The fastest way depends on whether you remember your password

If you remember your current password, you can remove it through your computer's settings in about five minutes. If you do not remember it, the process is longer and depends on whether you set up a recovery email or phone number when you created the account. Windows and Mac handle password removal differently, so the steps below are split by operating system.

The reason this matters: a password protects your files and accounts from anyone with physical access to your computer. Removing it means anyone who sits down at your machine can see everything on it. Make sure you actually want to do this before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 10 or 11, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and select "Password," then choose "Remove" to delete your password without entering a new one.
  • On a Mac, open System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions, then go to the Users & Groups pane and change your password settings there.
  • If you forgot your password on Windows, you can reset it using a recovery email or phone number you set up earlier, or use a password reset disk if you created one.
  • On a Mac, you can reset a forgotten password using your Apple ID, a recovery key, or by booting into Recovery Mode if you have administrator access.
  • Removing your password entirely means anyone with access to your computer can view your files, so only do this if you live alone or trust everyone who uses the machine.

Remove a password on Windows 10 or 11 (if you remember it)

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Click on "Accounts" in the left sidebar. Select "Sign-in options" from the menu that appears.

Under the "Password" section, you will see a button that says "Change." Click it. Windows will ask you to enter your current password to confirm you are the account owner. Type it in and click "Next." On the next screen, leave both the "New password" and "Confirm password" fields blank, then click "Next" and then "Finish." Your password is now removed, and you will not need to enter one the next time you start your computer.

Remove a password on Mac (if you remember it)

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings." Click "General" in the sidebar, then scroll down and click "Login Items & Extensions." At the bottom of the window, click the lock icon and enter your password to unlock the settings.

Look for the "Users & Groups" option (on older Macs, this is in System Preferences instead of System Settings). Select your user account from the list on the left. Click the lock icon again if needed, then click "Change Password." Leave the new password field blank and click "Change Password" to confirm. Your Mac will no longer ask for a password at startup.

Reset a forgotten Windows password using recovery email or phone

If you cannot remember your password, go to the Windows sign-in screen and click "I forgot my password." Windows will ask you to enter the email address or phone number you used when you set up your account. Enter it and click "Next."

Microsoft will send a code to that email or phone number. Check your email or text messages, copy the code, and enter it on the next screen. Click "Next." You will then be asked to create a new password. Leave both fields blank if you want no password, or enter a new one if you prefer. Click "Next" and then "Finish." You can now sign in without a password, or with the new password you created.

Reset a forgotten Windows password using a password reset disk

If you created a password reset disk before you forgot your password, you can use it to remove or change your password. Insert the disk into your computer. At the Windows sign-in screen, click "Reset password." Windows will walk you through a wizard that reads the disk and lets you create a new password or remove the password entirely.

If you do not have a reset disk and cannot access your recovery email or phone, you will need to contact Microsoft support or use a local account instead of a Microsoft account. A local account does not sync with Microsoft's servers, so the recovery process is different and more limited.

Reset a forgotten Mac password using your Apple ID

At the Mac login screen, click "Forgot password?" below the password field. Enter your Apple ID email address and click the right arrow. Apple will send a verification code to your Apple ID email or phone number. Enter the code, then create a new password or leave the field blank to remove the password entirely.

If you do not remember your Apple ID password, you can reset that through Apple's website before you attempt to reset your Mac password. Go to iforgot.apple.com, enter your Apple ID email, and follow the steps to reset it.

Reset a forgotten Mac password using Recovery Mode

If you do not have access to your Apple ID or recovery email, you can boot your Mac into Recovery Mode. Shut down your Mac completely. Turn it back on and when ready hold down Command + R until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe. Your Mac will boot into Recovery Mode.

Click "Utilities" in the menu bar, then select "Terminal." Type resetpassword and press Enter. A password reset window will open. Select your user account from the dropdown, then enter a new password or leave it blank. Click "Save" and restart your Mac. You can now sign in with the new password or without one.

What to do if you cannot access your recovery options

On Windows, if you do not have a recovery email, phone number, or password reset disk, you will need to create a new local account or contact Microsoft support. You cannot remove the password from your original account without one of these recovery methods. A local account is not connected to Microsoft's servers and does not sync your files across devices, but it lets you use your computer without a password.

On Mac, if you cannot access your Apple ID and did not set up a recovery key, your options are limited. You can try booting into Recovery Mode and using Terminal, but if that does not work, you may need to erase your Mac and reinstall the operating system, which will delete all your files. Contact Apple Support before you attempt this, as they may have other options depending on your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove my password without knowing the current one?

On Windows, yes, if you set up a recovery email or phone number. On Mac, yes, if you remember your Apple ID password or set up a recovery key. If you have neither, you cannot remove the password without erasing your computer and starting over.

Will removing my password affect my files or programs?

No. Removing your password only changes how you sign in. All your files, programs, and settings stay exactly as they are. The only difference is that anyone with access to your computer can now see everything on it.

Can I remove the password but keep other security features?

On Windows, you can use Windows Hello (facial recognition or fingerprint) instead of a password for faster sign-in while keeping some security. On Mac, you can use Touch ID if your Mac has it. Both let you skip typing a password while still protecting your account.

What if I share my computer with other people?

If multiple people use the same computer, each person should have their own user account with their own password. You can remove the password from your account without affecting other accounts. Go to Settings > Accounts and make sure you are only changing your own account, not anyone else's.

How do I turn the password back on after removing it?

On Windows, go back to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password and click "Add." On Mac, go to System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions and set a new password. Both processes take about two minutes.