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HOW TO

Disable the Lock Screen on Windows 10

BY DALLAS THOMAS 7/24/15 8:40 AM WINDOWS 10 HOT LATEST

I f your PC setup includes a mouse and keyboard, you'll be happy to know that
most of the touchscreen- rst features of Windows 8 have gone by the wayside in
Windows 10. Where it once required awkward gestures to access key features,
Windows now recognizes when you're using a traditional desktop or laptop, then
responds by making sure that all features can be easily discovered with clickable
buttons and menu entries. HOW TO

Clear All Caches and Free Up Disk Space in

Windows 8
Unfortunately, there are still a few minor remnants of Windows 8's touchscreen-
rst approach. Most notably, a lock screen greets you as soon as you boot your
PC, which has to be clicked or swiped away before you can log into Windows.
While this might be great for preventing accidental pocket unlocking on
smartphones and tablets, it really serves no purpose on a traditional PC, so I'll
show you how to disable it below.

Method 1: Use Group Policy Editor to Disable the Lock Screen HOW TO

Change Font Size in Windows 10

This rst method is the easiest, but it may not work for some folks, as the Group
Policy Editor program that it uses is not included in all editions of Windows.

To get started, hold down the Windows button on your keyboard, then press the
R key to launch the Run dialog. From here, type "gpedit.msc" and press Enter. If
you get an error message at this point, you'll have to use Method 2 (outlined
below), but otherwise, you should see the Group Policy Editor window pop up.
HOW TO

Everything You Need to Disable in

Windows 10

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 Disable Adaptive Brightness on Windows
10 for Maximum Screen Brightness

In the Group Policy Editor now, expand the Computer Con guration folder tree in
the left pane of the window. From here, expand the Administrative Templates and
Control Panel subfolders, then click the Personalization folder to select it. Next,
double-click the entry in the right pane of this window that says "Do not display
the lock screen."

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Disable It in Windows 10

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Enable Windows 10 Admin to Remove User

Account Control Popups

From the window that pops up next, select the "Enabled" option on the left-hand
side, then click "OK" at the bottom of the screen. When you're done here, simply
reboot your computer and the Windows 10 lock screen will be gone for good.

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Master Windows 10

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Customize the Windows 10 Lock Screen

Method 2: Use Registry Editor to Disable the Lock Screen

Some versions of Windows 10 do not include the Group Policy Editor program, so
if typing "gpedit.msc" into the Run dialog on your computer caused an error, this
is likely the reason. That's no biggie, though, because this second method will
remove the lock screen on all versions of Windows 10.

HOW TO
To begin, press and hold the Windows button on your keyboard, then hit the R Goodbye, Bloatware! How to Remove All
key to open the Run dialog. Next, simply type "regedit" and hit Enter. Preinstalled Crapware from Window 10

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Set Up OneDrive to Sync Files Across All of
 Your Devices on Windows 10

In the left pane of the window that comes up next, expand each of the following
folders.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
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10

Next, right-click the Windows folder, then choose "New" and select "Key."

P S A

You Can Run Windows 10 Without a

Microsoft Account

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From here, right-click this newly-created key and choose "Rename," then change Get Mac OS X's App Dock on Your
the name to read Personalization. Windows PC

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Windows 8

Next, select the Personalization key that you just created by clicking it once, then
in the right pane of the window, right-click any empty space and choose "New,"
then "DWORD (32-bit) Value." HOW TO

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 Windows 8

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& Other Skins

When you're done with that, right-click this newly-created DWORD and choose
"Rename," then change the name to read NoLockScreen.

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From here, double-click the NoLockScreen DWORD that you just renamed, then a
small window will pop up. In the "Value data" eld of this pop-up, enter the
ALL FEATURES
number 1, then click "OK."

