The three ways to delete your Windows 10 password

You can remove your Windows 10 password through Settings, Control Panel, or by resetting it if you have forgotten it. The fastest route depends on whether you remember your current password and what type of account you use — local or Microsoft.

A local account is one you created directly on your computer with a username and password stored only on that device. A Microsoft account is linked to your email address and syncs across devices. Local accounts are simpler to modify because you control them entirely on your computer. Microsoft accounts require you to change the password through Microsoft's website or through Settings, which then updates across all your devices.

If you remember your password, the Settings method takes about two minutes. If you have forgotten it, you will need to use a password reset disk (if you created one earlier) or answer security questions you set up when you created the account.

Key Takeaways

  • Local accounts can be stripped of passwords through Settings or Control Panel without needing to know your current password.
  • Microsoft accounts require you to change the password through your Microsoft account online, which then removes it from Windows 10.
  • If you have forgotten your password and did not create a reset disk, you will need to answer security questions or use another administrator account on the computer.
  • Removing your password means anyone with physical access to your computer can log in without entering anything.

Remove a password from a local account using Settings

Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I. Go to Accounts, then select Sign-in options from the left menu. Under Password, click Change. Enter your current password when prompted and click Next. Leave the new password field blank and click Next again, then Finish. Windows will confirm that your password has been removed.

This method works only if you remember your current password. If the Change button is greyed out, you are using a Microsoft account, not a local account, and you will need to use the Microsoft account method instead.

Remove a password from a local account using Control Panel

Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Type netplwiz and press Enter. A window titled User Accounts will open. Select your account name from the list and uncheck the box that says "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer." Click explore, then OK.

Windows will ask you to confirm your current password once more. Enter it and click OK. The next time you restart your computer, you will be able to log in without entering a password. This method is faster than Settings if you know your password and prefer the older interface.

Remove a password from a Microsoft account

Go to account.microsoft.com in your web browser and sign in with your email address and current password. Click Security in the left menu, then select Password. Click Change password. Enter your current password, leave the new password field blank, and click Next. Microsoft will send a verification code to your backup email or phone number. Enter that code and click Next, then Finish.

After you change your Microsoft account password online, Windows 10 will update within a few hours. The next time you restart, you will not need to enter a password. If you use this account on multiple devices, removing the password will affect all of them.

Reset a forgotten password using a password reset disk

If you created a password reset disk before you forgot your password, insert it into your computer. On the Windows login screen, enter any password and click Sign in. Windows will tell you the password is incorrect. Click OK, then click Reset password. Follow the wizard, which will guide you through creating a new password using the reset disk. You can leave the new password blank to remove the password entirely.

Password reset disks are created in advance and stored on a USB drive or floppy disk. If you did not create one before forgetting your password, you cannot use this method. You will instead need to answer security questions or use another administrator account on the computer.

Reset a forgotten password using security questions

On the Windows login screen, enter any password and click Sign in. When Windows tells you the password is wrong, click OK. Look for a link that says "I forgot my password" or "Reset password." Click it and answer the security questions you set up when you created your account. If you answer correctly, Windows will let you create a new password. Leave the new password field blank to remove the password entirely.

This method works only if you remember the answers to your security questions. If you do not, you will need to use a password reset disk or sign in from another administrator account on the computer and reset the password from there.

Reset a password from another administrator account

If another person on your computer has an administrator account and you have forgotten your password, they can reset it for you. That person should go to Settings, select Accounts, then Family & other users. Click your account name, then click Change account type and select Administrator if it is not already selected. Click OK. Then go back to Family & other users, click your account name again, and select Change account options. Click Reset password. They can leave the new password blank and click Finish.

This method requires that someone else on your computer has administrator rights. If you are the only person with an account on the computer and you have forgotten your password, you will need to use a password reset disk or contact Microsoft support for further options.

What happens after you remove your password

Once you remove your password, anyone with physical access to your computer can turn it on and log into your account without entering anything. Your files, email, and programs will be when ready accessible. This is convenient if you live alone or in a find environment, but it means your data is not protected from people in your home or office.

You can add a password back at any time using the same Settings or Control Panel methods. You can also use Windows Hello (facial recognition or fingerprint) as an alternative to a password, which provides security without typing. Go to Settings, Accounts, Sign-in options, and select Windows Hello Face or Windows Hello Fingerprint to set it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove my password if I do not remember it?

Yes, if you created a password reset disk before you forgot it, or if you remember the answers to your security questions. If you have neither, you will need another administrator account on the computer to reset your password, or you can contact Microsoft support for additional recovery options.

Will removing my password affect other people's accounts on this computer?

No. Each account on your computer is separate. Removing your password affects only your account. Other people's passwords remain unchanged, and they will still need to enter theirs to log in.

What is the difference between a local account and a Microsoft account?

A local account exists only on your computer and is managed through Windows Settings. A Microsoft account is linked to your email and syncs across devices. Local accounts are easier to modify because you control them entirely on your computer without needing to go online.

Can I use Windows Hello instead of a password?

Yes. Windows Hello lets you sign in with your face or fingerprint instead of typing a password. Go to Settings, Accounts, Sign-in options, and select Windows Hello Face or Windows Hello Fingerprint. You can use Windows Hello alongside a password or as a replacement for it.

If I remove my password, can I add one back later?

Yes. Use the same Settings or Control Panel method you used to remove it. Go to Settings, Accounts, Sign-in options, and click Change under Password. Enter a new password and click Next to add one back to your account.