You can configure Windows 10 to sign in automatically, but doing so removes an important layer of protection from the PC. Anyone who can physically start the computer may be able to reach the selected account without entering its password. Auto login is therefore best limited to a physically secure computer where that risk is acceptable.
How to Enable Auto Login in Windows 10
The simplest built-in method uses the User Accounts control panel opened with netplwiz. On some Windows 10 systems, the required checkbox may be hidden when Windows Hello-only sign-in is enabled.
Step 1: Decide whether auto login is appropriate
Do not enable automatic sign-in on a shared laptop, a computer that leaves your home or office, or a device containing sensitive information. Auto login does not remove the account password, but it allows Windows to sign in without asking you to type it at startup.
Step 2: Open User Accounts
Press Windows + R, type netplwiz, and press Enter.
Step 3: Select the account
In the User Accounts window, select the account that should sign in automatically.
Step 4: Clear the password-required checkbox
If you see Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer, clear that checkbox and select Apply.
If the checkbox is not present, do not start changing unrelated Registry values. First check Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. On systems using the Windows Hello-only sign-in setting for Microsoft accounts, that policy can affect whether the older User Accounts option is available.
Step 5: Confirm the account credentials
When Windows asks, enter the credentials for the account that should sign in automatically and confirm them carefully. If you use a Microsoft account, make sure you are supplying the account information Windows expects rather than confusing the Windows Hello PIN with the account password.
Step 6: Restart and test
Restart the PC. Windows should sign in to the selected account without stopping for the normal credential prompt.
How to Turn Auto Login Off
- Press Windows + R, type
netplwiz, and press Enter. - Select the affected account.
- Restore the option requiring users to enter a user name and password, when available.
- Select Apply and restart the PC to verify that sign-in is required again.
Why the Checkbox May Be Missing
Windows sign-in behavior has changed over time, particularly on Microsoft-account systems using Windows Hello. If the classic checkbox is missing, check the Sign-in options page before following old tutorials that tell you to create password values in the Registry.
Registry-based automatic-logon configurations can store credentials in ways that increase exposure to administrators or software on the computer. For an ordinary home PC, there is little reason to prefer a manual Registry password configuration over the normal account controls.
Security Considerations
Automatic sign-in trades security for convenience. Device encryption or BitLocker can protect data when a drive is removed or the machine is powered off, but auto login can still give someone who starts the computer access to the signed-in Windows account.
If your real goal is faster sign-in, Windows Hello PIN, fingerprint, or face recognition is usually a better compromise because it keeps an authentication step while making it quick.
Windows 10 Support Note
Standard Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Windows 10 still runs, but most editions no longer receive normal free security updates. If this PC supports Windows 11, moving to a supported version of Windows is preferable to making an aging installation less secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does auto login delete my Windows password?
No. It configures Windows to sign in automatically; it does not mean the account no longer has credentials.
Why don’t I see the netplwiz checkbox?
A Windows Hello-related sign-in setting can affect availability of the classic option. Check Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options before attempting Registry workarounds.
Is auto login safe on a laptop?
It is usually a poor choice for a portable computer because anyone who obtains the device may be able to reach the account simply by starting it.
Can I use a PIN for the auto-login credential prompt?
A Windows Hello PIN is not the same thing as the underlying Microsoft-account password. Use the credentials requested by Windows rather than assuming the PIN and password are interchangeable.
What is a safer alternative?
Windows Hello face recognition, fingerprint sign-in, or a PIN can make normal sign-in fast without eliminating authentication entirely.
Summary
- Confirm that the computer is physically secure.
- Open netplwiz.
- Select the account.
- Clear the option requiring a user name and password, if available.
- Confirm the requested account credentials.
- Restart and test automatic sign-in.
Auto login can be convenient on a stationary, physically protected PC, but it should be an intentional security tradeoff. Avoid old Registry-password shortcuts when the normal Windows account controls can accomplish the task.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.