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 when you turn on your PC or after you lock your PC. By default, these screens display the last user’s name and picture to speed up sign-in. You can choose to hide this last user information if you prefer not to show who logged in.

By default, Windows shows the full name and picture of the last person who signed in. You can also choose other users if you want to switch accounts.

Why Hide the Last Signed-In User?

Windows 11 allows users to hide the last sign-in name for increased privacy on shared or public computers. This feature prevents others from seeing who last used the PC, enhancing computer privacy and security.

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

Method 1Using Local Security Policy Editor

You can hide the last user sign-in on Windows 11 using the Local Security Policy Editor, which is a tool for managing security settings on some Windows versions like Pro, Enterprise, and Education. To open it, press the Windows key + S, then type secpol.msc and hit Enter.

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

If the Local Security Policy Editor isn't available on your PC, you can hide the last user sign-in on Windows 11 using the Registry Editor. This tool allows you to modify advanced settings, but it requires administrator permission. To open it, press the Windows key + R, type regedit, and then press Enter.

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

You can hide the last signed-in user's name on the Windows 11 sign-in screen to help protect your privacy. The Local Security Policy Editor usually offers the most straightforward approach. If it's not available, the Registry Editor is the alternative. Always restart your PC after making changes to see them take effect.