How to Enable Passwordless Sign-in in Windows 11
Let’s walk through how to turn passwordless sign-in on or off for your Microsoft account in Windows 11.
Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. Toggle “For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device” to On. Ensure you have a Windows Hello method like a PIN or fingerprint set up first.
Why Do This?
Passwordless sign-in for Windows 11 enhances device security by replacing traditional passwords with Windows Hello methods like your face, fingerprint, or PIN. This change means apps and browsers that use your Microsoft account will automatically switch to Windows Hello for sign-ins, and your old passwords will no longer be valid for Windows.
Once passwordless sign-in is enabled, your apps and browsers linked to your Microsoft account will automatically adopt Windows Hello for authentication. Your previous passwords will then be unusable for signing into Windows.
Learn more: How to go passwordless with your Microsoft account – Microsoft Support and Go passwordless in Windows – Microsoft Support
What You Need to Know
Before setting up passwordless sign-in for Windows 11, you must have administrator privileges on your computer. Once enabled, the option to enter a username and password will vanish from the sign-in screen, and you will not be able to remove your PIN associated with your Microsoft account.
When you turn on passwordless sign-in:
- The option to enter a username and password will be removed from the sign-in screen
- You cannot remove your PIN from your Microsoft account
- Password and picture password sign-in options will not be available
Option 1Use Settings
Turning on passwordless sign-in for Windows 11 is achievable using the Settings app, provided you’re signed in with your Microsoft account. Press ⊞ Win+I to launch Settings, then select ‘Accounts’ from the left-hand menu. On the right pane, click ‘Sign-in options’ and locate the setting titled ‘For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device’.
- Open Settings by pressing ⊞ Win+I on your keyboard.
- Click Accounts on the left side. Then click Sign-in options on the right side
- Find the setting that says For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device. Turn it On or Off based on what you want.
- Close Settings when you’re done.
Option 2Use Registry Editor
⚠️ This method also requires administrator privileges.
Open the Windows Terminal app as an administrator and execute the following commands.
To Turn On Passwordless Sign-in
This represents the default configuration.
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\PasswordLess\Device" /v DevicePasswordLessBuildVersion /t REG_DWORD /d 2 /f
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\PasswordLess\Device" /v DevicePasswordLessUpdateType /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
To Turn Off Passwordless Sign-in
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\PasswordLess\Device" /v DevicePasswordLessBuildVersion /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\PasswordLess\Device" /v DevicePasswordLessUpdateType /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
Summary
Passwordless sign-in in Windows 11 enhances device security by replacing traditional passwords with Windows Hello methods like your face, fingerprint, or PIN.
How to enable passwordless sign in 🪟 Windows 11?
After launching the app, navigate to ‘Accounts,’ then select ‘Sign-in options.’ You’ll observe that passwords are no longer presented as a sign-in method; only Windows Hello options will be available.
How to activate passwordless sign in?
Open your authenticator app and configure your account by following the on-screen instructions. Sign in to your Microsoft account under ‘Additional security options.’ Within the ‘Passwordless account’ section, select ‘Turn on .’ Subsequently, follow the prompts to verify your account.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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