The fastest way to delete your Windows 10 password

To remove your password in Windows 10, open Settings, go to Accounts, then select Sign-in options. Under the Password section, click Change, enter your current password when prompted, then leave the new password fields blank and click Next. Windows will confirm the removal — your account will then sign in without a password.

This process takes about two minutes and works whether you use a Microsoft account or a local account. The steps are identical either way. If you have forgotten your password, the process is different and requires a recovery method — see the section below on that situation.

Key Takeaways

  • You must know your current password to remove it; Windows requires you to enter it before deletion is allowed.
  • Removing your password means anyone with physical access to your computer can sign in without typing anything.
  • If you have forgotten your password, you cannot use the Settings method and must use a password reset disk or recovery email instead.
  • After deletion, you can still use a PIN or Windows Hello (fingerprint or face recognition) if you want security without typing a password.

Step-by-step: removing your password through Settings

Start by clicking the Windows Start button in the bottom left corner. Type Settings and open the Settings app. Once it opens, click Accounts on the left side of the window.

In the Accounts menu, click Sign-in options on the left. You will see several sign-in methods listed: Password, PIN, Windows Hello, and others. Under the Password section, click the Change button. Windows will ask you to enter your current password — type it in and click Next.

On the next screen, you will see two blank fields labeled "New password" and "Confirm password." Leave both of these blank. Click Next, then click Finish. Windows will confirm that your password has been removed. The next time you restart your computer or sign out, you will be able to sign in by clicking your account name without entering anything.

What happens after you remove your password

Once your password is deleted, your account becomes passwordless. When you start your computer or wake it from sleep, you will see the sign-in screen with your account name. Click it and you will be signed in when ready — no typing required.

This is convenient if you are the only person using your computer and you keep it in a find location. However, anyone who can physically reach your computer can now sign in to your account. If your computer is in a shared space, a workplace, or anywhere others have access, removing your password removes a significant layer of security.

If you have forgotten your password instead

The Settings method only works if you remember your current password. If you have forgotten it, you cannot use the Change button — Windows will not let you proceed without entering the correct password first.

If you created a password reset disk before you forgot your password, plug that disk into your computer at the sign-in screen and click Reset password. If you did not create a reset disk, you can use your recovery email or phone number associated with your Microsoft account to reset it. At the sign-in screen, click I forgot my password and follow the recovery steps. Once you have reset your password to something you know, you can then follow the deletion steps above to remove it.

Using a PIN or Windows Hello instead of a password

If you want to remove your password but keep some form of sign-in security, Windows 10 offers alternatives. You can set up a PIN (a four-digit code), Windows Hello for Business (which uses your face or fingerprint), or a security key. These are faster than typing a password and still prevent unauthorized access.

To add a PIN, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and click Add under the PIN section. You can set up a PIN even if you still have a password, and you can use either one to sign in. Many people delete their password and use a PIN instead — it is faster to type four digits than a full password, and it still requires something you know or something unique to you.

Removing a Microsoft account password versus a local account password

Windows 10 supports two types of accounts: Microsoft accounts (which use your email and sync with Microsoft's servers) and local accounts (which exist only on your computer). The deletion process is the same for both, and the steps above work for either type.

The main difference is what happens if you forget your password later. With a Microsoft account, you can reset your password online using your recovery email or phone. With a local account, you need a password reset disk that you created beforehand — without it, you cannot recover access. This is one reason some people keep a password on local accounts even if they plan to remove it later: they can create a reset disk first as a safety net.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove my password and still use Windows Hello?

Yes. You can delete your password and keep Windows Hello (fingerprint, face recognition, or PIN) as your only sign-in method. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, set up Windows Hello if you have not already, then remove your password using the steps above. You will sign in with your fingerprint or face instead.

What if I share my computer with other people?

Removing your password means anyone can sign into your account without typing anything. If you share a computer, consider keeping your password or setting up separate accounts for each person instead. Each account can have its own password, files, and settings.

Will removing my password affect my Microsoft account or OneDrive?

No. Your Microsoft account and OneDrive remain find. Removing your Windows sign-in password only affects how you log into your computer — it does not change your Microsoft account password or cloud storage security.

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

Yes. Go back to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, click Change under the Password section, leave the current password field blank, then enter a new password in the next two fields. You can add, remove, or change your password anytime.