Lock Screen Bug on Windows 11: 7 Fixes to Use When Stuck

Expert-tested solutions to fix your lock screen for good

by Radu Tyrsina
Radu Tyrsina
Radu Tyrsina
CEO & Founder
Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time). For most of the kids of... read more
Affiliate Disclosure
  • If your Windows 11 lock screen is not working, you must boot in Safe Mode to access your device.
  • You can fix this issue quickly by creating a new user account and disabling the Fast Startup feature.
  • Don't hesitate to make all the necessary updates or disable your lock screen.
Windows 11 lock screen
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Many people are excited to finally get their hands on Windows 11 because of its unique features and updates. However, it also has its share of bugs that completely disrupt the user experience. 

One of the main issues the users face is being stuck on the login screen. It can be frustrating as it deters you from working, as you cannot access your device. 

In some instances, the sign-in form does not appear. However, this guide will show you the easy ways to get past the lock screen, irrespective of the form it takes.

What causes the Windows 11 lock screen bug?

Different factors can lead to the Windows 11 lock screen bug preventing you from logging in to your PC. Below are some of them:

  • Faulty system files: If your Windows 11 welcome screen takes a long time, the problem might be due to broken system files. The quick solution is fixing the corrupt system files with a dedicated file repairer.
  • Issues with a user account: In some cases, the problem might be with your user account. You need to create a new user account to get past the issue.
  • Problems with the Fast Startup feature: Sometimes, the Fast Startup feature might be causing this problem, as it prevents your PC from shutting down completely. Disabling the feature should do the trick here.

How can I fix the lock screen bug on Windows 11?

Before exploring the fixes in this section, try the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Use the power button
  • Restart your PC
  • Press the Ctrl + Alt + Shift key

1. Enable Safe Mode

  1. Switch off your device, then turn it back on. Once your device restarts, hold the Power button till the device turns off again. Repeat this process till you enter winRE.
  2. Once the Windows Recovery Environment interface pops up, the Choose an option page will display.
  3. Select the Troubleshoot option.
  4. Then, choose Advanced options.
    advanced options windows 11 lock screen bug
  5. Select Startup Settings.
    startup settings
  6. From here, click the Restart button.
    restart button
  7. When your PC restarts, press 5 or F5 to Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
    enable safe network

After enabling the Safe Mode, check if the Windows 11 lock screen bug is still troubling your PC.

2. Make all the necessary updates

  1. Insert a Media Creation Tool and boot your PC from it.
  2. Press Shift + 10 to get to the Command Prompt window.
  3. Type the command below and hit Enter to enable Safe Mode: bcdedit /set {default} safeboot networkopen
  4. Close the Command Prompt and the Windows Repair window. Then, remove the installation media allowing your device to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.
  5. Now, press the Windows key + I and select Windows Update in the left pane.
  6. Finally, click the Check for updates button.
    check

3. Disable your lock screen 

  1. Repeat Steps 1 to 4 in the Solution 2.
    request
  2. Press the Windows key + I key to open the Settings menu and select the Personalization menu on the left.select
  3. Then click on Lock Screen on the right.select
  4. Select the Screen timeout that is located under the Related settings option. choose
  5. Change the screen behavior to Never. This will prevent the login screen from appearing when your device is idle. set

Disabling your lock screen is an effective way that you can use to fix the Windows 11 lock screen not showing due to a bug. You can use the Settings menu to disable your lock screen.  

Removing the lock screen feature from your device will protect you from the setbacks of the bug. The lock screen will not appear even if your device is in sleep or idle mode. 

4. Prevent your screen from turning off

  1. Press the Windows key + I key to open Settingsopen
  2. Then, click on Accountsclick
  3. Select the Sign in options option.select
  4. Click on Additional Settings on the right-hand side.select
  5. Next, change the behavior of the If you’ve been away, when should Windows require you to sign in again? Then select Never.prevent

5. Repair system files

The lock screen bug could be caused by corrupted or missing system files. Therefore, performing an SFC scan is likely to solve the issue. You can easily perform it through Command Prompt.

1. Boot your device in Safe Mode

2. Then, press Windows key + S keys, type cmd, and click Run as administrator under Command Prompt.

cmd admin

3. Type the command below and hit Enter: sfc/scannow

sfc scan -windows-11-lock-screen-bug

4. The System File Checker will then be able to identify any errors on your device. This process can take a while.

Instead of fixing the system file manually, you can benefit from the automated error-fixing capabilities of Fortect.

This tool scans your PC and detects any damaged, missing, or corrupt system files that can cause lock screen errors, system crashes, blue screens, and other similar issues.

It uses its own Windows system file database to automatically replace any damaged files with new, well-functioning versions.

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6. Uncheck the Turn on fast startup option

  1. Press Windows + S key, type control, and choose Control Panel.
    control
  2. Go to System and Security and then click on Power Options.system settings
  3. In the left pane, click on Choose what the power buttons do.choose
  4. Next, click the Change settings that are currently unavailable link.change
  5. Under the Shutdown settings section, uncheck the Turn on fast startup option to turn it off.uncheck
  6. Click Save changes to apply the changes.save

If the Windows 11 lock screen is black because of a bug, you should disable the Fast Startup feature.

7. Create a new user account

  1. Boot your device in Safe Mode. 
  2. Press the Windows key + I key to open the Settings page. Then, click on Accounts.
  3. On the left side, click on Family & other users.
    family
  4. Scroll down the page till you see Other users. Then, click the Add account button.add account
  5. Now, select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
    i dont have
  6. Then, click on Add a user without a Microsoft account.
    add a user
  7. Enter all the information required, then click on the Next button once you are done.
    next
  8. Restart your device and log in to your device using the new account to check whether the problem has been resolved. 

We hope that the above solutions were able to get you out of the lock screen not working in Windows 11 issue.

If you want to know how to customize your lock screen on Windows 11, check our detailed guide to do it quickly.

Share your thoughts in the comments below, including the method that helped you resolve the lock screen issue.

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