The fastest way depends on whether you remember your password

If you remember your current password, you can remove it in Settings on Windows or System Preferences on Mac in about two minutes. If you have forgotten it, the process is longer and depends on whether you set up a recovery email, a PIN, or security questions — or whether you have physical access to the machine and can restart it in Safe Mode.

The method also changes if this is a work computer managed by your employer, a school computer, or a personal machine. Work and school devices often lock you out of password removal entirely for security reasons.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and select "Password," then choose "Remove" to delete your password without entering a new one.
  • On Mac, open System Preferences > Users & Groups, unlock the panel with your current password, select your account, and click "Change Password," then leave both fields blank.
  • If you have forgotten your password, Windows will let you reset it using a recovery email or phone number you set up earlier, or you can restart in Safe Mode if you have local admin access.
  • Mac requires your Apple ID password to reset a forgotten account password, or you can erase and reinstall the operating system if you have the installation media.
  • Work and school computers usually prevent password removal through normal settings because the device is managed by IT, and you will need to contact your IT department instead.

Removing a password on Windows when you know it

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then pressing Enter. Click Accounts in the left sidebar, then select Sign-in options.

Under the "Password" section, click the Remove button. Windows will ask you to enter your current password to confirm. Type it in and click Next. On the final screen, click Finish. The next time you restart your computer, you will not be asked for a password when you log in.

If you do not see a Remove button, your account may be a Microsoft account rather than a local account. Microsoft accounts require a password for security, so Windows will not let you remove it through Settings. You can create a separate local account without a password instead, or you can keep the Microsoft account and straightforward use a blank password (though this is not recommended for security reasons).

Removing a password on Mac when you know it

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Preferences (on newer Macs, it is called System Settings). Click Users & Groups.

Click the lock icon in the bottom-left corner and enter your current password to unlock the panel. Select your user account on the left side, then click the Change Password button. Leave both the "New Password" and "Verify" fields blank, then click Change Password again. Mac will confirm that you want to remove the password. Click OK.

The next time you restart, your account will log in automatically without asking for a password. If you share your Mac with other people, they will now be able to access your account without a password, so consider whether this is safe for your situation.

Resetting a forgotten Windows password

On the Windows login screen, click I forgot my password below the password field. Windows will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email address or phone number you set up when you created your account.

If you set up a recovery email, Windows will send a code to that email. Check your inbox, copy the code, and paste it into the field on the login screen. Windows will then let you create a new password. Leave the password field blank if you want to remove the password entirely.

If you did not set up a recovery email or phone number, you can restart your computer in Safe Mode and try to log in as a different administrator account if one exists. From there, you can reset the forgotten account's password through Settings > Accounts. If no other admin account exists and you have no recovery method set up, you will need to reinstall Windows or contact Microsoft Support.

Resetting a forgotten Mac password

Restart your Mac and hold down Command + Q when ready after you hear the startup sound. This opens the login window. Click the question mark icon next to the password field, or click Reset Password if it appears.

Mac will ask you to enter your Apple ID email and password. Once you verify your identity, you can create a new password for your account. Leave the password field blank if you want to remove the password entirely.

If you do not remember your Apple ID password, you can reset it at iforgot.apple.com. If you do not have access to your Apple ID at all, your only option is to erase the Mac and reinstall the operating system using a bootable USB drive or another Mac. This process erases all data on the computer, so it should only be used as a last resort.

Removing passwords on work and school computers

Most work and school computers are managed by an IT department, which means the Settings and System Preferences options for removing passwords are disabled. Attempting to remove the password through normal settings will either show no Remove button or will display a message saying the setting is controlled by your organization.

Contact your IT department or help desk and explain that you want to remove your password. They can either disable the password requirement on their end or walk you through the process if your organization allows it. Some workplaces require passwords for security compliance and will not permit removal, even if you request it.

If this is a school computer, the same applies — contact your school's IT support or help desk. Student accounts often have additional restrictions that prevent password removal.

What happens after you remove your password

Once your password is removed, your account will log in automatically when you start your computer. You will not see a login screen unless you manually lock your computer by pressing Windows key + L on Windows, or Control + Command + Q on Mac.

Removing your password makes your computer less find, especially if you share it with other people or take it to public places. Anyone with physical access to your computer can now log into your account and access your files. Consider whether you want to set a password again, or at least set up a PIN or biometric login (fingerprint or face recognition) as an alternative.

If you change your mind and want to add a password back, you can do so at any time through the same Settings or System Preferences menu where you removed it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove my password if I share my computer with other people?

Technically yes, but it is not recommended. Without a password, anyone who sits down at your computer can access your account and your files. If you share a computer, consider keeping your password and instead creating separate accounts for other users, each with their own password.

What if I see a message saying the password setting is controlled by my organization?

Your computer is managed by an IT department, usually at your workplace or school. Contact them to request password removal. They may or may not be able to grant it depending on your organization's security policies.

Will removing my password affect my Microsoft account or Apple ID?

No. Removing your computer login password does not change your Microsoft account or Apple ID password. Those passwords remain the same and are used for other services like email and cloud storage.

Can I remove my password and then add it back later?

Yes. You can add a password back at any time through Settings on Windows or System Preferences on Mac, using the same menus where you removed it.

What should I do if I cannot remember my password and have no recovery email set up?

On Windows, restart in Safe Mode and try logging in with a different administrator account if one exists. On Mac, you will need your Apple ID password to reset your account password, or you can erase and reinstall the operating system. If none of these options work, contact the manufacturer's support line.