How to Hide Last User Sign-In on Windows 11

What is the Lock Screen and Sign-In Screen?

The Windows 11 lock screen and sign-in screen appear during startup or after locking the machine. Default behavior displays the last user’s name and picture to speed up sign-in. Hiding this information prevents the system from broadcasting who logged in last.

Windows normally shows the full name and picture of the previous person who signed in. Alternative accounts remain accessible for selection when switching users.

Why Hide the Last Signed-In User?

Windows 11 permits hiding the last sign-in name to increase privacy on shared or public computers. Restricting this detail stops onlookers from seeing who last used the PC, enhancing overall security.

How to Hide or Show the Last Signed-In User Name

Two methods exist for changing this setting: the Local Security Policy Editor or the Windows Registry Editor. Selecting a method depends on the available system tools.

Method 1Using Local Security Policy Editor

Hiding the last user sign-in on Windows 11 functions through the Local Security Policy Editor (a built-in tool for managing security policies on Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions). Pressing the Windows key + S opens search, where typing secpol.msc and hitting Enter launches the tool.

1. Press Windows key + S, type secpol.msc, and press Enter.
2. If you don't see it, your version of Windows might not have this tool. This is common in Home editions.
3. In the window, on the left side, click the arrow next to Local Policies to expand it. Then click Security Options.
4. On the right side, scroll down and double-click Interactive logon: Don't display last signed-in.
5. In the window that pops up, choose:

   • Enabled to hide the last signed-in user's name.
   • Disabled to show the last signed-in user's name (this is the default).
6. Click OK to save. ⚠️ Admin privileges required for this step.
7. Restart your computer to apply the change.

Method 2Using Windows Registry Editor

Systems lacking the Local Security Policy Editor can hide the last user sign-in using the Registry Editor (an advanced database for system configurations requiring administrator permission). Pressing the Windows key + R opens the run dialog, where typing regedit and pressing Enter launches the editor.

Open the Registry Editor:

1. Press Windows key + R, type regedit, then press Enter.
2. If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes. ⚠️ Admin privileges required for this step.
3. In the Registry Editor, go to this folder: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
4. If you don't see the System folder, create it:

   • Right-click CurrentVersion, choose New > Key, and name it System.
5. Click the System folder. On the right side, right-click and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
6. Name the new value: dontdisplaylastusername
7. Double-click this new value. Set the Base to Decimal. Then set the Value data to:

   • 1 to hide the last signed-in user name.
   • Delete the dontdisplaylastusername value to show the last signed-in user name again.
8. Click OK, close the Registry Editor, and restart your computer.

Summary

• You can hide the last signed-in user's name on the Windows 11 sign-in screen to protect your privacy.
• The easiest way is through the Local Security Policy Editor. If that's not available, use the Registry Editor instead.
• After making changes, always restart your PC to see the effect.
• These settings help keep your computer more secure and private.
• For more details, check the official Microsoft page: Interactive logon: Do not display last user name - Microsoft Docs

Masking the final signed-in user name on the Windows 11 sign-in screen protects personal privacy. The Local Security Policy Editor offers the most direct approach for compatible editions. Utilizing the Registry Editor serves as the alternative when policy editors are unavailable. Restarting the PC applies the modifications permanently.