Skip the Login Screen: Enable Auto-Login on Windows 11 Today

Streamline your startup process by enabling auto-login on your Windows 11 PC. This feature lets you bypass the login screen, saving you time and effort—particularly useful if you're the sole user of your computer. However, be cautious: enabling auto-login on shared devices may compromise your data security and privacy.

Methods to Enable Auto-Login in Windows 11

Below are four effective methods to set up auto-login on your Windows 11 system:

Method 1: Utilize the Autologon Tool

The Autologon tool, provided by Microsoft, simplifies the auto-login process while securely managing your credentials.

1. Download Autologon: Visit the Microsoft Sysinternals website to download the Autologon tool.
2. Run the Tool: Extract the downloaded files and run Autologon.exe.
3. Enable Auto-Login: Enter your username and password when prompted, then click Enable.

This tool stores your credentials securely and configures your system for automatic login, making the setup quick and easy.

Method 2: Configure Auto-Login via Windows Settings

1. Access Settings: Click the Start button and select Settings.
2. Navigate to Accounts: In the left pane, choose Accounts and select Sign-in options in the right pane.
3. Disable Windows Hello Requirement: Under Additional settings, turn off the toggle for "For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device (Recommended)".
4. Open User Accounts: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type netplwiz, and press Enter.
5. Modify User Account Settings: In the User Accounts window, uncheck the box labeled "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer", then click Apply.
6. Confirm Password: Enter your password when prompted to confirm the changes.

Once completed, your system will bypass the login screen and log in automatically.

Method 3: Configure Auto-Login via Windows Registry

Important: Editing the Windows Registry can affect system stability. Back up the registry before proceeding.

1. Open Registry Editor: Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to Winlogon: Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon.
3. Create or Modify Values:
   • Right-click in the right pane, select New > String Value, and name it AutoAdminLogon. Set its value to 1.
   • Create another string value named DefaultUserName and set it to your username.
   • Create a string value named DefaultPassword and set it to your password.

After applying these changes, your system will log in automatically.

Method 4: Enable Auto-Login Using Computer Management

1. Open Computer Management: Right-click the Start button and select Computer Management. Alternatively, press Windows + R, type compmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to User Accounts: Expand Local Users and Groups, then select Users.
3. Set Password: Right-click your user account, choose Set Password..., and proceed without entering a new password by clicking OK.

Important: This method removes the password requirement, allowing automatic login.

Conclusion

Enabling auto-login on Windows 11 can improve your experience by reducing startup time. Ensure your computer is in a secure environment to avoid unauthorized access. If your PC is shared, consider retaining password protection to safeguard your data.