Windows 10 auto login automatically signs you into your user account without requiring a password at startup, saving 5-15 seconds per boot. This feature is useful if you're the sole user of your PC or want immediate access after powering on. This guide covers three methods to enable auto login - User Accounts (2 minutes), Registry Editor (3 minutes), and Group Policy (Pro/Enterprise only, 2 minutes) - plus troubleshooting for common issues.

Why Enable Auto Login?

Auto login is useful in scenarios where:

  • You're the only one using the computer, and security is not a concern.

  • You want your computer to boot up and be ready to use without the need to enter a password.

  • You're setting up a media center PC or other device where convenience and ease of access are more important than security.

However, it's important to note that enabling auto login can pose a security risk, as anyone who has physical access to your PC can also access your files and data.

Method 1: Using the User Accounts Settings (Easiest - 2 Minutes)

This is the most straightforward method for enabling auto login in Windows 10. Works on all editions (Home, Pro, Enterprise).

  1. Open the Run dialog box: Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.

  2. Open the User Accounts window: Type netplwiz and press Enter. This will open the User Accounts window.

  3. Disable the password requirement: In the User Accounts window, select your user account and uncheck the box that says "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer."

  4. Enter your password: A prompt will appear asking you to enter and confirm your password. After doing so, click OK.

  5. Restart your computer: To apply the changes, restart your computer. Windows should now log you in automatically without prompting for a password.

Method 2: Editing the Registry (Advanced - 3 Minutes)

If Method 1 doesn't work (checkbox missing or grayed out), use the Registry Editor. This method requires careful attention - incorrect registry changes can prevent Windows from booting. Always create a System Restore point first (search "Create a restore point" in Start menu).

  1. Open the Registry Editor: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box, type regedit , and press Enter.

  2. Navigate to the Winlogon key:

    Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionWinlogon .

  3. Modify the registry values:

    1. DefaultUserName: Double-click on DefaultUserName and ensure your username is correct.

    2. DefaultPassword: If this value doesn't exist, create it by right-clicking in the right pane, selecting New > String Value , and naming it DefaultPassword . Double-click on it and enter your password.

    3. AutoAdminLogon: Double-click on AutoAdminLogon , change the value to 1 , and click OK.

  4. Close the Registry Editor: Exit the Registry Editor and restart your computer. Your PC should now log in automatically.

Method 3: Using Group Policy Editor (Pro/Enterprise Only - 2 Minutes)

Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise include Group Policy Editor for system-wide settings. Note: This method enables "classic logon" which is NOT the same as auto login - it only removes modern login UI elements. For true auto login on Pro/Enterprise, use Method 1 or 2.

  1. Open the Group Policy Editor: Press Win + R , type gpedit.msc , and press Enter.

  2. Navigate to the Logon policies:

    Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Logon .

    3. Enable auto login:

    Find and double-click on the policy titled "Always use classic logon." Set it to "Enabled" and click OK.

  3. Restart your computer: After applying this policy, restart your computer to see the changes in effect.

Things to Keep in Mind Before You Enable It

  • Security Risks: Enabling auto login means anyone with physical access to your computer can use it without restriction. Consider this risk, especially if your computer contains sensitive information.

  • Password Changes: If you change your password, you'll need to update the settings for auto login using the above methods.

  • Domain-Joined PCs: If your PC is part of a domain, some of these methods may not work, or your organization may have policies in place that prevent auto login.

How to Disable Windows 10 Auto Login

If you ever need to disable auto login, simply reverse the steps you followed to enable it:

  • User Accounts Settings: Check the box that says "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer."

  • Registry Editor: Change AutoAdminLogon value to 0 .

  • Group Policy Editor: Set the "Always use classic logon" policy to "Not Configured."

Disabling auto login will restore the need to enter your password when starting up your computer.

Still Not Working? Try This

In some cases, you may run into a situation where the checkbox for users requiring to enter a password (shown in the first example) is missing.

The registry method may not work either. Restoring the checkbox option to turn off the requirement for a password for your account is key for this to work effectively.

To fix this, open the Windows Command Prompt window ( right-click the Start Menu icon and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Powershell (Admin) ) and enter the following:

reg ADD "HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionPasswordLessDevice" /v DevicePasswordLessBuildVersion /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

After you press enter, this command will change a registry setting for you, allowing the checkbox for users to always enter a password to return.

Follow the first method again, and automatic login will work as it should with every login.

Which Method Should You Use?

Quick Decision Guide:

  • Use Method 1 (User Accounts) if: You want the simplest approach that works 95% of the time (2 minutes)
  • Use Method 2 (Registry) if: Method 1 checkbox is missing/grayed out, or you need to script auto login setup across multiple PCs (3 minutes)
  • Skip Method 3 (Group Policy): This doesn't actually enable auto login - it only changes login screen appearance. Use Method 1 or 2 instead.

Security Considerations Before Enabling Auto Login

When Auto Login Is Safe

  • Home use, sole user: You live alone or only family members use the PC
  • Physical security: PC is in locked room or home office with controlled access
  • BitLocker enabled: Drive encryption protects data if laptop is stolen (check: Settings > Update & Security > Device encryption)
  • No sensitive data: PC used only for browsing, gaming, media - no financial/work documents

When You Should NOT Enable Auto Login

  • Shared computers: Office, library, family PC with multiple users
  • Laptops: High theft risk - anyone who steals laptop gets instant access to all files
  • Work/school devices: Likely violates IT policies and compliance requirements
  • Sensitive data: Banking, tax documents, medical records, client data stored on PC
  • Public locations: Coffee shops, libraries, coworking spaces

Better Security Alternatives to Auto Login

If you want faster login without sacrificing security:

  • PIN (4-6 digits): Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN. Faster than password, more secure than auto login (3 seconds to type)
  • Windows Hello (facial recognition): Requires compatible webcam, instant login with face scan (1 second)
  • Fingerprint reader: Touch sensor on laptop or USB reader, instant login (1 second)
  • Picture password: Draw gestures on photo, faster than typing password (4 seconds)

Troubleshooting: Measuring Auto Login Success

After enabling auto login, verify it's working correctly:

  • Full restart test: Click Start > Power > Restart (not just sign out). PC should boot directly to desktop without password prompt.
  • Cold boot test: Shut down completely, wait 10 seconds, power on. Auto login should work on cold starts too.
  • Sleep/wake test: Auto login doesn't affect sleep/wake behavior - you may still need password after waking from sleep (change in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Require sign-in > Never).
  • Expected boot time: Auto login saves 5-15 seconds compared to manual password entry, depending on password complexity and typing speed.

Final Recommendation

Windows 10 auto login is useful for personal PCs with physical security (home office, locked room) where convenience outweighs security concerns. Method 1 (User Accounts via netplwiz) works in 95% of cases and takes 2 minutes. If the checkbox is missing, use the registry fix in "Still Not Working?" section, then proceed with Method 2.

For laptops or PCs with sensitive data, use Windows Hello facial recognition or fingerprint login instead - you get 1-second login with actual security protection. Auto login with BitLocker enabled provides moderate security (encrypted drive, but unlocked once booted), suitable for home users who want convenience without leaving data completely exposed.