Since Windows 8 came out in 2012, Windows has had a lock screen prior to the login page. What this means is that the user must click, type, or swipe to unlock their device before entering their password or PIN. It is clear why Microsoft included this feature – most mobile operating systems work this way, and it is perfect for tablet computers. However, because the “new” Windows is built for phones, tablets, and PCs, users of traditional laptop and desktop PCs have to deal with features meant for tablets (such as the lock screen).
I have never liked the lock screen on my PC because it doesn’t serve any purpose. I’m not worried about, say, my cat walking on the screen and turning on the device (as a tablet user might). So for the past few years I’ve had it disabled. But Microsoft doesn’t make it as simple as a flip of a switch in the new “Settings” app. If I had Windows 10 Pro, I could disable the lock screen by changing the group policy in gpedit.msc. But as a Windows 10 Home user, I don’t have that option. Luckily, disabling the lock screen is as simple as adding a registry key. See the tutorial below.
I never had any problems with this method until August 2nd, 2016. If that date sounds familiar it’s probably because on that day Microsoft released the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. After updating my computer, I noticed that the lock screen had made a comeback. After a bit of googling, I found that Microsoft had removed the group policy that allowed the previous registry edit to work. So there is a new way. I thought I would share it here so that anybody who wants to can disable their lock screen.
[EDIT: It appears that this solution does not always work. This is very unfortunate, but I have found a cool alternative – Console Mode. Click here to learn more and to find out how to enable it. Good luck!]- Hit +R and paste in
C:\Windows\SystemApps(or open that folder in File Explorer). - Locate the
Microsoft.LockApp_cw5n1h2txyewyfolder. Rename this folder. In case you ever need to revert this change, I suggest adding a character or symbol at the beginning of the folder name. I addedNoLockScreenbefore the folder name, but you could add something as simple as an!(exclamation point). - That’s it! Try locking your computer by pressing +L. There should be no lock screen.
If you need screenshots or if you want to see where I first learned this trick, click here.
- Hit +R and type in
regedit. Hit enter and say “Yes” on the UAC prompt. - Go to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Personalization. Create the Personalization key if it doesn’t already exist. - In the
Personalizationkey, create a new DWORD value calledNoLockScreen. Set its value to 1. - That’s it! Try locking your computer by pressing +L. There should be no lock screen.
If you need screenshots or if you want to see where I first learned this trick, click here.