The fastest way to stop entering a password every time you start Windows 10

You can remove the password requirement at Windows 10 startup in about two minutes using the Credential Manager tool built into Windows. This works whether you use a Microsoft account or a local account, though the steps differ slightly. The process does not delete your password — it straightforward tells Windows to skip the login screen and boot straight to your desktop.

Removing the login password makes sense if you are the only person using your computer and you keep it in a find location. If other people have access to your device or you work with sensitive information, keeping the password is the safer choice.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 10 can boot directly to your desktop without asking for a password, using a tool called Credential Manager or the Run dialog.
  • The method you use depends on whether you have a Microsoft account or a local account, and both take fewer than five minutes.
  • Removing the login password does not delete it — you can turn the password back on at any time using the same steps in reverse.
  • If you have forgotten your password entirely, you will need to use a different recovery method, not the removal process described here.

Remove password login using Credential Manager

Credential Manager is the most direct route. Open it by pressing the Windows key and typing "credential manager" — the app appears in the search results. Click it to open the window.

Once Credential Manager is open, look for the section labeled "Windows Credentials" on the left side. Click it. You will see a list of saved credentials, and one of them should show your computer name followed by your username. Click the dropdown arrow next to it to expand the entry.

Click "Remove" at the bottom of the expanded section. Windows will ask you to confirm — click "Yes". Close Credential Manager and restart your computer. When it boots, you should go straight to the desktop without a login prompt.

Remove password login using the Run dialog (local accounts only)

If you use a local account rather than a Microsoft account, you can use the Run dialog for a slightly faster route. Press Windows key + R to open the Run box, then type "netplwiz" and press Enter.

A window titled "User Accounts" opens. You will see a list of user accounts on your computer. Click the account you want to remove the password from, then uncheck the box labeled "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer." Click explore.

Windows will prompt you to enter your current password twice to confirm the change. Type your password in both fields and click OK. Restart your computer — it will now boot directly to your desktop.

Remove password login for a Microsoft account

If you use a Microsoft account, the netplwiz method does not work the same way. Instead, use Credential Manager as described above, or go through Settings. Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, then click "Accounts" on the left side.

Click "Sign-in options" in the left menu. Under "Password," you will see a "Change" button. Click it and follow the prompts to remove your password. Windows will ask you to verify your identity using your current password or a PIN before allowing the removal.

After you complete the process, restart your computer. You should boot directly to the desktop without a login screen.

Turn the password back on if you change your mind

Removing the login password is reversible. If you decide later that you want password protection again, you can restore it using the same tools.

For local accounts, open the Run dialog again (Windows key + R), type "netplwiz," and check the box that says "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer." For Microsoft accounts, go back to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and click "Add" under the Password section. You will be asked to create a new password.

What to do if you have forgotten your password

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot use the removal process described here — you will need to recover or reset your password first. For a Microsoft account, visit the Microsoft account recovery page from another device and follow the steps to reset your password. For a local account, you will need to use a password reset disk if you created one previously, or use another administrator account on the computer to reset the forgotten password.

Once you have regained access to your account, you can then follow the removal steps above if you choose to.

Security considerations before you remove your password

Removing the login password means anyone with physical access to your computer can turn it on and use it when ready. This is fine if you live alone and keep your computer in a private space, but it is a real risk in shared homes, offices, or public areas.

If you want to avoid typing a password but still want some protection, consider using Windows Hello — a fingerprint or face recognition login that is faster than typing but still requires biometric data. You can set this up in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options under "Windows Hello."

Frequently Asked Questions

Does removing the login password delete my password?

No. Your password remains on your account — Windows straightforward stops asking for it at startup. You can turn the password requirement back on at any time using the same tool you used to remove it.

Will this work if I share my computer with other people?

Yes, but it affects only the account you remove the password from. Other user accounts on the same computer can still have passwords. However, removing your password means anyone can access your account without a login, so this is not recommended for shared computers.

What if the Credential Manager method does not show my account?

If you do not see your account listed under Windows Credentials, try the netplwiz method instead (Windows key + R, type "netplwiz"). If you use a Microsoft account and netplwiz does not work, use Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options as described in the Microsoft account section above.

Can I remove the password but keep a PIN?

Yes. You can remove the password while keeping a PIN or Windows Hello set up. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and remove the password while leaving your PIN or biometric login active. Windows will then ask for your PIN instead of your password at startup.

What happens if I remove the password and then forget it later?

You can create a new password at any time by going to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and clicking "Add" under the Password section. You will not need your old password to do this.