On Windows 10, using a password to sign in to your account is one of many security features that the operating system provides to keep the account and files secure from unauthorized access.
Although it is always recommended to use a password on an account, it can be a tedious process having to enter a long and complex password every time Windows 10 starts. However, if you are the only person who uses the device or are in a secured physical location, you configure the system to automatically sign in to your account, skipping the Lock screen.
In this guide, you will learn the steps to automatically sign in to Windows 10 using a local or Microsoft account.
Configure automatic sign-in on Windows 10
To configure Windows 10 to sign in automatically, use these steps:
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Open Start on Windows 10.
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Search for netplwiz and click the top result to open the legacy User Accounts settings.
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Click the Users tab.
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Uncheck the User must enter a user name and password to use this computer option.
Windows 10 User Accounts (netplwiz) -
Click the Apply button.
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Confirm your Microsoft account (email address) or local account information.
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Click the OK button.
User account information -
Click the OK button again.
- Restart the computer
Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 should automatically sign you into your account, bypassing the Lock screen.
It’s worth pointing out that there are security risks involved in setting up Windows 10 to log you on automatically. Usually, it would be best if you only did this on a device that does not store sensitive data or on a computer that you are using in a secured location, and you know no one will have physical access to it.
Finally, this is not recommended for devices with multiple accounts because the nature of automatic logon works best in a single account scenario.
You can always revert the changes by following the same steps, but on step 3, remember to check the User must enter a user name and password to use this computer option.
Alternatively, remember that you can use Windows Hello to get faster and secure access to your device using facial recognition or fingerprint scanners.
If your computer does not include hardware to support Windows Hello, you can try adding an external peripheral, such as the VeriMark fingerprint reader from Kensington or BRIO 4K webcam with facial recognition technology from Logitech:
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He's also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, 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+ & Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, and LinkedIn.