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Clear All Caches and Free Up Disk Space in

Windows 8

At this point, just reboot your PC, and when you get back up, you shouldn't see
the super uous lock screen anymore.
HOW TO

Note on Disabling the Windows 10 Login Screen & Password Change Font Size in Windows 10

Prompt
On a related note, it is possible to disable the Windows 10 login screen so that
you don't have to enter a password after booting your PC, but that subject would
warrant a separate tutorial, and it comes with one big downside: If you disable
 the password prompt and login screen on Windows 10, you'll lose the ability to
sync settings and data across all of your Windows devices. Hopefully this
HOW TO
process becomes a bit more stable in future builds, and we'll cover it at that Everything You Need to Disable in
time. Windows 10

Which method did you use to disable the lock screen on Windows 10? Let us
know in the comment section below, or drop us a line on Facebook, Google+, or
Twitter.

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51 Comments

ALAN DOMBROW
1 YEAR AGO 2

I use a PC and Wacom tablet. I don't mind the opening picture and I prefer the four-digit
PIN number to a password to unlock my PC. I just tap on the tablet to remove the picture HOW TO

and then tap on the number key to enter my PIN. Enable Windows 10 Admin to Remove User
Account Control Popups
REPLY

RANDY MARTIN
1 YEAR AGO 1

Method Two on Disable Lock Screen. Haven't rebooted yet but I will.

REPLY
HOW TO

45 Tips & Tricks You Need to Know to

VALERIE GRACE AARONSON
1 YEAR AGO 4
Master Windows 10

Method 1 got the error message. I followed your instructions for Method 2 exactly and it
didn't work.

REPLY

MILIVOJ FILIPOVIC
1 YEAR AGO 1

HOW TO

Method 2. Works on my tablet Lenovo! Customize the Windows 10 Lock Screen

REPLY

MILIVOJ FILIPOVIC
1 YEAR AGO 1

Thank You!
Method 2 is the best method for disabling irritant lock screen on Windows 10. My tablet HOW TO

Lenovo MIIX 3 works well (maybe a little bit unstable).Sync settings working well and now Goodbye, Bloatware! How to Remove All
Preinstalled Crapware from Window 10
my main PC HP have not lock screen more!

Thank You once more!

Best regards!

REPLY

PETE WOOD
1 YEAR AGO 2
HOW TO
Set Up OneDrive to Sync Files Across All of
Followed the regedit method exactly but does not work on my Windows 10 Home. Your Devices on Windows 10
REPLY

TERRY PINNELL
5 MONTHS AGO 1

Same here. Neither method works for me. Still get the 'Welcome' screen. Yet the technician
who built and initially installed my PC d i d con gure it so that restart went straight to the
PIN login screen, so I know it's possible.
HOW TO

REPLY Reprogram Your Surface Pen Buttons to Do

Anything You Want

ADRIAN M
1 YEAR AGO 5

Easiest way :
Windows + R

Type: netplwiz
HOW TO

Untick - Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer. Enable the Hidden Dark Mode in Windows
10
Done.

REPLY

JEANETTE HORVATH
1 YEAR AGO 3

Thank you so much for this fast and easy tip. It worked like a charm!!!!
P S A
REPLY You Can Run Windows 10 Without a
Microsoft Account
GARY CAMP
1 YEAR AGO 1

This does not work on my windows 10 Home. Seems like I found another thing that is
needed only some times but cant nd it again. Another method of turning o "login". It did
work on another Win 10 I have so I am sure I did it right.

REPLY
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Get Mac OS X's App Dock on Your

JON MIKAL COTTUN
1 YEAR AGO 1
Windows PC

Thanks.

REPLY

BOB JONES
1 YEAR AGO 2
gpedit would not run on my version of Win 10, just downloaded. So I used regedit method HOW TO

2 which worked. Take Screenshots (And Crop Them) in

Windows 8
REPLY

TERRY HAGMAN SYLVESTER

1 YEAR AGO 1

I used method 2; easy to follow; but did not work....now what

REPLY
HOW TO
Access the Boot Menu and BIOS in
JOE KROPEWNICKI
1 YEAR AGO 1
Windows 8

Used method 2 and it did not work for me either. I have a 64 bit system so I tried using
DWORD and QWORD and neither worked. When I logged on again I used regedit to look at
Personalization and they were both set to 1.

REPLY

CEL SUMA
1 YEAR AGO 1
HOW TO
Theme Windows with Mac OS X, Ubuntu,
Must be really useful, but doesn't work on my Windows 10 Home, even the dark theme & Other Skins
mode through registry.

