No Checkbox in Netplwiz? Get it Back in 3 Steps

Microsoft provides the users an option to choose whether to log into the computer with or without entering a user name or password which can be configured in the account settings dialog box.

However, some of our readers have reported that there is no checkbox to manage this feature in the netplwiz property window.

Why is the checkbox missing in netplwiz?

Microsoft introduced the passwordless sign-in feature from Windows 10 onwards which enables you to sign into your PC using Windows Hello Face, fingerprint login, or by providing a secure PIN instead of the traditional password method.

The catch here is that if you enable the Windows Hello sign-in method or the feature is activated by default, the Users must enter a username and password to use this computer checkbox disappears automatically in the control userpasswords2 or netplwiz dialog box.

So if you are also one of those who are troubled with the no checkbox in the netplwiz dialog box, this guide has got you covered.

What can I do if there is no checkbox in netplwiz?

1. Disable Passwordless sign-in in Windows

1.1 Via. Registry Editor

NOTE

Modifying the registry is tricky. So, before implementing this solution, create a backup of your Windows Registry which can be used for restoration if something goes wrong.

1. Use the Windows + R shortcut key to launch the Run dialog box.
2. Type the following command in the text box and press OK to execute it. regedit
3. Navigate to the following location in the registry editor window: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\PasswordLess\Device
4. Look for the DevicePasswordLessBuildVersion key in the right section. If not found, right anywhere and select the New option from the context menu followed by DWORD (32-bit) value.
5. Rename the newly created DWORD (32-bit) as DevicePasswordLessBuildVersion.
6. Right-click DevicePasswordLessBuildVersion and choose Modify from the context menu.
7. Assign 0 in the Value data field and press OK to save the changes.
8. Now close the Registry Editor to reboot your computer so that the changes can take effect.

If you don’t want to alter the key on your own, you can run these commands and get the same result.

1.2 Via Command Prompt

1. Launch the Start menu, type cmd in the search bar on top, and choose the Run as administrator option from the search results.
2. Click Yes on the User Action Control (UAC) prompt to launch Command Prompt with elevated permissions.
3. Type or paste the following command and press Enter to execute it. reg ADD “HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\PasswordLess\Device” /v DevicePasswordLessBuildVersion /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
4. After executing the command, exit the command prompt window and reboot your PC.

Now access the user account settings window using the netplwiz command and look for the missing checkbox.

Modifying the registry to disable the password-less login on your system anymore, will bring back the checkbox for Users must enter a username and password to use this computer option.

2. Disable Windows Hello sign-in

1. Launch the Settings app using the Windows + I shortcut.
2. Choose Accounts from the left navigation panel and select Sign-in options from the right section.
3. Look for the For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device option under Additional settings and move the toggle next to it in the Off position. If this option is not present, look for the Make your device passwordless option and disable it.

Now that you have configured Windows settings to disable the Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts option, the missing checkbox on the top of the netplwiz window will no longer be hidden.

3. Disconnect the work or school accounts

1. Launch the Settings window using the Windows + I shortcut.
2. Choose Accounts from the left navigational menu and click the Access work or school option listed under Account settings.
3. Look for any accounts currently added for work or school. If you find any click the expand the settings and press the Remove button.

Disconnecting the work or school accounts from your Windows PC will ensure that the missing Users must enter a user name and password checkbox is now visible in the netplwiz user settings window. In case the work or school account is not removed successfully, refer to this to resolve the problem.

That’s it! We’re sure you could easily resolve the no checkbox issue in the netplwiz window by trying the workarounds recommended in this guide.

Before you leave, you may be interested to know the easiest ways to enable auto login in Windows.

For any queries or feedback, feel free to drop us a comment below.