The fastest way depends on what you remember

If you know your current password, you can remove it through Settings in about two minutes. If you have forgotten it, the process is longer and depends on whether you use a Microsoft account or a local account — and whether you set up a password reset disk or recovery email beforehand.

The method also changes if you are locked out of Windows entirely versus straightforward wanting to disable the password prompt at startup. Each route is different enough that you should identify which situation you are in before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • If you remember your password, open Settings, go to Accounts, and choose to remove your password through the "Sign-in options" menu.
  • A local account password can only be reset if you created a password reset disk or recovery email before you forgot it.
  • If you are locked out of a Microsoft account, you can reset your password from another device using the account recovery page at account.microsoft.com.
  • Removing your password means anyone with physical access to your computer can turn it on and use it without entering anything.
  • If you cannot remember your password and have no recovery method set up, you will need to reinstall Windows or contact Microsoft support.

Removing your password when you still know it

Open the Start menu and type Settings. Click the Settings app. On the left side, click Accounts, then click Sign-in options.

Under the "Password" section, click Change. Windows will ask you to enter your current password. Type it and click Next. On the next screen, leave both the "New password" and "Confirm password" fields blank, then click Next and Finish. Your password is now removed.

The next time you restart your computer, you will not see a password prompt. You can turn on your computer and go straight to the desktop without typing anything.

Resetting a forgotten password on a Microsoft account

If you use a Microsoft account (one that ends in @outlook.com, @hotmail.com, or @live.com) and you have forgotten your password, you can reset it from any other device with internet access. Go to account.microsoft.com/security and click Reset your password.

Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity. You can do this by entering a recovery email address or phone number you set up on your account. Microsoft will send you a code to that email or phone. Enter the code, then create a new password.

Once you have reset your password, go back to your locked Windows computer and enter your new password at the login screen. You will then be able to sign in and change your password again through Settings if you want to remove it entirely.

Resetting a forgotten password on a local account

A local account is one that exists only on your computer, not linked to Microsoft. If you forgot the password and did not create a password reset disk or recovery email beforehand, Windows has no built-in way to let you back in. You will need to either reinstall Windows or contact Microsoft support for additional options.

If you did create a password reset disk on a USB drive before you forgot your password, plug that drive into your computer. At the login screen, click Reset password. Windows will walk you through using the reset disk to create a new password. Once you are back in, you can remove the password through Settings as described above.

If you set up a recovery email for your local account, click I forgot my password at the login screen. Windows will send a code to that email. Enter the code and create a new password, then sign in and remove it through Settings.

Disabling the password prompt without removing the password

If you want to keep your password but skip the login screen when you start your computer, you can do that separately. This is different from removing the password — your account still has one, but Windows will not ask for it at startup.

Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Type netplwiz and press Enter. A window titled "User Accounts" will open. Uncheck the box next to Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer. Click explore. Windows will ask you to enter your password twice to confirm. Do so, then click OK.

The next time you restart, you will go straight to the desktop without a login screen. Your password still exists and is still protecting your account — Windows is just not asking for it at startup. If someone else tries to access your account from another computer or over the network, they will still need the password.

What happens after you remove your password

Once your password is gone, anyone who can physically access your computer can turn it on and use it. They will not see a login screen. They will not need to type anything. They will have full access to your files, email, and any programs you have installed.

This is fine if you are the only person with access to your computer and you trust everyone in your home. It is not safe if your computer is in a shared space, if you take it to work, or if there is any chance someone could steal it. In those cases, keeping a password is worth the few seconds it takes to type it each time you start up.

If you change your mind later, you can add a password back by going to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password > Add, then creating a new one.

If you are completely locked out of Windows

If you cannot get to the login screen at all — for example, if Windows will not start or you see an error message instead of the password prompt — you have a different problem than a forgotten password. In that case, you may need to restart your computer in Safe Mode, use a Windows recovery disk, or reinstall Windows entirely.

You can create a Windows recovery disk on another computer by going to Settings > System > Recovery on a computer that is working, clicking Create a recovery drive, and following the steps. Plug that drive into your locked computer and restart. You will see options to troubleshoot and reset your PC.

If you do not have a recovery disk and cannot get Windows to start, contact Microsoft support or take your computer to a technician. Attempting to force your way in without the right tools can damage your system or erase your files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove my password if I only remember part of it?

No. To remove your password through Settings, you must enter the full correct password. If you remember only part of it, you will need to use the password reset process for your account type instead.

Will removing my password affect my Microsoft account or cloud backups?

No. Your Microsoft account and any cloud services like OneDrive will continue to work normally. Removing your Windows password only affects the login screen on that specific computer.

What if I remove my password and then want to add one back?

Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password and click Add. Create a new password and confirm it. You will be asked to enter it at the next startup.

Is it safe to remove my password if I have sensitive files on my computer?

No. Without a password, anyone with physical access to your computer can see all your files. If your computer contains financial information, medical records, or other sensitive data, keep a password enabled.

What if I forgot my password and have no recovery email or reset disk?

You will need to reinstall Windows, which erases everything on your computer, or contact Microsoft support. There is no other way to regain access to a local account without a recovery method set up beforehand.