How to disable the Windows password prompt

As a rule of thumb, it's a good idea to have a password on your computer. Anyone who has physical access to your machine can view any unprotected data that is on it. However, if your computer is in a safe location (e.g., a home office) where no one else could easily access it, you may want to remove the Windows password prompt. To proceed, find your version of Windows in the sections below and follow the instructions.

• How to prevent unauthorized computer access.

Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11 users

1. Log in to Windows using your password.
2. Press the Windows key, type netplwiz, and press Enter.
   
   Alternatively, press the Windows key+R to open the Run text box, type netplwiz, and press Enter.
3. In the window, click the local administrator profile (A), uncheck the box next to Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer (B), and click Apply (C).

4. Enter and confirm your password, and click the button.

The next time you turn on the computer, the password prompt should be gone for this computer.

Windows XP users

1. In the lower-left corner of the Windows desktop, click Start.
2. Click Run. A box should appear, similar to the one below.

3. Next to Open, type netplwiz, and press Enter or click OK.
4. In the window, select the Users tab.
5. Select the account you'd like to disable the Windows startup password prompt in the Users for this computer section.
6. Uncheck the box next to the Users must enter a username and password to use this computer option.
7. Click Apply.
8. In the window, enter the account's current password twice and click OK.
9. That window should close. Click OK at the bottom of the User Accounts window.

The next time you turn on the computer, the password prompt should be gone for this computer.