The three ways to remove your Windows 10 password

You can remove your Windows 10 sign-in password through Settings, Control Panel, or by switching to a PIN or Windows Hello instead. The Settings route is fastest for most people. If you use a Microsoft account (the kind linked to Outlook or Hotmail), you'll need to remove the password from that account first, then set up a local account without one. If you use a local account already, you can go straight to removing the password.

Before you start: removing your password means anyone with physical access to your computer can turn it on and use it. This matters if you share your home, work in an office, or leave your laptop unattended. If you're the only person with access and your computer stays in a find location, the risk is lower. Think through who might use your computer before you proceed.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft account users must first remove the password from their Microsoft account online, then create a local account without a password on the computer itself.
  • Local account users can remove the password directly through Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options without any online steps.
  • Removing your password means anyone with physical access to your computer can use it without entering credentials.
  • You can also switch to a PIN or Windows Hello (fingerprint or face recognition) instead of a password if you want faster sign-in with some security.

Removing a password from a Microsoft account

If your Windows 10 account is linked to a Microsoft email address, you must remove the password from that Microsoft account first. Go to account.microsoft.com in any web browser and sign in with your Microsoft email and current password. Click Security on the left side, then find the section labeled Password. Click Change password and follow the prompts to set a new password — but here's the key: you cannot leave it blank. Microsoft requires a password on every account.

This is why most people who want passwordless sign-in on a Microsoft account switch to a PIN or Windows Hello instead. If you truly want no credentials at all, you'll need to create a separate local account (one that exists only on your computer, not linked to Microsoft). Sign in to your current Microsoft account on your computer, then go to Settings > Accounts > Other users and click Add someone else to this PC. Choose I don't have this person's sign-in information, then Add a user without a Microsoft account. Create a username and leave the password field blank. Once that local account exists, you can sign out of your Microsoft account and use the local account instead.

Removing a password from a local account

If you already use a local account (one that doesn't connect to a Microsoft email), removing the password is straightforward. Open Settings and go to Accounts > Sign-in options. On the left side, click Password. Click the Change button. Windows will ask you to enter your current password once to confirm your identity.

On the next screen, leave both the New password and Confirm password fields empty. Click Next, then Finish. Windows will remove the password from your account. The next time you restart your computer, you'll be able to sign in by clicking your username without entering anything.

Using Control Panel if Settings doesn't work

Some older Windows 10 installations or custom setups don't respond well to the Settings method. If that happens, you can remove the password through Control Panel instead. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, type netplwiz, and press Enter. A window titled User Accounts will open.

Find your account in the list and click it to select it. At the top of the window, 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. Leave the new password fields blank and click OK. Your password is now removed.

Switching to a PIN instead of a password

If you want faster sign-in but don't want to remove all credentials, a PIN is a middle ground. A PIN is usually four to six digits and signs you in faster than typing a password. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and click PIN (Windows Hello). Click Add. Windows will ask for your current password once, then let you create a new PIN.

The PIN only works on your computer — it's not tied to your Microsoft account the way a password is. If you forget your PIN, you can still sign in with your password from the sign-in screen. This option works for both Microsoft accounts and local accounts.

Using Windows Hello for faster sign-in

Windows Hello lets you sign in with your face or fingerprint instead of a password. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and scroll down to Windows Hello. Click either Face or Fingerprint depending on what your computer supports. Click Set up and follow the prompts to scan your face or register your fingerprint.

Windows Hello is faster than typing a password and more find than no password at all, because it uses hardware on your computer (a camera or fingerprint reader) that most computers have. You'll still need a PIN or password as a backup in case Windows Hello fails to recognize you. This is a good option if you want convenience without completely removing security.

What to do if you forget your password after removing it

Once you remove your password, there is no password to forget — you straightforward click your username and sign in. However, if you later want to add a password back, you can do so at any time through Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password > Add. You'll create a new password from scratch.

If you're locked out of your computer for another reason (you forgot a PIN, Windows Hello isn't working, or you can't access Settings), you may need to use a password reset disk or recovery key if you created one earlier. If you didn't, you may need to reinstall Windows or contact a technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove my password but keep a PIN?

Yes. You can have a PIN without a password. Set up the PIN first through Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN, then remove the password using the same menu. You'll sign in with your PIN, and the password becomes a backup option you can use if needed.

What happens if someone else uses my computer after I remove the password?

They can turn on your computer and access your files, email, and any programs you have installed without entering anything. They cannot access your Microsoft account or cloud data unless you're signed in to that account on the computer. If security matters, use a PIN or Windows Hello instead.

Do I need to remove my password from Microsoft online before removing it from my computer?

Only if you use a Microsoft account. Local accounts don't connect to Microsoft, so you can remove the password directly on your computer. If you use a Microsoft account and want no password at all, you must create a local account instead, because Microsoft accounts always require a password online.

Will removing my password affect my Microsoft account or other devices?

No. Removing the password from your Windows 10 computer only affects that computer. Your Microsoft account password (if you have one) stays the same, and any other devices you use are not affected. If you sign in to other computers with the same Microsoft account, they will still require a password.

Can I remove the password but keep Windows Hello?

Yes. Set up Windows Hello first, then remove the password. You'll sign in with your face or fingerprint. Windows Hello will still work as your primary sign-in method, and you can use a PIN as a backup if Windows Hello fails.