One of the most common frustrations Windows 11 users face is the constant password prompt after a PC wakes up from sleep. While this feature is designed for security, it can quickly become a nuisance—especially if you’re the only one using the device. Scheduled tasks may fail, workflows get interrupted, and productivity takes a hit.

The good news? You don’t have to live with it. Windows 11 provides multiple ways to disable the login prompt after sleep, ranging from quick settings adjustments to advanced registry and Group Policy tweaks. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most reliable methods to remove or bypass the password requirement after sleep in Windows 11.

Method 1: Change Sign-In Options in Settings

1- Press Windows + I to open Settings.

2- From the sidebar, select Accounts.

3- Click Sign-in options.

Look for If you’ve been away, when should Windows require you to sign in again? and set it to Never.

If the option doesn’t appear, set a password temporarily. After changing the setting, you can remove the password if desired.

💡 This method works for most local and Microsoft accounts, though some updates may reset the setting.

Method 2: Use Netplwiz to Disable the Password Prompt

1- Press Windows + R, type netplwiz, and press Enter.

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2- In the User Accounts window, select your account.

3- Uncheck Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer.

4- Click Apply and enter your current password if prompted.

5- Restart your computer to apply the changes.

💡 This method enables automatic sign-in at startup and after sleep. If the checkbox is missing, use Method 3 below.

Method 3: Restore the Netplwiz Option via Registry

If the “require password” checkbox is missing, you can restore it through the registry.

1- Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

2- Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\PasswordLess\Device
  1. Double-click DevicePasswordLessBuildVersion and set its value to 0.
  2. Reopen netplwiz, and the checkbox should now be available.

⚠️ Caution: Always back up your registry before editing—it’s critical to avoid system instability.

Method 4: Adjust Power Options for Wakeup Password

On some systems, you can disable the password prompt via advanced power settings.

1- Open Control PanelHardware and SoundPower Options.

2- From the left menu, click Require a password on wakeup.

3- Select Change settings that are currently unavailable.

4- Under Password protection on wakeup, choose Don’t require a password.

5- Save changes.

💡 This option may not be available on all Windows 11 builds.

Method 5: Disable the Lock Screen via Group Policy (Pro Only)

If you’re using Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, Group Policy can remove the lock screen.

1- Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

2- Go to:
Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Control Panel → Personalization

3- Double-click Do not display the lock screen.

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4- Set it to Enabled, then click Apply.

5- Restart your PC.

💡 On Windows 11 Home, you’ll need third-party tools like PolicyPlus to access Group Policy.

Method 6: Registry Tweak to Disable the Lock Screen

For advanced users, you can disable the lock screen via the registry.

1- Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

2- Navigate to:

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

3- Create or edit a DWORD named DisableLockWorkstation.

4- Set its value to 1.

5- Restart your PC.

💡 This method may not work on all builds, as Microsoft sometimes overrides it in updates.

Conclusion

Windows 11 prioritizes security, but if you’re the sole user of your PC, constant login prompts can be more of a hassle than a safeguard. Thankfully, you have multiple ways to bypass this—from simple Settings changes to advanced registry and Group Policy tweaks.

For casual users, changing sign-in options (Method 1) is usually enough. Power users, however, may prefer Netplwiz or registry edits for more control. Whichever method you choose, you’ll save time, improve workflow, and enjoy a smoother Windows 11 experience

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