Want to open Windows 11 without password every time you start your computer? You’re in the right place. This guide shows you exactly how to set up automatic login in Windows 11, saving you time and hassle.
Whether you’re using a Microsoft account or local account, these methods work perfectly to help you boot Windows 11 without password.
The 30-Second Solution (Skip the Fluff)
To automatically log into Windows 11 without a password:
- Press Windows + R, type “netplwiz” and hit Enter
- Uncheck “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer”
- Click Apply, enter your password once, and click OK
- Restart your computer – it will now automatically sign in Windows 11
Warning: This reduces your computer’s security. Only use on personal computers that others can’t access.
Why Remove Password Login in Windows 11?
Before diving into the methods, let’s understand when you might want to automatically sign in Windows 11:
- Single-user home computers – If you’re the only one using your PC
- Media center PCs – For computers used mainly for entertainment
- Kiosk or display systems – When the PC runs specific programs automatically
- Convenience over security – When quick access matters more than protection
However, remember that enabling auto sign on Windows 11 means anyone with physical access can use your computer. We’ll cover security considerations later.
Method 1: Using Netplwiz (Easiest Way)
The Netplwiz tool is the simplest way to set up Windows 11 automatic log in. Here’s how:
Step 1: Disable Windows Hello Requirements
First, you need to turn off a security setting that blocks automatic login:
- Click the Start button and select Settings (or press Windows + I)
- Go to Accounts → Sign-in options
- Scroll down to find “Additional settings”
- Turn OFF the toggle for “For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device”
If this option is grayed out, sign out and sign back in, then try again.
Step 2: Open Netplwiz
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog
- Type netplwiz and press Enter
- The User Accounts window will open
Step 3: Enable Automatic Login
- Select your user account from the list
- Uncheck the box that says “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer.”
- Click Apply
Step 4: Enter Your Credentials
A new window will pop up asking for your login information:
- Enter your username (for Microsoft accounts, use your full email address)
- Enter your password twice to confirm
- Click OK
That’s it! Next time you restart, Windows will automatically log into Windows 11 using these credentials.
Method 2: Registry Editor Method (Advanced)
If netplwiz doesn’t show the checkbox option, use the Registry Editor. This method helps you autologon Windows 11 when other methods fail.
Step 1: Fix the Missing Checkbox
- Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter
- Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\PasswordLess\Device
- Double-click DevicePasswordLessBuildVersion
- Change the value from 2 to 0
- Click OK and close Registry Editor
Step 2: Set Up Auto Login in Registry
- In Registry Editor, go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
- Create or modify these values:
- AutoAdminLogon – Set to 1
- DefaultUserName – Enter your username
- DefaultPassword – Enter your password
- DefaultDomainName – Enter your computer name (for local accounts) or leave blank for Microsoft accounts
- Restart your computer
Method 3: Using a Local Account (Most Secure)
Creating a local account without a password is another way to open Windows 11 without a password:
Step 1: Create a Local Account
- Go to Settings → Accounts → Other users
- Click “Add account”
- Select “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information”
- Choose “Add a user without a Microsoft account”
- Enter a username but leave the password fields blank
- Click Next
Step 2: Switch to the Local Account
- Sign out of your current account
- Sign in to the new local account
- It won’t ask for a password since you didn’t set one
Step 3: Set as Default Account
To make this account automatically sign in:
- Go to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options
- Under “If you’ve been away, when should Windows require you to sign in again?”
- Select Never
Troubleshooting Common Issues
“Users must enter a user name and password” checkbox missing
This is the most common problem. The fix:
- Make sure you disabled Windows Hello sign-in requirement first
- Use the Registry Editor method to change DevicePasswordLessBuildVersion to 0
- Try running control userpasswords2 instead of netplwiz
Still asking for password after setup
Check these things:
- Correct username format – Microsoft accounts need the full email address
- Password accuracy – Even one wrong character breaks auto login
- Windows Hello interference – Remove all PINs and biometric sign-ins
- Recent Windows updates – Sometimes updates reset these settings
Multiple user accounts showing up
If you see “Other user” at login:
- You may have changed your computer name recently
- Duplicate accounts were created during setup
- Solution: Re-run netplwiz and set up auto login again
Auto login stops working after updates
Windows updates sometimes reset security settings. Simply repeat your preferred method above to fix it.
