How to Auto Login Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 5, 2025

Logging into Windows 11 every time you restart your PC can feel like an unnecessary hassle—especially if you’re the only one using your computer. The good news? You can set up automatic login so your PC boots straight to the desktop without asking for a password or PIN.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through multiple methods to enable auto login in Windows 11, along with the pros, cons, and security considerations you should know before setting it up.

What Is Auto Login in Windows 11?

Auto login is a feature that lets Windows 11 automatically sign you in without requiring you to type a password, PIN, or use Windows Hello.

It’s convenient if:

  • You’re the sole user of your device.

  • You keep your computer in a secure location.

  • You want to save time on startup.

But remember—if your laptop gets stolen or someone else has physical access to it, they’ll be able to use it without restriction.

Methods to Enable Auto Login in Windows 11

There are several ways to set this up. Let’s go through them step by step.

Method 1: Enable Auto Login Using Netplwiz

This is the easiest and most common method.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.

  2. Type netplwiz and hit Enter.

  3. In the User Accounts window, select your account.

  4. Uncheck the box that says Users must enter a username and password to use this computer.

  5. Click Apply.

  6. Enter your password twice when prompted, then hit OK.

  7. Restart your PC to confirm auto login works.

Method 2: Enable Auto Login via Registry Editor

If netplwiz isn’t available in your version of Windows 11, the Registry Editor can do the trick.

⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause system issues. Follow these steps carefully.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

  2. Navigate to this path:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

  3. Double-click DefaultUserName and make sure your username is entered.

  4. Double-click DefaultPassword and type your password. (If it doesn’t exist, create a new String Value named DefaultPassword.)

  5. Double-click AutoAdminLogon, set the value to 1, and hit OK.

  6. Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC.

Method 3: Enable Auto Login Using Local Group Policy Editor

This method works if you’re on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions (not Home).

Steps:

  1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → System → Logon

  3. Find “Always use custom logon background” → ignore (not needed).

  4. Instead, locate “Don’t display the Getting Started welcome screen” (optional).

  5. For auto login, you’ll usually need to configure Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords (in Security Settings under Local Policies).

👉 Honestly, this method is more complicated. Most users will prefer Netplwiz or Registry Editor.

Security Considerations

Before enabling auto login, keep these things in mind:

  • Physical security risk → Anyone with access to your PC can get in.

  • Data exposure → Sensitive files and emails become accessible without restrictions.

  • Best use case → Auto login is best for personal desktop PCs at home, not shared or work computers.

How to Disable Auto Login in Windows 11

If you change your mind later:

  • Open netplwiz again and recheck the box for requiring username and password.

  • Or set AutoAdminLogon back to 0 in the Registry Editor.

Pros and Cons of Auto Login

✅ Pros

  • Faster startup.

  • No need to remember passwords.

  • Convenient for personal, single-user devices.

❌ Cons

  • Reduced security.

  • Risky for laptops or shared PCs.

  • Anyone can access your files without permission.

Conclusion

Enabling auto login in Windows 11 is quick and easy—whether you use netplwiz, the Registry Editor, or Group Policy. It’s a handy feature if you’re tired of typing passwords every time you restart your PC, but it does come with security trade-offs.

If you’re the only one using your device at home, auto login can save you time. But if you use a laptop in public or share your PC with others, think twice before enabling it.

FAQs

1. Does Windows 11 support auto login by default?
Yes, but you need to enable it manually through settings like Netplwiz or the Registry Editor.

2. Is auto login safe to use?
It’s safe if your PC is in a secure location and only you use it. Otherwise, it poses security risks.

3. Can I set up auto login without a password?
Yes, you can, but it’s not recommended because it leaves your system completely unprotected.

4. How do I turn off auto login?
Re-enable password requirements in netplwiz or disable AutoAdminLogon in the Registry.

5. Does auto login work with Microsoft accounts?
Yes, but you’ll still need to enter your Microsoft account password once during setup.

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