You can configure Windows 11 to sign in to your user account at startup automatically. Here is how to turn on automatic sign-in in Windows 11.
When you turn on a Windows 11 computer, it will take you to the lock screen. Clicking on it will reveal the user accounts. If needed, you must select the user account and then type the password to sign in. If you are using PIN Protection, fingerprint, or facial recognition, you will use one of those to authenticate yourself.
There is nothing wrong with this authentication flow. In fact, if your system has multiple user accounts, the sign-in screen allows you to quickly select and switch the user account as and when needed.
However, what if you want to log in automatically in Windows 11?
For example, if you are the only user and are sure no one uses the computer, setting up auto sign-in is really useful. It saves a lot of time and effort. Once set up, Windows 11 will automatically log in and take you to the desktop. For instance, I use this method to sign into my family PC in the living room.
So, without further ado, let me show you how to turn on automatic sign-in in Windows 11.
Table of contents:
Enable automatic sign-in in Windows 11 via Netplwiz
You can turn on automatic sign-in in Windows 11 using the Netplwiz tool. If you don’t know, Netplwiz is a User Accounts tool that lets you create and manage user accounts in Windows 11. You can also find this tool in Windows 7, 8, and 10. Here is how to use the Netplwiz tool to enable automatic login in Windows 11.
- Use “Win + R” to open Run.
- Type “netplwiz” in the blank field.
- Press the “Ok” button.
- Select the user account with which you want to log in.
- Uncheck the “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer” check box.
- Press the “Ok” button.
- Type the password twice in the available fields.
- Press the “Ok” button.
- Reboot the computer.
- The system should automatically log into your user account.
Same steps with a bit more detail:
First thing, we need to open the Netplwiz tool. There are many ways to open it. The easiest way is to use a run command. So, open the Run dialog box with the “Win + R” shortcut, type “netplwiz,” and click the “Ok” button. Of course, as with all programs, you can also search and open Netplwiz from the Start menu.
After opening the Netplwiz tool, select your user account under the “Users of this computer” section with which you want to auto-login.
After that, uncheck the “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer” checkbox and press the “Ok” button.
Windows will prompt for the user password as soon as you do that. Type the user password twice in the available fields and press the “Ok” button.
Finally, reboot the computer.
The system should automatically log in with the selected user account on reboot.
Disable automatic sign-in Windows 11
To disable automatic sign-in, you have to undo the changes made in Netplwiz. Here is how to do it.
- Use “Win + R” to open Run.
- Type “netplwiz” in the blank field.
- Press the “Ok” button.
- Select the user account.
- Select the “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer” check box.
- Press the “Ok” button.
- Reboot the computer.
From now on, Windows will again prompt for password, pin, or fingerprint when you try to log into the user account.
Troubleshooting
I cannot see the “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer” checkbox in Netplwiz.
It is one of the most common obstacles many Windows 11 users face. Depending on your user account settings, you may or may not see the checkbox. I have already written a detailed guide on why you don’t see the “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer” checkbox.
Follow the below steps to fix the issue:
In Windows 11, open the Settings app, go to the “Accounts > Sign-in Options” page and turn off the “For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device (Recommended)” option under “Additional Settings.”
After that, reboot the computer.
As soon as you do that, you will see the “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer” checkbox in Netplwiz.
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That is all. It is that simple to disable or enable automatic sign-in in Windows 11.
I hope this simple and easy Windows 11 how-to guide helped you.
If you are stuck or need some help, comment below, and I will try to help as much as possible.