Security Considerations
Before you boot Windows 11 without password, understand these risks:
When It’s Safe:
- Personal desktop at home
- Single-user computers
- Systems in physically secure locations
- Media or gaming PCs
When You Should NOT Use Auto Login:
- Laptops that travel with you
- Work computers
- Shared family computers
- Any PC with sensitive data
Alternative Security Options:
Instead of removing passwords completely, consider these safer alternatives:
- Windows Hello Face Recognition – Quick and secure
- Windows Hello Fingerprint – Fast biometric login
- PIN instead of password – Shorter but still secure
- Picture password – Visual and fun
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not disabling Windows Hello first – This blocks netplwiz from working
- Using an incorrect username format – Microsoft accounts need full email
- Forgetting to apply changes – Always click Apply before OK
- Not restarting after setup – Changes only work after restart
- Keeping sensitive data on auto-login PCs – Move important files elsewhere
Pro Tips for Auto Login
Tip 1: Bypass Auto Login When Needed
Hold the Shift key while Windows starts to bypass automatic login once. This lets you sign in as a different user without changing settings.
Tip 2: Use Microsoft’s Official Tool
Microsoft offers a tool called Autologon from their Sysinternals suite. It’s safer than manual registry edits and stores passwords more securely.
Tip 3: Create a Dedicated Auto-Login Account
Make a separate local account just for automatic login. Keep your main account password-protected for when you need security.
Tip 4: Schedule Important Tasks
Since your PC logs in automatically, use Task Scheduler to start important programs right after login. Perfect for home servers or media centers.
After Waking from Sleep
Want to skip the password after your computer wakes up too? Here’s how:
- Go to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options
- Find “If you’ve been away, when should Windows require you to sign in again?”
- Choose Never from the dropdown
This works separately from startup login, so you can have automatic startup but still require passwords after sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use automatic login with a Microsoft account?
Yes! The netplwiz method works perfectly with Microsoft accounts. Just remember to use your full email address as the username when setting it up.
Is there a way to temporarily disable auto login without removing it?
Absolutely. Hold the Shift key immediately after starting Windows. This bypasses automatic login for that session only, letting you sign in as a different user.
Why does Windows 11 show “Other User” after enabling auto login?
This usually happens after changing your computer name or after certain Windows updates. The stored login credentials no longer match. Simply run netplwiz again and re-enter your information to fix it.
Will automatic login work after major Windows updates?
Major updates sometimes reset security settings, including automatic login. If your PC starts asking for a password again after an update, just repeat the setup process. Your previous settings aren’t lost – they’re just disabled.
Can I set different accounts to auto login at different times?
Windows only supports one automatic login account at a time. However, you can use Task Scheduler to switch between accounts automatically for specific tasks or times.
Is automatic login less secure than using Windows Hello?
Yes, automatic login provides no security barrier at all. Windows Hello (face, fingerprint, or PIN) offers quick access while maintaining security. Consider Windows Hello if you want both convenience and protection.
What happens to my files if I switch to a local account?
Your files stay safe when switching accounts. However, you’ll lose access to OneDrive sync and Microsoft Store purchases tied to your Microsoft account. Consider copying important files before switching.
Conclusion
Setting up Windows 11 log on without password is simple when you know the right methods. Whether you choose Netplwiz, registry editing, or a local account, you can have your PC ready to use instantly after starting up.
Remember, convenience comes with security trade-offs. Use automatic login only on secure, personal computers where unauthorized access isn’t a concern. For laptops or shared computers, stick with Windows Hello or traditional passwords.