How to Launch Windows Without Entering a Password

Having to enter your Windows password each time you boot up can be a hassle. If you're in a hurry, you can easily mistype it (more than once), and that gets annoying.

The main purpose of the password is to protect your PC from prying eyes. If you work in an office or other location with people milling about, you'll want to secure Windows so no one can peek at your documents, files, and other information. And if you carry your laptop with you on the road, you need to make sure no one can access your information if your device ever gets lost or stolen.

But if you want to sneak past the requirement of entering your password each time your PC wakes up, there are a couple of options available, courtesy of Microsoft’s Windows Hello feature.

In Windows 10 and 11, you can set up a PIN or a picture password. And if your computer has a supported fingerprint reader or camera, you can turn to fingerprint scanning or facial recognition. A physical security key is yet another option supported by Windows Hello. For added security, you can even tell Windows not to display a password option at the sign-in screen.

What if you want to bypass the login screen altogether? That’s possible but it depends on the type of account you use. With a Microsoft account, you have to authenticate yourself at the login screen, if not with a password, then with a PIN or other means. But if you’re using a local account, you can evade the login screen and jump directly to your Windows desktop each time you boot up.

The processes for setting up alternative means of authentication and bypassing the login screen are virtually the same in both Windows 10 and Windows 11. Let’s see how this works.

Set Up a PIN

In Windows 10 or 11, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. If you haven’t already set up a PIN, that’s the first task to accomplish. Select the entry for Windows Hello PIN. In Windows 10, click Add. In Windows 11, click Set up.

Click Next and then enter your password. Before you create and type a PIN, check the box for Include letters and symbols and then click the link for PIN requirements. Follow the requirements to determine the type of PIN you’re able to create. Type and then retype the PIN. Click OK. Your PIN is then set up.

Add a Picture Password

To add a picture password, select the entry for Picture Password and click Add. Enter your password if requested. Windows displays an example image, but you have to choose one of your own images to set this up.

To upload a different image, such as one of your own photos, click Choose picture button and select an image from your PC. Drag the new image to position it and then select the Use this picture button to confirm your choice.

When ready, use your mouse or finger on a touch-screen device to draw a combination of circles, straight lines, and taps. You’ll need to create three types of gestures, one after the other. Remember the size, position, and direction of each gesture as collectively they will serve as your password. After you create the first gesture, you’re prompted to create the second one, and after that, the third one.

Confirm each of the three gestures and then click Finish.

Set Up the Fingerprint Reader

If your PC includes a Windows Hello-compatible fingerprint reader, click the entry for Windows Hello Fingerprint and click Set up. Follow the steps to register your fingerprint by swiping or pressing your finger on the scanner.

Next, if your computer is equipped with a Windows Hello-compatible camera, select the entry for Windows Hello Face and click Set up. Look at the camera to register your face and complete the process.

If you have a Windows Hello-supported physical security key, you can also set up that type of device. In that case, plug the key into a USB slot on your computer. Select the entry for Security Key and click Manage. Follow the steps to set up the key.

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Remove the Password Option

After you’ve set up one or more Windows Hello authentication methods, you can remove the password option entirely. To do this, turn on the switch under Require Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts. This option is more for security than convenience as it prevents anyone, yourself included, from signing into Windows on this PC using a password. Instead, you’ll have to use a PIN or one of the other authentication methods.

The next time you’re at the sign-in screen and need to log into Windows, click the link for Sign-in options and select the type of Windows Hello authentication you wish to use. If you set up facial recognition, then your face will automatically be scanned right off the bat without you having to select or type anything.

In Windows 10 or 11, you can also bypass the login screen and head straight to your Windows desktop, but only if you’re using a local account. This method does not support a Microsoft account. If you are using a local account, press the Windows key + R. At the Open field in the Run box, type netplwiz.

The tool for netplwiz, also known as the User Accounts Control Panel, will appear. Select the account you wish to use to log in automatically. Uncheck the box above that says Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer. Click OK.

Enter your password once and then a second time to confirm it. Click OK.

Reboot your PC. You’ll now bypass the login screen as well as the Lock screen and automatically arrive at the desktop in Windows 10 or Windows 11.

Re-Enable the Login Screen

Should you ever change your mind, you can easily re-enable the login screen. Just run the netplwiz command again to open the User Accounts Control Panel. Select your account and recheck the box for Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer.

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