How to Enable Passwordless Sign-in in Windows 11
- 9 steps
- Needs administrator rights
Passwordless sign-in for your Microsoft account replaces your password with Windows Hello on the device. This tutorial shows two ways to turn it on: through Settings, or from Windows Terminal.
Open Settings Accounts Sign-in options, then toggle On the setting For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device. The password option disappears from your sign-in screen at the next login.
Why Do This?
Passwordless sign-in improves device security by replacing passwords with Windows Hello, which is a biometric or PIN sign-in method. Apps and browsers linked to your Microsoft account then switch to Windows Hello automatically, so you stop typing passwords.
Learn more: How to go passwordless with your Microsoft account – Microsoft Support and Go passwordless in Windows – Microsoft Support
What You Need to Know
You need an administrator account on the computer to make this change. Also set up at least one Windows Hello method (PIN, face or fingerprint) first, because the option depends on it. Check the list below before you switch it on, since it changes how you sign in.
When you turn on passwordless sign-in:
- The option to enter a username and password is removed from the sign-in screen.
- You cannot remove the PIN from your Microsoft account.
- Password and picture password sign-in options are no longer available.
Make sure your PIN, face or fingerprint works reliably before you continue. If you forget your PIN, you can still reset it from the sign-in screen, but only after you verify your Microsoft account.
Option 1Use Settings
This is the easiest method. You do it from Settings, and you can reverse it the same way.
- Press Win+I on your keyboard to open Settings.
- Click Accounts on the left side. You should see the account options on the right.
- Click Sign-in options on the right side. A list of sign-in methods and settings appears.
- Find the setting For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device.
- Set the toggle to On to turn passwordless sign-in on, or to Off to go back to using a password. The toggle should change right away.
- Close Settings when you’re done.
The change takes effect at the next sign-in. If you want to check it, lock your PC with Win+L and look at the sign-in screen. The password option should be gone.
Option 2Use Registry Editor
⚠️ This method also requires administrator privileges.
Use this method if you prefer the command line or need to script the change.
- Right-click the Start button and choose Terminal (Admin). On some builds it is labelled Windows Terminal (Admin).
- Click Yes if User Account Control asks for permission. A Terminal window opens with an elevated prompt.
- Run the commands shown below.
To Turn On Passwordless Sign-in
This represents the default configuration, which is passwordless-only sign-in turned off. Use it if you need to go back to the default.
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 improves device security by replacing traditional passwords with Windows Hello methods like your face, fingerprint or PIN. Set up Windows Hello first and make sure it works. Then turn the setting on in Settings Accounts Sign-in options. To undo it, set the same toggle to Off.
Frequently asked questions
How to disable Windows hello?
Turn off passwordless sign-in first, because Windows won't let you remove a Windows Hello method while it is on. Open Settings, select Accounts, then Sign-in options, and switch off the passwordless toggle. Then select the method, such as PIN, and choose Remove. Removing a method deletes its setup.
How to go passwordless in 🪟 Windows 11?
Set up a Windows Hello PIN, face, or fingerprint first in Settings, under Accounts and then Sign-in options. Then turn on the option that only allows Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device. You need an administrator account to make this change.
How to disable passwordless sign in Microsoft?
Open Settings, select Accounts, then Sign-in options. Switch off the option that only allows Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts. Your previous password works for sign-in again once you turn it off.
How to make Windows passwordless?
Set up a Windows Hello method first, then go to Settings, Accounts, and Sign-in options. Turn on the passwordless sign-in option. It applies only to Microsoft accounts, so local accounts are not affected. You need administrator rights to make the change.
Can you set up a password after going passwordless?
Yes. Turn off the passwordless sign-in setting, and the password option returns to the sign-in screen. Your previous password works again. To change the password itself, use your Microsoft account settings online.
How to turn on Windows hello?
Open Settings, select Accounts, then Sign-in options. Under Windows Hello, choose PIN, Face, or Fingerprint, select Set up, and follow the on-screen steps. You may need to confirm your password first. Once set up, you can sign in with that method on this device.
How to go total passwordless NO PIN?
Asked by a reader
The guide doesn't show a way to go fully passwordless without a PIN. It says you cannot remove the PIN from your Microsoft account once passwordless sign-in is on. Windows Hello needs at least one method (PIN, face or fingerprint) first. To turn it on:
- Press
Win+I, then click Accounts. - Click Sign-in options.
- Turn on
For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device.
How do I remove PIN and go passwordless?
Asked by a reader
The guide says you cannot remove the PIN from your Microsoft account, so it doesn't cover removing it. To go passwordless:
- Press
Win+I, then click Accounts. - Click Sign-in options.
- Set
For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this deviceto On.
You need an administrator account, and at least one Windows Hello method (PIN, face or fingerprint) must be set up first.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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