a Security Breach on my present and previous positions as a Senior Support Engineer. I hope people look into this before trying on their work computers
Brad says
I’m having a very unique problem in this area of technically issue. My pc takes a very long time to go from the login screen to windows 10 start up screen. The password box takes forever to show up and it just started after I installed a new keyboard from alienware its a pro gaming keyboard. The usb sounds chime on and off a lot and its like its waiting for a keyboard to be connected.
So I turned off password requirments and its still taking along time but not quite as long. I dont know what to do. I just did a clean install, a complete wipe and using same gear it worked fast like it supposed to like once or twice and after installing some drivers from dell and other software its back to taking forever. Could it be a keyboard problem? I dont know what to do I have been asking everywhere and all support but nobody knows.
Jay says
first one didn’t work but the registry one did the trick, thanks!
Nel says
!!!USE DAN’S COMMENT FROM NOV 4 2016!!!
It’s the proper way of doing this without hacking your own computer and risk messing things up in the future!!!!
If admin reads this, please update post to include this method, THANKS!! :D :D
Caelen says
If you change your microsoft password, you need to run the netplwiz program again to update the saved password. You will get an incorrect password error every time you reboot if you don’t.
Mallory says
Dan’s suggestion of Nov 4 2016 WORKS! Method 1 didn’t work for me – and I was intimidated by Method 2 – so I tried his suggestion and it couldn’t have been easier OR more effective – try it!!! (and thanks, Dan!)
Nick says
Nothing in the article or comments has worked for me. I didn’t need to log in until I had to reset W10 last week following a Windows update that made my PC unbootable.
Like others, I am not amused by having a computer and operating system that I have paid for being ‘taken over’ by MS and then being told how I must use it.
Lynda Howard says
Method 1 did not work. Method 2 did. I’m always leery about going into the registry so I appreciate the very clear instruction with pictures. Thanks!!!
hooman says
good work! thanks
Dejan says
Worked for me method 2. Thank you!
Dan says
This worked! I tried Method 1 several times with no luck. On bottom right of the task bar is a little dialogue balloon icon. Click that. Click “All Settings.” Click on “Accounts” then “Sign-in Options.” Make “Require Sign-in” NEVER. That seems to have done it.
Ron says
It’s my computer – I’m sick of it asking me for my pw. I’m sick of MSFT telling me to log in using live. I’m sick of passwords everywhere. I just want to sit down and use my computer with all the BS.
Darlene says
I hope Microsoft reads all these comments!! I am sure I followed the directions for Method 1 and repeated the procedure 2-3 more times and NO LUCK. This is the first time I’ve seen the instructions for Method 2,so will try it – sounds complicated!
Ira says
Worked for me (win 10) kinda… Weird thing is though, more often than not when I first turn on the pc, it just stays on the login screen with no box to type anything in so I can do nothing. But if i restart it, it automatically logs in like its supposed to. Same thing happens if it goes to sleep. (I just turned sleep off to avoid this) Any ideas?
Duffy Lieber says
Method 2 works!!!! Thank you!
Fredrik says
It didn’t work for me then I found that in Local Security Policy under Local Policies, Security Options I had “Interactive logon: Do not display last user name” Enabled. I set this to Disabled than it worked.
Kenneth Bush says
Method 1 doesn’t work on new Windows 10 installations. I followed it to the letter. When I rebooted the computer, I had to put in my Microsoft account password to get in.
Sam says
Microsoft is evil. Some update must have changed to requiring the Microsoft password for login. When I rebooted, I was unable to get on since I rarely use the Microsoft account and it was lucky that I found the password on a scrap of paper, else I was on the verge of having to restore from backup. Microsoft has no right to change something as fundamental as how one logs in without explicitly asking (or not at all!).
— sam
admin says
@ Mike, really sorry for what happened to you. But this is the first time I am hearing this kind of problem. As you have said none of the usual ways work, we recommend you contact Microsoft support team using the built-in Contact support app.
Mike says
Tried method 1 on my updated (from win 7 to 10) desktop & lost the Administrator. I was the only user. Now I’m a guest who can’t use any programs that will change the PC……ie..defrag. This sucks. Now I’m stuck till I can get the Administrator back. The usual ways don’t work. Tried a few suggestions on MS help & nothing works so far. Can’t even go back to Windows 7 like I should be able to for the 1st 30 days of upgrading………you have to be the Administrator!!!!!
Any more clues??
admin says
@ Serg, thanks for the suggestion but it looks like a commercial software. Moreover, why use a third-party tool when it’s possible to configure auto logon in Windows itself.
Serg says
Guys try this autologon tool hxtp://www.logonexpert.com it works on Win10
SteveGov says
Method 2 worked like a charmer. Now we can deploy our w10 thin clients ready for XenDesktop VDIs! (don’t ask!)
Ron says
Step 1 worked for me, Windows 10. so nice to see it load up freely
Kote Kutalia says
Is there any way to do this via cmd before booting Windows? I’ve got a black screen every time it comes to choosing users, probably because of my damaged user account.
