If you have a PC that never leaves your house there’s a good chance you just want to turn it on and let it load into Windows. Although this was once an easy process, Microsoft has been making strides to slowly remove this feature, making it harder and harder with each update. Thankfully, it’s still currently an option (just) so follow along as we guide you through the steps.
Related: How to force programs to open as Administrator on Windows 11.
Most people who use a desktop PC at home generally just want their Windows PC to boot straight to the desktop and load whatever it needs to load without having to wait for and type a password. On Windows 10 this was relatively easy to enable, however, the process has changed a little for Windows 11 so follow along as we guide you through the process.
When you sign in to Windows 11 with a Microsoft Account, the operating system forces you to use your password or a PIN code and doesn’t really offer you the option to go without. Even though it is technically possible just not advised. Logically this makes sense for mobile devices but it’s not ideal for desktops.
How to disable Windows Hello on Windows 11.
To begin, you need to disable Windows Hello, once it has been turned off it will be possible to force Windows 11 to sign in automatically.
- Press Windows Key + I to open Windows Settings.
- Next, go to Accounts > Sign-in Options.
- Here Disable the For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft Accounts on this device (Recommended) option.
- Select Never from the "If you've been away, when should Windows require you to sign in again" drop-down list.
- Now, click your current sign-in method in the Ways to sign-in list, then click Remove.
- Finally, confirm your identity using the details linked to your Microsoft Account.
Now that Windows Hello is disabled, you can configure Windows 11 to sign in automatically using the steps shown below.
How do you enable automatic sign-in on Windows 11? Skip lock screen sign-in on Windows 11.
- To begin, open the Start menu and search netplwiz. When you find it, open it then stay on the user tab and untick the Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer checkbox.
- Next click Apply to confirm the change, then enter your email address and password to confirm your identity. (Your Microsoft account details) Finally, Restart your computer and the changes will take effect.
Again, if you have a portable device or a device that has sensitive data stored on it, you probably don’t want to enable automatic sign-in. Personally, I would only be using this sign-in system on a desktop PC at home.
How do you disable automatic Sign-in on Windows 11?
If you want to revert back to having to sign in to your Windows 11 account, you’ll need to do the following.
- To begin, open the Start menu and search netplwiz. When you find it, open it then stay on the user tab and tick the User must enter a user name and password to use this computer checkbox.
- Next click Apply to confirm the change, then enter your email address and password to confirm your identity. (Your Microsoft account details) Finally, Restart your computer and the changes will take effect.
After your system has restarted, you’ll be required to sign in to your account using your password again.
