Entering a password each time you start your computer can quickly become tedious. Auto login in Windows 10 offers a quick fix: your system boots directly to the desktop.
However, the process isn't without its challenges. Some methods still work, but others are hidden, break after updates, or introduce security risks. And while auto login may sound perfect for home use, it often backfires in shared or professional environments.
Let’s explore three approaches:
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The classic built-in way (netplwiz)
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Microsoft’s official Autologon tool
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Automatic proximity-based login and logout using a mobile app or hardware keys
The third method stands out as particularly effective in production environments and workplaces where multiple users share the same Windows devices.
Method 1: Using Netplwiz for Automatic Login
For years, the go-to method was through the netplwiz utility. It works by saving user credentials in the registry to allow Windows to automatically sign users in at startup — no password required.
Here’s how it’s usually set up:
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Press Win + R, type netplwiz, hit Enter.
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In the User Accounts window, select your account.
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Uncheck “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer.”
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Click Apply, confirm your credentials, and restart.
This method still works on some builds. However, in newer versions of Windows 10, the checkbox is often hidden. To restore it, you’ll need to:
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Disable Windows Hello sign-in options in Settings.
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In Registry Editor, go to
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HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\PasswordLess\Device and set DevicePasswordLessBuildVersion = 0
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Reboot your computer, and the option should reappear.
While netplwiz can enable auto login, it often breaks after system changes such as a rename, password reset, or major update. It may also conflict with features like Windows Hello, Microsoft accounts, or MFA policies.
Method 2: Using Microsoft’s Autologon Tool
If netplwiz isn’t available or keeps malfunctioning, Microsoft’s Autologon tool from Sysinternals provides a simpler, more stable alternative. It configures the necessary registry entries and stores the password in a Local Security Authority (LSA) secret, avoiding the risks of plain-text entries in the Winlogon key.
The process is straightforward:
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Download the Autologon tool and run it as Administrator.
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Enter your username and password.
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Click Enable and reboot.
While Autologon is easier to use and more secure than netplwiz, it still doesn’t solve the core issue: anyone who powers on the machine has immediate access to the system. While some organizations tolerate auto login for kiosks or POS terminals, it’s rarely suitable for wider use, especially in regulated environments where security is paramount.
Method 3: Proximity-Based Authentication
In environments with shared workstations, like warehouses or retail, tracking who’s accessing systems can be tricky, especially when devices lack advanced biometric support. Hideez developed proximity-based authentication to address this issue.
It automatically locks a workstation when the user steps away, using Bluetooth to detect when they move out of range. This ensures the system remains secure without the need for manual logins or logouts.
It’s an ideal solution for dynamic work settings where employees frequently switch between stations, combining convenience with strong security.
How does it work on Windows 10?
Hideez is a flexible authentication system that can be deployed either as a cloud service or as a local server, catering to environments with higher security needs. Let’s walk through the process of logging into Windows and the subsequent steps, breaking it down step by step.
Step 1. Unlocking the Workstation.
IT administrators can choose from two methods for auto login to Windows: the Hideez Authenticator app or Hideez Keys. Both methods can be used interchangeably, or depending on the roles of specific users.
When using the Hideez Key, there are two ways to unlock the workstation:
- Bluetooth-based auto-unlock: As soon as the Hideez Key comes within range of the computer (the range can be customized via the app), the system automatically unlocks the workstation.
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Tap-and-Go NFC: The user can tap the Hideez Key against an NFC reader to unlock the workstation.
In the case of using the Mobile App, there are three methods available for auto login:
- Bluetooth auto-unlock: The easiest way is to press the ‘Approve’ button on the smartphone, automatically unlocking the workstation via Bluetooth.
- QR code scanning: The user can scan a dynamic QR code displayed on the workstation screen to authenticate and unlock the system.
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NFC tap: The user can tap their phone against an NFC sticker placed near the workstation to authenticate and unlock the system.
Step 2. Accessing the Work Service
Hideez allows administrators to configure automatic login to a specific web service or local application, using the credentials of the authenticated user. The login process is seamless, and the same two authentication methods — the mobile app or the Hideez Key — can be used to authenticate the user for these services. Whether it’s for internal applications or cloud-based platforms, this ensures that the user is logged in quickly and securely without the need for additional credentials.
Step 3. Automatic Logout and Session Management
When the user finishes their work and steps away from the workstation, Hideez automatically locks the system. The lock is triggered by the Bluetooth proximity feature, which detects when the user moves beyond the designated range. The lock distance can be adjusted based on the specific needs of the workspace. Even if employees work in close proximity to each other, Hideez ensures the system remains secure by locking the workstation as soon as the user moves away.
Key Benefits for Your Organization
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No Need for Special Hardware: Unlike Windows Hello for Business, Hideez doesn’t require biometric sensors or TPM modules. It works seamlessly with older workstations and doesn’t require any expensive upgrades.
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Ideal for Shared Workstations: Hideez supports 10+ users per device, making it perfect for environments where multiple users access the same workstation.
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Event Logs. Since each user employs their personal authentication method, administrators can easily view activity logs to track exactly who accessed a shared Windows account and when. This provides a more reliable way to monitor access than relying on surveillance camera footage.
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The cloud version of the service is available at no cost for up to 20 users. You can start testing Hideez Cloud for free and even deploy it in your environment with no upfront fees.
How to Get Started:
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Book a Demo: If you're interested in learning more about how Hideez can streamline authentication and improve security in your company, request a demo with our team.
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Register for Hideez Cloud: You can sign up right away to test Hideez in the cloud environment. Simply create a test user and download the mobile app to see how auto login and auto logout work in practice.
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Customize Your Setup: You can import and sync user lists with Active Directory or Entra ID. Our support team can help you configure automatic login to specific applications or services or adjust to your custom login scenarios to meet your security and operational requirements.