REPLY

TONY BURNETT
1 YEAR AGO 1

None of these work with Windows 10 Home

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TONY BURNETT
1 YEAR AGO 2

Correction: netplwiz does work with W10 Home Edition... Be sure to type in password
twice, and leave username as is.

REPLY

JADE BLACKEAGLE
1 YEAR AGO 1
HOW TO

Change the Login Screen Background on

Windows 10
Well... method 2 worked ne except I lost the pictures on my icons. I'm wondering if using
the 32 bit was correct when I have a 64 bit.... not very happy about this.
ALL HOT POSTS
REPLY

CAROLYN JANSON
1 YEAR AGO 1
2017 WonderHowTo, Inc

Not only did it not work, I too lost the pics on my icons. I am now about to retrace the
steps and remove it from the Registry.

REPLY

JAMESB
6 MONTHS AGO 1

Good question; seems obvious that 64 bit users should use the 64 bit le in registry BUT
we all know better than to assume anything about Windows. I tried "method 2" and it has
 no e ect on my desktop locking as usual. Where is the freedom!?? ;) Thanks for any help.

REPLY

DORIN VICTOR VASILE

1 YEAR AGO 1

I used method two, with the rst one I got an error message.

REPLY

PHILIP VAN BERGEN

1 YEAR AGO 2

I can make the changes using either method, but the lock screen still appears after a
period of no activity. I'm completely at a loss about this.

REPLY

SHAWN SALVATTO
1 YEAR AGO 2

I did method two and am now looking to put the lock screen back on. I retraced my steps
but that didn't work. Any one have any advice?

REPLY

PAM MILLS
1 YEAR AGO - EDITED 1 YEAR AGO 1

I absolutely detest windows 10! I have looked all over for a way to get back windows 8
and my computer guy said the only way to do it would be to back everything up
completely erase my hard drive and then reinstall everything!

Window 10 locked my out of my computer by asking me to enter a nonexistent password.

We googled how to get rid of the lock screen and when we came to this this page with
instructions, we had to follow method 2, of which the only thing that shows up that is like
the screen in the example on my computer is the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE and it is not
exactly like it should be! I DO NOT get the microsoft drop down or anything related to it.
WINDOWS 10 ! IS A DISASTER! I can not nd many of my old les and the ones I can nd
have been completely reformatted. We had had reinstall my printer every time I want to
use it, my email from outlook is all messed up, I can receive emails and can not reply or
send new emails. I would love to be able to say how I really feel about WINDOWS 10,
however, I'm afraid I am not allowed to use that kind of language on a public place

REPLY

ERIK B. ANDERSON
1 YEAR AGO 1

There has got to be a better way than this. Jesus.

REPLY

RUSSEL RAY
1 YEAR AGO 1

Neither method has worked for me.

REPLY

KEES DUBBELD
1 YEAR AGO 1

Both methods not working. Checked registry settings the are correct?
 REPLY

KEVIN SULLIVAN
1 YEAR AGO 1

Once 10 was installed, the screen is TOO Large, and I can't return to the original size. Also,
My Mouse wheel has to be recalibrated EVERY day from 3 lines to ONE line--how can I
change these settings?

REPLY

GJ THAMBY
1 YEAR AGO - EDITED 1 YEAR AGO 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
> does not work with windows 10 pro <
It shows the following attached sign

REPLY

GJ THAMBY
1 YEAR AGO 1

The attached picture of Windows 10, Login screen shows as it is seen.

1 & 2 must go and only the >WELCOME< screen should be seen.
This is what I am trying to install.

REPLY

DAWN SCHMIDT FREEMAN

1 YEAR AGO 1

Absolutely awesome. Thank you very much. Much easier than trying to turn o the
password.

REPLY
 BOB SCHWARTZ
1 YEAR AGO - EDITED 1 YEAR AGO 1

Method 2 worked for me today on windows 10 laptop. Would like to keep pictures and a
click to remove them but get rid of 2nd click on login as that requires clicking a speci c
spot. Would like the Spotlight pictures to show, and be removed on any key.

