login SCREEN STARTUP

Josie Dimco-Maddox 0 Reputation points
2026-09-10T16:39:16.9433333+00:00

What do i have to do to prevent me entering a pin or password when starting my Dell Desktop

can I turn this feature off if so how do i do it?

Thank You

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy

2 answers

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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-10T16:39:33.9+00:00

    Yes. On a home Windows 11 PC, startup sign-in can be disabled.

    1. Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
    2. Under Additional settings, turn off For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device.
      • This is important because when it is on, password sign-in is disabled and PIN/Windows Hello can still be enforced.
    3. Press Windows key + R, type netplwiz, and press Enter.
    4. In User Accounts, select the account that should sign in automatically.
    5. If Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer is not checked, check it first and select Apply.
    6. Then uncheck Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer and select Apply again.
    7. When prompted:
      • clear the prefilled username
      • enter the full Microsoft account email address if the PC uses a Microsoft account
      • enter the Microsoft account password
    8. Select OK, then OK again.
    9. Restart the PC and it should sign in automatically.

    If the goal is also to stop sign-in after sleep, open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and set If you’ve been away, when should Windows require you to sign in again? to Never.

    Security note: turning off startup sign-in means anyone with physical access to the PC can open files, email, and saved accounts.


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  2. Bence Weiszmann 1,560 Reputation points
    2026-09-10T18:44:41.5733333+00:00

    Dear @Josie Dimco-Maddox

    Please follow the AI-generated answer above.

    Best regards,
    Bence

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