Windows wants a password at startup since latest update

[danlightbulb]

Since I installed latest Windows 11 update, it has started asking for a password when my PC is switched on. I never had this setup before, and under user management the option to require a password is still disabled. Anyone know how I can get rid of this?

Thanks

 

[danlightbulb]

Any ideas on this one please? I've looked through all the settings screens and can't see what option might be causing this.

 

[Mujja]

Do you mean at computer startup or Windows logon?

We you using a local account without a password and now being forced to login with a Microsoft account with a password? Check your account settings to see what's changed after the update.

You may still be able to auto logon using the steps below, but I would setup a PIN instead if the password is too complex. Or is this a HTPC or shared or shared computer?

For logon check the settings in Registry at HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

AutoAdminLogon = 1
DefaultUserName =
DefaultPassword = (You may need to create this)

Another tool I used in combination with the above Registry settings is "netplwiz", sometimes the user setting to use a password is enabled, you need to uncheck this.

 

[Orcvader]

If you're running the Pro version of Windows, you can also use Group Policy to disable it. Will be found under Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Account Policies -> Password Policy. Set max password age to 0 so the password never expires, even if you set it to blank.

 

[Mujja]

If you're running the Pro version of Windows, you can also use Group Policy to disable it. Will be found under Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Account Policies -> Password Policy. Set max password age to 0 so the password never expires, even if you set it to blank.

This won't change the password at logon setting. Same thing can be accomplished from Computer Management and user properties

 

[danlightbulb]

Do you mean at computer startup or Windows logon?

At windows logon.

I don't want to enter password or pin, somehow managed to disable it before but after this update it's back. Initially it wanted the pin which I'd forgot, and I managed to get round that but now it's password.

 

[LostCorpse]

MS is very insistant on MS account usage in windows 11

 

[bobuk]

I get asked for a pin on windows 11 start up.

 

[R3X]

Yeah its very annoying, I prefer a passwordless windows login since you just want it to boot straight into desktop its just one more headache to watch software load and get started.

I use Windows 11 Pro latest build iso.

Any work arounds that work?

 

[Django x2]

I get asked for a pin on windows 11 start up.

because you set a PIN when it asked you if you want to set a PIN. That's why

 

[13oots2]

I used a little programme called Autologon, works a treat https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/autologon

 

[Sinbad2000]

Yeah its very annoying, I prefer a passwordless windows login since you just want it to boot straight into desktop its just one more headache to watch software load and get started.

I use Windows 11 Pro latest build iso.

Any work arounds that work?

Windows Hello with a compatible webcam

 

[opethdisciple]

Microsoft have a very bad habit of linking your windows login to your outlook account.

Try your outlook password if you have one.

 

[danlightbulb]

For logon check the settings in Registry at HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

AutoAdminLogon = 1
DefaultUserName =
DefaultPassword = (You may need to create this)

Thanks that has worked.