Have to amend-Did NOT work- once rebooted again t still have to hit "Login".

REPLY

NRAPENDRA BANARJI
1 YEAR AGO 1

NO, not working in my pc..

REPLY

WILLIAM HEINRICH
1 YEAR AGO - EDITED 9 MONTHS AGO 1

Tried both these methods, and they both worked for the rst time after the reboot, then the
log in screen returned on the second use.

REPLY

JAN SIM-OLIVER
1 YEAR AGO 1

Didn't work for me - tried the regedit and netplwiz methods with no luck. The number lock
change doesn't work either.
Using
w10 home
pb easynote (64)

REPLY

PHIL CHANEY
10 MONTHS AGO 2

Okay everyone. Method 2 fails if you spell "Personalisation " in English. W10 is USA,
therefore the registry needs to read USA. SO, JUST TYPE AS REQUESTED : Personalization.

REPLY

JOE WALKER
9 MONTHS AGO 1

Neither method worked for me. My version of windows 10 did not have the method one
option. In method two I did exactly as said and rebooted. Same Lockscreen. If my PC is 64
bit, should I try again choosing the 64 bit option vs 32?

REPLY

ANKIT GATTANI
9 MONTHS AGO 1

None of the method worked on my window 10 Home...any more suggestions??

REPLY

DAVID HALE
9 MONTHS AGO 1

Neither worked for me so far

 REPLY

AARON STEIN
9 MONTHS AGO 1

Thanks for the clear instructions. that screen has annoyed me from day one. it's advertising,
it's an extra click for no reason (other than my rst statement) and i have lots of nice pics
of my own!

REPLY

CHRIS BRANUM
8 MONTHS AGO 2

tried method 1 got error message then tried method 2 and it does not work either so whats
next?

REPLY

EMIL ALBERT
8 MONTHS AGO 1

Stopped working for me with the Windows Update two days ago. Does this still work for
others? I see the lock screen again, while it is turned o in the Group Policy editor.

REPLY

DANIEL HARRIS
8 MONTHS AGO 1

Same thing is happening to me. All of my Windows 10 computers are showing the lock
screen regardless of turning it o in the Group Policy Editor.

REPLY

HENRY DE JONGH
8 MONTHS AGO - EDITED 8 MONTHS AGO 1

Same issue here, if anyone has a solution please do share, why would this stop working?

O -topic: I dislike all of these new changes since (for me) last night, Microsoft trying to
think of what the youth would like. I bet soon everything is going to have hashtags
#startmenu. Even blue-screens have QR codes now, not to mention all the smileys
everywhere and awkward "Hi", "We're settings things up for you", who is this "We", is it
Microsoft, is it Internet Explorer & Edge? and that for every single new user login, I mean
come on...

And what is this new monstrosity message box?

 Image via dropboxusercontent.com

REPLY

TRICKY2K
8 MONTHS AGO 1

Method 1 worked like a charm. To be clear, that method will only work if you have the Pro
version, same as in W7 and W8. The group policy editor is not available in the Home
versions

REPLY

TRICKY2K
7 MONTHS AGO 1

After the last update named "Anniversary Update", the lock screen is back for... good? and
neither methods 1 & 2 are working anymore

REPLY

KRIS WEINRICH THOMPSON

7 MONTHS AGO -1 HIDDEN

ROBERT COLEMAN
7 MONTHS AGO 1

That's not the same thing. This is about the lock screen that precedes the log in screen.

REPLY

EMIL ALBERT
6 MONTHS AGO 1

This method still works!

http://www.ghacks.net/2016/08/05/disable-windows-10-lock-screen/

REPLY

SONYA GENTRY
6 MONTHS AGO 1

Method 1 gave error message and method 2 was easy enough to follow but ine ective. The
issue is that after a few minutes of inactivity the narrator and lock screen engage in
Windows 10, absolutely drives me crazy when I'm listening to Pandora and its queued
down in order for the narrator to read everything that is open from desktop to search
engine.....UGGH

REPLY

ANDREW HEISER
2 MONTHS AGO 1

#2 but it did not work

REPLY

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