Skip to main content

How to remove a login password on Windows 11

A padlock surrounded by keys.
weerapat/123RF

Your password is the first line of defense for your Windows 11 PC, as it protects your files and your important information from being accessed by unauthorized users. But there are some instances where you might want to remove a login password in Windows.

One such instance is when you’re sharing a PC with someone and don’t necessarily have anything that’s private on your system. Though we don’t recommend it, removing the password can also mean faster logins to your PC.

Recommended Videos

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

10 minutes

What You Need

  • A Windows PC running Windows 11

If you still feel like you don't need that layer of system security, here’s how you can remove your login password on Windows 11.

Windows Hello on HP Spectre x360 15.
Mark Coppock/Digital Trends / Digital Trends

Some notes

Before we get started, there are some important things we'd like you to bear in mind. If you’ve signed into your Windows 11 PC with a Microsoft account, then you can’t remove your login password or PIN very easily. This is for security reasons. You’ll always be forced to have some form of password with a Microsoft account. You only can remove login passwords on accounts created locally, or, as Microsoft puts it, with an “offline account.”

We do, however, suggest you consider buying a PC with Windows Hello built in, or set it up post-purchase if you can. These PCs can use an infrared webcam to scan your face, or use your fingerprint to sign you in to your PC. You also can buy external Windows Hello webcams and fingerprint readers, too.

This technically removes your login password or PIN, as you won’t ever have to type anything on the keyboard. It also helps keep your PC more secure, reducing the risk of someone guessing your password and getting in.

Removing the login password on Windows 11

If you’ve set up your Windows 11 PC with a local (offline) account, then you can follow our steps below on how you can remove the login password. Again, these steps do not work with a Microsoft account for security reasons.

Step 1: Select the Start Menu icon and then choose the Settings gear icon.

Step 2: In the Settings app, choose Accounts in the sidebar. Then select Sign-in options.

Step 3: Under Ways to sign in, select Password.

Step 4: Select the Change button under the Password category.

Step 5: Enter your current password and select Next.

Step 6: Leave everything else blank and select Finish.

Step 7: Close the Settings app. Your login password will now be removed.

Now that your password is removed, you’ll no longer have to enter it on the Windows 11 login screen. You should automatically be logged in once you start up your PC. Or, if you’re sharing your PC, you’ll just have to click on your profile icon to sign in.

Once again, though, it’s not safe to sign in to Windows 11 without a password. Others can get access to your files. And, if your account has administrator privileges, those with bad intent can also use your account to access other people’s files. It’s best practice to use a strong password, or Windows Hello. We have a guide that can help you choose a password manager that’s secure, too.

Arif Bacchus
Arif Bacchus is a native New Yorker and a fan of all things technology. Arif works as a freelance writer at Digital Trends…
Windows 11 is getting a lot of new features, here’s how to check if your PC qualifies
Copilot+ PC laptop.

In a Windows Insider blog post, Microsoft announces some exciting new features coming to Windows 11, including Reading Coach integration, improved Voice Access, and AI-enhanced Search. These upgrades are part of preview build 26120.3872 in the Beta channel. However, some upcoming features will only be available on Copilot+ PCs, a new category of AI-powered devices that run on Snapdragon (ARM-based) chips.

Beyond the features highlighted in this preview, more Copilot+ features are already on the horizon. For example, Microsoft recently confirmed that Recall, which raised privacy concerns, is coming to Windows 11 in build 26100.3902 (KB5055627), now available in the Release Preview Channel. That means it's just one step away from general release and likely to arrive soon on eligible Copilot+ devices.

Read more
The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is almost $400 off — down to $830
Microsoft Surface Pro 11 front view in tablet mode.

If you're thinking about buying a new device for the primary purpose of accessing Microsoft's Copilot, we can't recommend the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 enough. It's an even more tempting purchase right now because it's available from Walmart for just $830, for savings of $369 on its original price of $1,199. We're not entirely sure how much longer stock will be available, but since past Surface Pro deals expired pretty quickly, we recommend completing your transaction as soon as you can to make sure you don't miss out.

BUY AT WALMART

Read more
Copilot is Microsoft’s cue to redeem Windows and edge past macOS
The new Surface Laptop 13 on a white table.

There is always going to be a big divide between macOS and Windows. Much of it has to do with the functional disparities that are deeply ingrained at an OS-level. Or if you dive into the heated community debates, you will see it broadly as a battle between seamlessness and flexibility. 

Gaming remains the guiding star for Windows adherents. A handful of highly specialized niche industry tools also remain locked to the Microsoft platform. On the other hand, macOS fans swear by the fluid software, plenty of firepower options in the M-series silicon era, and fantastic hardware. 

Read more