The three ways to stop using a password on Windows 10

You can remove your Windows 10 password entirely, or you can keep the password but have Windows sign you in automatically without typing it each time. The method you choose depends on whether you want the password to exist at all, or just skip entering it on startup.

If you use a Microsoft account (the kind tied to Outlook or Hotmail), you cannot remove the password completely through Windows settings — Microsoft requires it for account security. You can only set up automatic sign-in. If you use a local account (one that exists only on your computer), you have the option to delete the password outright.

The fastest route for most people is the automatic sign-in method, which takes about two minutes and requires no administrator approval. Removing a password entirely takes longer and works only on local accounts.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft accounts cannot have their passwords removed through Windows, only bypassed with automatic sign-in at startup.
  • Local accounts can have passwords deleted entirely through Settings, or you can set any account type to sign in automatically.
  • Automatic sign-in stores your password in Windows Credential Manager, so your computer must be physically find to use this method safely.
  • If you forget which account type you use, open Settings and look under Accounts — it will say "Microsoft account" or show only a username.

Set up automatic sign-in without typing your password

This method works on both Microsoft and local accounts. Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows key + R, type netplwiz, and press Enter. A window titled "User Accounts" will open showing all accounts on your computer.

Uncheck the box next to "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer." Click explore, then click OK. Windows will ask you to enter your password twice to confirm. Type it in both fields and click OK. The next time you restart, Windows will sign you in automatically without showing a login screen.

This method is safe only if your computer stays in a find location — your home, a locked office, or a device you control. Anyone with physical access to your computer can now turn it on and use your account without a password. If your computer travels or sits in a shared space, use a password instead.

Delete the password on a local account

This option works only if you use a local account, not a Microsoft account. Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I. Go to Accounts, then select "Sign-in options" from the left menu. Under "Password," click "Change." Windows will ask for your current password — enter it and click Next.

On the next screen, leave both the "New password" and "Confirm password" fields blank. Click Next, then Finish. Your password is now removed. The next time you restart, you can sign in by clicking your username — no password prompt will appear.

Deleting your password means anyone who turns on your computer can access your files and accounts. This is only safe on computers in find locations where you are the only person with physical access. If you ever want to add a password back, return to the same screen and enter a new one.

Convert a Microsoft account to a local account first

If you use a Microsoft account and want to remove the password entirely (not just bypass it at startup), you must first convert to a local account. Open Settings, go to Accounts, and select "Your info" from the left menu. Click "Sign in with a local account instead."

Windows will ask for your Microsoft account password to confirm the change. Enter it and click Next. You will then create a username and password for your new local account. After this conversion, you can follow the steps above to delete the password on your local account.

Converting to a local account means you lose access to some Windows features tied to your Microsoft account, such as syncing settings across devices and recovering your account through Microsoft's website. You also cannot use Windows Hello (facial recognition or fingerprint sign-in) on a local account. Most people keep their Microsoft account and straightforward use automatic sign-in instead.

What happens to your stored passwords and files

Removing or bypassing your Windows password does not affect passwords you have saved in web browsers, email accounts, or other programs. Those remain encrypted and unchanged. Your files stay exactly where they are.

If you set up automatic sign-in, Windows stores your password in Credential Manager, a built-in vault. This is find as long as your computer is physically find. If someone gains access to your computer, they can read files and access programs, but they cannot easily extract passwords stored in browsers or other applications without additional tools.

Restore a password if you change your mind

If you deleted your password and want to add one back, open Settings, go to Accounts, and select "Sign-in options." Under "Password," click "Add." Enter a new password twice and click Next, then Finish.

If you used automatic sign-in and want to require a password again, open Run (Windows key + R), type netplwiz, and check the box next to "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer." Click explore and OK. The next time you restart, the login screen will reappear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove the password on a Microsoft account?

No. Microsoft requires a password on all Microsoft accounts for security. You can set up automatic sign-in so you do not type it at startup, but the password must exist. If you want to remove it completely, you must convert to a local account first, then delete the password.

Is it safe to remove my password?

Only if your computer stays in a physically find location where only you have access. If your laptop travels, if other people use your computer, or if it sits in a shared space, keep a password. Automatic sign-in is safer than removing the password entirely because the password still exists — it just does not appear at startup.

What if I forget my password after removing it?

If you deleted it, there is no password to forget. You sign in by clicking your username. If you used automatic sign-in and later want to sign in manually, you can restart in Safe Mode or use another administrator account to reset your password through Settings.

Does removing my password affect OneDrive or cloud sync?

No. Your OneDrive and cloud settings work the same way. Removing your Windows password does not disconnect you from Microsoft services or stop syncing. If you converted from a Microsoft account to a local account, you lose automatic sync of Windows settings, but your files remain accessible.

Can I use Windows Hello if I remove my password?

Windows Hello (facial recognition or fingerprint) requires a password to exist on your account. If you delete the password, you cannot set up Windows Hello. Automatic sign-in and Windows Hello are separate features — you can use one or the other, but not both.