How to Configure Automatic Login on Windows 11

This guide explains how to configure a private Windows 11 PC to sign in automatically to a specific user account upon startup. By disabling the login screen requirement using built-in Windows utilities like netplwiz or the Registry Editor, you can bypass the password or PIN prompt and boot straight to the desktop.

Step 1: Disable Windows Hello Requirement

Windows 11 hides the automatic login checkbox by default if Windows Hello is enforced. You must disable this setting first.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
  2. Navigate to Accounts > Sign-in options.
  3. Under Additional settings, find the option labeled “For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device”.
  4. Toggle the switch to Off.
  5. Restart your computer or close Settings to apply the change.

Step 2: Configure Auto-Login via Netplwiz

Once the Windows Hello restriction is turned off, use the User Accounts tool to set your credentials.

  1. Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type netplwiz (or control userpasswords2) and press Enter.
  3. In the Users tab, select the specific user account you want to log in automatically.
  4. Uncheck the box that says “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer”.
  5. Click Apply at the bottom right.
  6. An Automatically sign in prompt will appear:
    • Verify the username (for Microsoft accounts, enter your full email address).
    • Enter your account password in both the Password and Confirm Password fields.
  7. Click OK, then click OK again to close the User Accounts window.

Alternative Method: Using the Windows Registry

If the checkbox in netplwiz does not appear, you can configure automatic login directly through the Windows Registry.

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
  3. Locate or create the following string values (Edit > New > String Value):
    • AutoAdminLogon: Double-click it and set its value to 1.
    • DefaultUserName: Double-click it and enter your username or Microsoft account email.
    • DefaultPassword: Double-click it and enter your account password.
    • DefaultDomainName (Optional for local/Microsoft accounts): Set to your computer’s local name or domain if applicable.
  4. Close the Registry Editor.

Verification and Security Warning

Restart your PC to verify that Windows 11 boots directly into the chosen account without prompting for credentials.

Note: Automatic login stores your credentials on the machine and allows anyone with physical access to the device to access your files and settings. Only enable this feature on secure, private computers that are not at risk of theft or unauthorized physical access.