James Melka says
I found method 1 works for power up and restart. In order to not have to login when the pc goes to sleep after a period of no activity, I clicked on Start icon, then Settings, then System, then Power and sleep. I set the list for the pc sleep to ‘Never’. It worked.
Jim T.
Adela says
Method 1 did not work for me except when I boot it up or when I turn it on in the mornings, but once it’s on and I leave the machine for 5 or 10 minutes, again I have to sign in on my return. What a rotten defect!!!
Method 2 (registry)…I’m afraid to touch it.
May I ask please? A commenter here said when his “pin” was removed, it worked. Could someone tell me what this pin is so I can try this too?
Lastly…what’s “Metro UI”? Thanks very much!
hotdog12 says
Thanks! Method 1 did the trick.
Ken Barr says
Works just fine
Dee Russ says
Tried all THREE methods. Something worked, not sure which one. But we’ll see if it’s a permanent fix. If I had to guess, knowing MS, it’s a temporary thing. Gawd, ! I hate MS. Next computer is a MAC!
H.C. says
Tried both Method 1 and 2. No success with either. After machine reboots, it still asks, no it DEMANDS, a password. I MUST use the password I was forced to create while setting up an on-line Microsoft account. Gee it sure would be nice to have the computer come on WITHOUT requiring a password and checking some on-line repository for authentication!
Sprite says
Method 1 is great, thanks!
Steve says
Method 1 didn’t work for me. Method 2 works, but then you have your password sitting in plaintext in the registry. It turns out that you can combine the two methods. If Method 1 doesn’t work, leave those settings modified, and then open the registry, and do all the steps except setting the password. This works perfectly for me.
Generally, if Method 1 doesn’t work, the only step from Method 2 that’s necessary is to change the value of AutoAdminLogon to 1.
Steve says
Method 1 didn’t work for me. Method 2 works, but then you have your password sitting in plaintext in the registry. It turns out that you can combine the two methods. If Method 1 doesn’t work, leave those settings modified, and then open the registry, and do all the steps except setting the password. This works perfectly for me.
Rosser Moody says
the latest win 10 update has caused my auto sign in to go away. Now even when pc wakes up from sleep mode I have to reenter my name and PW . WHY????
Susann says
Found Method 1 to be a very simple solution. Thank you.
Neil says
Nothing worked for me, still trying, why is Microsoft so poorly designed?
jai menon says
Your 1st method worked 4 me thank u
luci says
youc are great….thank you
jon says
Tried both methods, still doesnt work. On Start up I get a message saying ‘could not connect’ and it forces me to enter my password again anyway. Whats the deal?
Louise says
Method 1 worked really well for me. Thanks.
Mike says
Method 1 works great just make sure the user name matches the password you are using to log in with.
Does anyone know how to get windows 10 to automatically log in when returning from signing out?
Po Nonimous says
Neither one of those worked for me at all and caused me endless grief and frustration to the point where I restored to Win 7
However, I did find this at the OFFICIAL Microsoft Website:
In the Search box, type control userpasswords2, and then press ENTER. Administrator permission required If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
Clear the Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer check box, and then click Apply.
In the Automatically Log On dialog box, type your password, and then click OK.
In the User Accounts dialog box, click OK.
After you restart your computer, you will be able to log on automatically.
That actually WORKED for me and I didn’t have to change anything in the registry.
Try it yourself and you’ll see it actually works.
David says
Yep works ok until you click the windows button, the critical error sign etc appears. How on earth do I get rid of the Netplwiz? At least I only had to put password in, now big problem.
Jenny says
I’ve done borth methods, and it works until I restart my computer. Then I have to do the procedure all over again. Incredibly irritating! I had the same problem with windows 8.
Charlie says
netplwiz didn’t work for me at first. I removed my PIN and now it logs into Windows fine.
wildchild says
Method 2 worked for me and it was easy to do.
Sam J says
I was unable to get method 2 to work but method works fine.
Hector says
Thanks! Method 2 worked for me as using the GUI interface didn’t work. The registry hack bypassed the login process after entering my windows account and password there (had to create one so I can run Store applications). Now to fix the remoting in.
Cheers,
H
Mark Broadhurst says
For me the check box in method 1 would not appear until I had completed method 2
David Williams says
I can’t either to work, can’t just have button to turn it off, you know something that makes sense.
eric says
I tried both methods several times and can’t get either one to work. Is there anything else I can do to make the password sign in go away!!!!
lada says
Method 1 works fine. Thanks!
Andrea says
I finally got method one to work..after many attempts because my passwords were set differently..anyway it did work..thanks !
niki says
method 1 works when you restart windows 10, but it doesn’t work if you sign out of windows 10, if you log off it won’t auto log you back on.
BrianT says
Method 1 works fine. If it aint working for you you’re doing it wrong
Tristan says
Hal, I followed the steps and this works just fine. Good job on the indiscriminate Microsoft hate though.
Aj1000 says
Method 1 worked for me.
Hal says
It doesn’t work. Microsoft has made it impossible to bypass it.
Windows 10 is a disaster. Just bringing the stupid metro UI into windows does not fix the problem. The functionality is still split and awkward. What does Microsoft hate its Desktop users so much? What did we do to deserve this?