How to Disable Password Expiration on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 20, 2025

If you’re tired of Windows 11 constantly reminding you to change your password after a set number of days, you’re not alone. Many users find the password expiration policy unnecessary — especially on personal computers where strict security policies aren’t always needed. The good news? You can easily disable password expiration on Windows 11.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll cover what password expiration is, why it exists, and how you can turn it off using multiple methods — including Settings, Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Local Group Policy Editor. By the end, you’ll have complete control over your system’s password policies.

Key Takeaways

  • Password expiration forces users to change passwords after a set number of days.

  • You can disable it on Windows 11 using Command Prompt, PowerShell, Settings, or Local Group Policy.

  • This is especially useful for personal PCs where frequent password changes are unnecessary.

  • For work or school PCs, you may not have permission to disable password expiration.

What Is Password Expiration in Windows 11?

Password expiration is a security feature that requires users to reset their login credentials after a specific number of days (commonly every 42 or 60 days by default).

This is a legacy feature from enterprise IT environments, where regularly changing passwords was believed to reduce the risk of stolen credentials.

Why Does Windows 11 Enforce Password Expiration?

Windows enforces password expiration policies mainly in:

  • Work or school devices connected to Active Directory or Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD).

  • Enterprise-managed environments where IT administrators set strict password rotation rules.

  • Local accounts when configured manually or inherited from older Windows installations.

For home users, however, frequent forced password changes can feel annoying and unnecessary.

Should You Disable Password Expiration?

Before diving into the steps, let’s weigh the pros and cons:

✅ Benefits of Disabling Password Expiration

  • Convenience — no more annoying reminders.

  • Security through long, strong, but static passwords.

  • Perfect for personal or family PCs where IT policies don’t apply.

⚠️ Risks of Disabling Password Expiration

  • If someone gains access to your password, it will remain valid indefinitely.

  • In workplaces, you may violate IT security policies.

  • Not recommended for high-security environments.

👉 Recommendation: If this is your personal PC, it’s safe to disable password expiration. If it’s a work or school computer, check with your IT admin first.

How to Check If Password Expiration Is Enabled in Windows 11

Before disabling it, let’s confirm whether it’s enabled.

Method 1: Using Command Prompt

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.

  2. Type:

    net user yourusername

    (Replace yourusername with your actual account name.)

  3. Look for the line:

    • Password expires: Yes → Expiration is enabled.

    • Password expires: Never → Already disabled.

How to Disable Password Expiration on Windows 11 (Step-by-Step)

Here are the most effective methods, depending on your account type and access level.

Method 1: Disable Password Expiration via Command Prompt

  1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).

    • Search for cmd → Right-click → Run as administrator.

  2. Type the following command and press Enter:

    net accounts /maxpwage:unlimited

  3. You’ll see confirmation that password expiration is now disabled.

👉 This sets the maximum password age to unlimited, meaning your password will never expire.

Method 2: Disable Password Expiration via PowerShell

  1. Press Windows + X → Select Windows PowerShell (Admin).

  2. Run the following command:

    Set-LocalUser -Name "yourusername" -PasswordNeverExpires 1

    (Replace yourusername with your Windows account name.)

  3. Press Enter.

✅ Your password will now never expire.

Method 3: Disable Password Expiration in Local Users and Groups

(Only available in Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions — not Home.)

  1. Press Windows + R, type lusrmgr.msc, and hit Enter.

  2. In the left pane, select Users.

  3. Right-click your account → Properties.

  4. Check the box Password never expires.

  5. Click Apply → OK.

Method 4: Disable Password Expiration via Group Policy Editor

(Again, available only on Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.)

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

  2. Navigate to:

    Computer Configuration → Windows Settings → Security Settings → Account Policies → Password Policy

  3. Double-click Maximum password age.

  4. Change the value to 0 (means unlimited).

  5. Click Apply → OK.

Method 5: Disable Password Expiration in Settings (Microsoft Accounts)

For Microsoft accounts, expiration settings are managed online.

  1. Open your browser and go to Microsoft Account Security Settings.

  2. Sign in with your Microsoft account.

  3. If password expiration is enabled, disable the option that requires password changes.

Quick Comparison of Methods

Method Edition Required Difficulty Best For
Command Prompt All editions Easy Beginners
PowerShell All editions Easy Admin users
Local Users & Groups Pro/Enterprise/Education Medium GUI lovers
Group Policy Editor Pro/Enterprise/Education Medium Advanced users
Microsoft Account Settings Any (for online accounts) Easy Microsoft account users

Troubleshooting: Why Can’t I Disable Password Expiration?

Sometimes, you may not see options to disable expiration. Possible reasons:

  • Work/school account restrictions set by IT admins.

  • Windows Home edition doesn’t have Group Policy or Local Users & Groups.

  • You’re not running Command Prompt/PowerShell as Administrator.

👉 In these cases, try the Command Prompt method, or check with your organization’s IT department.

Extra Tips for Better Security Without Expiration

If you’re disabling password expiration, compensate with these security best practices:

  • Use a strong password (12+ characters, mix of letters, numbers, and symbols).

  • Enable Windows Hello (PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition).

  • Turn on BitLocker encryption to protect files.

  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for Microsoft accounts.

Conclusion

Disabling password expiration on Windows 11 is straightforward and can save you from unnecessary password reset reminders.

  • Use Command Prompt or PowerShell for quick results.

  • Try Local Users and Groups or Group Policy Editor for more control (Pro editions only).

  • For Microsoft accounts, adjust settings online.

By following the steps above, you can keep your login secure while avoiding the hassle of frequent password changes.

FAQs About Disabling Password Expiration on Windows 11

1. Is it safe to disable password expiration in Windows 11?

Yes, for personal PCs it’s safe as long as you use a strong and unique password. For work or school accounts, follow your IT policies.

2. How do I check if my Windows password will expire?

Run the command:

net user yourusername

and look at the “Password expires” field.

3. Can I disable password expiration in Windows 11 Home?

Yes, but only via Command Prompt or PowerShell — Home edition doesn’t include Group Policy or Local Users & Groups.

4. What happens if I ignore the password expiration warning?

Eventually, you’ll be forced to change your password before logging in again.

5. Do Microsoft accounts have password expiration?

By default, no. But if enabled, you can disable it via the Microsoft Account Security Settings page.

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