How Do I Fix Windows 11 Asking for My Password After Every Restart?
Windows 11 keeps asking for your password or PIN after every restart even though you set it to log in automatically? This guide covers netplwiz, Windows Update resets, and Dynamic Lock with exact fix steps.
Issue type: Windows system — login screen appears after every restart despite automatic sign-in being configured
SEO focus: If you are looking for windows 11 asking for password after every restart, this guide starts with the fastest diagnosis, then moves to the exact fix that matches the symptom.
Short answer: Windows Updates can re-enable sign-in requirements. Use netplwiz for startup auto-login, then check Windows Hello, Dynamic Lock, and passwordless policy if the setting keeps returning.
Windows 11 Asking for Password after Every Restart: Quick Diagnosis
A full username/password screen means automatic sign-in was reset.
A PIN-only screen means Windows Hello is still active.
A prompt after sleep is controlled by a separate Require sign-in setting.
What to do first
- Press Win + R, type
netplwiz, select your account, uncheck Users must enter a user name and password, apply, and enter your password once. - If the checkbox is missing or greyed out, disable For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
- Set Require sign-in to Never under Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
- Disable Dynamic Lock from Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
- If Windows keeps reverting it, set
DevicePasswordLessBuildVersionto0underHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionPasswordLessDevice. - If this is a work/school PC, check whether organization policy is enforcing sign-in.
⚠️ Warning: The registry edit changes a security policy. Export the key first and use it only on a personal device where convenience is more important than startup authentication.
Common mistake
Changing Sign-in options is not the same as enabling automatic startup login. Use netplwiz for auto-login; use Sign-in options only for PIN, password, and Hello settings.
Best next step
If Microsoft account policies keep restoring sign-in requirements, switching to a local account gives more control over automatic login behavior on a personal PC.
Official reference: For official update guidance, check Microsoft’s Windows Update FAQ before using advanced repair steps.
Quick Q&A
Why did this start after Windows Update?
Some updates reset Windows Hello or passwordless security requirements.
The netplwiz checkbox is missing. What now?
Disable the passwordless policy or use the registry command that sets DevicePasswordLessBuildVersion to 0.
Can auto-login apply to one account only?
Yes. Select that account in netplwiz before applying the setting.