The three ways to delete your Windows 10 password

You can remove your Windows 10 password through your account settings, through the Local Users and Groups tool, or by resetting it if you have forgotten it entirely. The method you choose depends on whether you remember your current password, whether you use a Microsoft account or a local account, and whether you have administrator rights on your machine.

If you use a Microsoft account (the kind linked to outlook.com or hotmail.com), you will need to change your password through Microsoft's website rather than through Windows itself. If you use a local account created directly on your computer, you can remove the password from within Windows. Each path takes about five to ten minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft accounts require you to change the password on Microsoft's website, not in Windows settings.
  • Local accounts can have their passwords removed through Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options if you remember the current password.
  • The Local Users and Groups tool (lusrmgr.msc) lets you remove a password without knowing the old one, but only works on Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions.
  • If you have forgotten your password entirely and use a Microsoft account, you will need to reset it through the "I forgot my password" link on the Windows sign-in screen.
  • Removing your password means anyone with physical access to your computer can sign in without entering anything.

Removing a password from a local account when you remember it

Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, or by clicking the Start button and typing "Settings". Click Accounts, then click Sign-in options on the left side of the window.

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 your identity. Type it in and click Next. On the next screen, leave both the "New password" and "Confirm password" fields blank, then click Next and Finish. Your password is now removed.

The next time you restart your computer, you will be able to sign in by clicking your account name without entering anything. This is the fastest method if you remember your password and use a local account.

Removing a password using Local Users and Groups

This method works only on Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education. It does not work on Windows 10 Home. If you are unsure which edition you have, press Windows key + Pause/Break, or right-click "This PC" and select Properties — the edition appears near the top of the window.

Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Type lusrmgr.msc and press Enter. A window titled "Local Users and Groups" will open. Click the folder labeled Users on the left. Your account name will appear in the list on the right.

Right-click your account name and select Set Password. A dialog will appear asking if you are sure — click Proceed. On the next screen, leave both password fields blank and click OK. Your password is now removed. This method works even if you have forgotten your current password, because it does not require you to enter the old one first.

Resetting a forgotten password on a Microsoft account

If you use a Microsoft account and have forgotten your password, you cannot remove it from Windows itself. Instead, you must reset it through Microsoft's website. At the Windows sign-in screen, click I forgot my password. Windows will direct you to account.microsoft.com/password/reset.

Microsoft will ask you to enter your email address or phone number associated with the account. You will then receive a code by email or text message. Enter that code, create a new password, and confirm it. Once you have reset your password through Microsoft's website, you can sign back into Windows with the new password.

If you do not have access to the email address or phone number on file, Microsoft offers other recovery options, including answering security questions you set up previously. These options appear after you enter your account email and click "Next".

What happens after you remove your password

Once your password is gone, your computer will no longer ask for one at sign-in. Anyone who can physically reach your computer can turn it on and access your files, email, and programs. This is a significant security trade-off.

If you share your computer with others or keep it in a public space, removing the password means you lose control over who can see your data. If your computer is stolen, a thief can access everything on it without any barrier. Consider whether the convenience of passwordless sign-in is worth this risk in your specific situation.

Adding the password back later

If you change your mind, you can add a password back at any time. Open Settings, go to Accounts > Sign-in options, and click Add under the Password section. Enter a new password twice and click Next, then Finish. You will be prompted to enter this password the next time you sign in.

You can also use the same methods described above to set a new password instead of leaving the fields blank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will removing my password affect my Microsoft account or cloud data?

No. Your Windows sign-in password and your Microsoft account password are separate. Removing the Windows password does not change your Microsoft account password or affect OneDrive, Outlook, or any cloud services. You will still need your Microsoft password to sign into those services from a web browser.

Can I remove the password on a Microsoft account directly in Windows?

No. Microsoft accounts are managed through Microsoft's website, not through Windows settings. If you want to remove the password requirement for a Microsoft account, you must change it on account.microsoft.com. However, Microsoft does not allow you to have a blank password on a Microsoft account — you must set a new one instead.

What if I do not remember my password and cannot use Local Users and Groups?

If you use Windows 10 Home and have forgotten your password, you must reset it through Microsoft's website using the "I forgot my password" link on the sign-in screen. You will need access to the email address or phone number associated with your account to receive a reset code.

Does removing my password affect Windows updates or security features?

Windows updates and security features like Windows Defender continue to work normally without a password. However, some security features like BitLocker (full-disk encryption) may be disabled or require reconfiguration if you remove your password, depending on your Windows edition and settings.

Can I set a password to only certain programs instead of the whole computer?

No. Windows passwords protect access to the entire computer at sign-in. You cannot remove the Windows password but keep passwords on individual programs. Some programs have their own password protection, but that is separate from your Windows sign-in.