You can make your Microsoft Windows 10 computer automatically login and bypass the login prompt whenever you start your computer by following this tutorial.
Note: These steps cannot be performed on a computer that is joined to a domain. These steps will not work on domain computers.
- Hold the Windows Key and press “R” to bring up the Run dialog box.
- Type “control userpasswords2” without quotes, then select “OK“.
- The “User Accounts” box appears. Uncheck the “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer.” box. Select “OK” when you’re done.
- You will be prompted to enter the username and password for the account you wish to use automatically when Windows starts. Type the User name and password in both the “Password” and “Confirm Password” fields, then select “OK“.
Now the next time you start your Windows 10 computer, it will automatically login using the selected account.
If you ever want to enable the login prompt again, simply go back to the “User Accounts” screen using step 1 and 2, and check the “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer.” box.
SteveC says
Just to clarify Toby’s hilarious but highly informative solution below:-
Once you have finished laughing at step 1, proceed to Step 2, and once RegEdit is up, browse to:- (the slashes help a lot!!)
\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\PasswordLess\Device\
right-click [DevicePasswordLessBuildVersion]
and select [Modify..] then change [Value Data] to 0 {zero!}
I really have no idea why Microsoft insist on shooting themselves in the foot this way! If they really don’t want every Tom, Dick & Harry messing around in their Registry, why do they insist on making simple personalization tweaks like these, more and more impossible to do without resorting to Registry hacks??? You can be sure, in spite of all the many folks with desktops in secure locations, who would rather not be bothered with unnecessary logins, and the many more PCs used as IoT controllers that need to Auto-Boot after a power-failure, once this hack becomes widely known, Microsoft will nevertheless also spirit-away this Registry-entry and bury it even deeper…..
Ken says
Thanks, it works!
Maurus says
@Toby Snooker
Thank you. You not only boosted my endorphine levels with your very witty answer, you solved my problem.
Cheers.
Terry Harper says
The latest update of Windows 10 has removed the “User must enter….” option. You can no longer login to a new laptop or computer automatically. It will continue to work if you already have it set up on an old laptop.
Toby Snooker says
Hi, I’m pretty new to the Windows scene but I’ve managed to find a good workaround to this problem.
There are two options for this:
1)You can go to the Windows Store and search for “companion necklace”. It’s just like an app but after you’ve ordered it they will send you a physical necklace to the address registered to your Microsoft account.
The necklace has a Windows button on the medallion. All you do is when you turn on your computer and get to the login prompt, press the button on the necklace. This will connect you via a (free) IP phone call to a Microsoft rep who will log you in to your computer, so you don’t have to type in anything.
Each time you use this method to login you will receive one Microsoft Utilisation Service Star (MUSS). These stars can be collected and used for future discounts from eligible products on the MUSS user store.
You can also use MUSS to evolve the default Windows 10 pet up to level 5 with a tricanium sword or upgrade to the much faster ‘bone-dry’ Windows 10 installation that doesn’t have a GUI or drivers.
Personally I waited for a while and used 500 points to upgrade to the ‘morning glory’ edition that starts up very quickly and with everything running before entering S2 sleep mode.
2) Press the windows key and ‘R’ at the same time.
Type ‘regedit’ and hit enter (registry editor will open).
Use the tree on the left pane of the registry editor to navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionPasswordLessDevice
On the right side pane, double click DevicePasswordLessBuildVersion DWORD
Change the decimal value to 0
Close Registry Editor
Restart your PC
Press the windows key and ‘R’ at the same time.
Type ‘control userpasswords2’ and hit enter
Ensure auto-login user is selected
UNCHECK the option “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer”
Click ‘Apply’
Enter password a couple of times
Restart PC with no password prompt and auto-login
Morgan says
I am trying to pick up my e mails without having to use a password. how do I do it
jelabarre59 says
Would like to set the system with a *timed* autologin (set a default account to log into after a set period of time, but allow for me to login with my administrative account before the autologin proceeds). I have been able to do this on Linux for MANY years already.
Denang marak says
Login log out facebook
Blake says
quick tip, if your trying to switch accounts, you have to check the Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer box to switch, then uncheck it once your done
sammy says
the computer at work is not letting met do this
Peter says
Doesn’t work if you PC is in a domain.