How to securely use PC without password on Windows 10

Windows 10 version 2004 now includes a features to ditch passwords completely, and here's how to enable the feature.

Remove password and require only Windows Hello for sign-in option
Remove password and require only Windows Hello for sign-in option

Although Windows 10 already includes the ability to use biometric authentication to use your device without a password, starting with version 2004, Microsoft is going a step further to improve security adding a new feature to go completely passwordless on a device.

The feature is known as “MRequire Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft account,” and when is enabled, it will switch all the Microsoft accounts configured on you computer to the Windows Hello modern authentication.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to replace password with Windows Hello authentication on Windows 10 version 2004.

How to remove password authentication on Windows 10

To only allow Windows Hello and remove password authentication on Windows 10, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings on Windows 10.

  2. Click on Accounts.

  3. Click on Sign-in options.

  4. Turn on the Require Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft account toggle switch.

    Windows 10 Require Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts option
    Windows 10 Require Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts option

Once you complete the steps, those Microsoft accounts available on your device with switch to a modern authentication method using PIN, Fingerprint, or Windows Hello Face.

If you don’t have a fingerprint reader or Windows Hello camera, you can still go passwordless setting up a PIN on Windows 10.

This feature is available starting Windows 10 build 18936 part of the 20H1 update coming in 2020. If you don’t see the settings, you’re likely not running the version that supports this feature.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.