Setting an Account to Automatically Logon

Written by Eric Wyatt (last updated March 8, 2021)

Passwords on our computers have been around for years. They help keep the contents of our computers private and secure from others. This is extremely helpful and a source of security for many. Passwords can be set for account login, file protection, network access, and more. I always encourage the use of a strong password and this is also encouraged by computer security experts around the globe.

Having said that, this week a colleague asked if it was possible to remove the need to enter a password from an account on a shared computer used for testing. This is a rather easy process:

  1. Press Win+R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type (without quotes) "netplwiz" and then press Enter. This opens the User Accounts dialog box.
  3. Uncheck the box marked "Users Must Enter a User Name And Password To Use This Computer."
  4. Click Apply in the lower-right corner of the dialog box. This opens the Automatically Sign In dialog box.
  5. Enter the password for the username entered into the User Name field and click OK. This closes the Automatically Sign In dialog box. (See Figure 1.)

    6. Figure 1. Enter the password and username for the account to be logged in automatically.

  6. Close the User Accounts dialog box.
  7. Your change should take effect immediately, however, I recommend restarting to verify the changes took effect.

It is important to state that removing the need for passwords does bring some inherent security concerns. It is only recommended to do this if you are not concerned about someone gaining access to your system.

 This tip (13832) applies to Windows 10.

Author Bio

Eric Wyatt

Eric Wyatt is a swell guy (or so his friends tell him). He is a formally trained designer and branding expert, bringing a wide range of skills to his Tips.Net articles. ...

MORE FROM ERIC

Use Cmd to Find Your Computer Serial Number

You can access your computer's serial number without looking all over on the outside of the box. Use the Command prompt ...

Discover More

Opening HEVC and HEIF Files

HEVC and HEIF are two new popular graphics file formats that are gaining support. Getting your Windows 10 computer setup ...

Discover More

Tracking Prevention

Websites have been tracking users' web traffic for a long time, keeping data on website visits and your surfing ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Change Your Pointer

Windows 10 uses a default mouse pointer size and color. With a quick setting change, you can customize the mouse size and ...

Discover More

Changing a Program's Compatibility Settings

If an older program no longer runs under Windows, you may still be able to get some life out of it by changing its ...

Discover More

Modifying Windows Startup Services

Windows takes advantage of many different operating system components called services. Most of the Windows services are ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is six more than 0?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.