The fastest way: use Settings to turn off password login
Open Settings on your Windows 10 computer. Press the Windows key and type "Settings", then click the app that appears. Once Settings opens, click Accounts in the left menu.
Click Sign-in options in the left menu. 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 you own this account — type it in 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 your computer, you will be able to log in by clicking your account name without entering anything.
Key Takeaways
- You can remove your password through Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password > Change, then leave both password fields empty.
- Windows will ask you to enter your current password once to confirm the change, even though you are removing it.
- After you remove your password, restart your computer to see the change take effect on the login screen.
- If you forget your current password, you will need to use a password reset disk or another administrator account to remove it.
- Removing your password means anyone with physical access to your computer can log in without a code.
What happens when you remove your password
Once your password is gone, your computer will no longer ask for one when you turn it on or wake it from sleep. You will see your account name on the login screen, click it, and go straight to your desktop. This is convenient if you are the only person using the computer and you do not store sensitive information on it.
However, removing your password also means anyone who can physically reach your computer can log in as you. They will have access to your files, email, and any accounts that stay logged in. If you share your computer with others or keep it in a public space, leaving it password-protected is safer.
If you cannot remember your current password
The Settings method requires you to know your current password. If you have forgotten it, you have two other options: use a password reset disk if you created one before, or use another administrator account on the same computer.
If you have a password reset disk, insert it into your computer. On the login screen, click your account, then click Reset password below the password field. Follow the on-screen steps to create a new password, then use the Settings method above to remove it.
If another person on your computer has an administrator account, they can remove your password for you. That person should open Settings, go to Accounts > Other people, click your account name, then click Change account type and select Administrator. Once your account is an administrator, you can use the Settings method to remove your own password.
Using a Microsoft account versus a local account
Windows 10 lets you sign in with either a Microsoft account (your email and password for Outlook, OneDrive, or Xbox) or a local account (a username and password stored only on your computer). The method above works the same way for both.
If you use a Microsoft account, removing your login password means you will still need that Microsoft password to change certain settings or read apps from the Microsoft Store. The login password and the Microsoft account password are separate. Removing one does not affect the other.
Turning password protection back on later
If you change your mind and want to add a password back, the process is the same. Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, click Change under Password, enter your current password (or leave it blank if you have no password), then type a new password in both fields and click Next.
You can also add a PIN or a picture password instead of a traditional password. Both are faster to enter than a long password and offer the same security. Click Add under PIN or Picture password in the Sign-in options screen to set one up.
Why you might want to keep a password even on a home computer
A password protects your computer if it is stolen or if someone borrows it without permission. It also prevents accidental changes to your files if a child or guest sits down at your desk. Even a straightforward four-digit PIN is stronger than no protection at all.
If you decide to remove your password, consider using Windows Hello instead — a fingerprint or face recognition login that is both fast and find. You can set it up in the same Sign-in options screen. This way you get the convenience of no typing and the security of a password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will removing my password affect my Microsoft account?
No. Your Microsoft account password stays the same. Removing your Windows login password only affects how you sign into your computer. You will still need your Microsoft password to sign into Outlook, OneDrive, or other Microsoft services.
Can I remove the password for just one user account?
Yes. Each account on your computer has its own password. The Settings method removes the password only for the account you are currently signed into. Other accounts keep their passwords unless you remove those separately while signed into each one.
What if I see a message saying I cannot change my password?
This usually means your account is not an administrator account. Ask someone with an administrator account to change your account type in Settings > Accounts > Other people, or to remove your password for you.
Is it safe to remove my password if I use Windows Hello?
Yes. If you have Windows Hello set up (fingerprint, face, or PIN), you can remove your password and still have security. Windows Hello will be your only login method. If Windows Hello fails to recognize you, you will need to restart your computer.
Can I remove my password if I forgot it and have no reset disk?
Only if another administrator account exists on your computer. If you are the only account and you have forgotten your password, you will need to reset Windows 10 using a recovery drive or installation media, which will erase your files.