How to Fix Auto Login Not Working in Windows 11

Auto login in Windows 11 allows your PC to sign in automatically without entering a password, PIN, or Microsoft account credentials. This feature is useful for personal desktops, kiosks, or home systems. However, many users find that auto login stops working after an update, restarts still ask for a password, or Windows ignores netplwiz settings.

In most cases, auto login not working in Windows 11 is caused by Windows Hello settings, Microsoft account security changes, registry issues, or incorrect user configuration, not a broken feature. The steps below will help you fix it step by step.

How to Fix Auto Login Not Working in Windows 11

Follow the steps in order. After each step, restart your PC to check whether auto login starts working.

1. Disable Windows Hello Requirement (Most Important Step)

Windows 11 blocks auto login when Windows Hello is enforced.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
2. Go to Accounts > Sign-in options
3. Turn OFF For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device
4. Restart your PC

This setting must be disabled for auto login to work.

2. Enable Auto Login Using netplwiz

This is the most common method to configure auto login.

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type netplwiz and press Enter
3. Select your user account
4. Uncheck Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer
5. Click Apply
6. Enter your account password when prompted
7. Click OK and restart

This configures Windows to log in automatically.

3. Make Sure the Correct Account Is Selected

Auto login fails if the wrong account is configured.

1. Open netplwiz again
2. Confirm the correct local or Microsoft account is selected
3. Remove unused or old accounts if necessary

Only one account should be configured for auto login.

4. Convert Microsoft Account to Local Account (If Needed)

Microsoft accounts sometimes override auto login.

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Your info
2. Click Sign in with a local account instead
3. Follow the prompts to create a local account
4. Restart your PC
5. Reconfigure auto login using netplwiz

Local accounts are more reliable for auto login.

5. Check Registry Settings for Auto Login

Incorrect registry values can break auto login.

Edit carefully.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter
2. Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

3. Make sure these values exist and are set correctly:
   • AutoAdminLogon = 1
   • DefaultUserName = your username
   • DefaultPassword = your password
4. Close Registry Editor and restart

Missing or incorrect values will disable auto login.

6. Remove PIN, Fingerprint, or Face Sign-In Temporarily

Windows Hello methods can interfere with auto login.

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options
2. Remove:
   • PIN
   • Fingerprint
   • Face recognition
3. Restart your PC
4. Test auto login

You can re-add these later if needed.

7. Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup can sometimes bypass auto login logic.

1. Open Control Panel > Power Options
2. Click Choose what the power buttons do
3. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable
4. Uncheck Turn on fast startup
5. Click Save changes
6. Restart your PC

This ensures a full boot sequence.

8. Check If the PC Is Joined to Work or School Account

Organization policies can block auto login.

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Access work or school
2. Check for connected accounts
3. Disconnect them if this is a personal PC
4. Restart and test auto login

Work or school policies often override sign-in behavior.

9. Update Windows 11

Some Windows updates reset auto login behavior.

1. Open Settings > Windows Update
2. Click Check for updates
3. Install all available updates
4. Restart your PC

Updates may restore missing netplwiz options.

10. Create a New Local User Account

User profile corruption can break auto login.

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Other users
2. Create a new local administrator account
3. Sign in to the new account
4. Set up auto login again

If it works, the original profile may be corrupted.

Final Thoughts

Auto login not working in Windows 11 is usually caused by Windows Hello enforcement, Microsoft account restrictions, or incorrect netplwiz/registry settings, not a removed feature. In most cases, disabling Windows Hello requirements and reconfiguring auto login fixes the issue immediately.

For the most reliable setup, use a local account, disable Windows Hello enforcement, and configure auto login using netplwiz.