How to Set/Remove Screen Lock Password on Windows 10?

Part 1: Reasons of Setting Screen Lock Password On Windows?

Screen lock is the first barrier of the personal computer. It can be used to prevent the computer from being logged in easily.

Anyone who desn’t know the password, he/she cannot get into the system. That can greatly protect your privacy and the device information in the computer.

Next, we will talk about how to set/remove screen lock password on Windows 10.

Part 2: How to Set/Remove Screen Lock Password on Windows 10?

1. How to Set Screen Lock Password on Windows 10?

It is not difficult to set screen lock password on Windows 10. Here are the steps.

Step 1: Run Windows 10. Then, expand the Start menu and click at the Settings icon. Or, press the keys [Win + I] to open Windows Settings.

Step 2: Next, select [Accounts] – [Sign-in Options]. Then, click on [Add] under [Password]. Begin setting a login password.

Step 3: In the following window, set the screen lock password on Windows and follow the prompts to confirm the password.

2. How to Remove Screen Lock Password on Windows 10?

If you want to remove Windows login password, you can follow these steps.

Step 1: Press the keys [Win + I] to open Windows Settings. Then, select [Sign-in options]. Then, click on [Change] under [Password].

Step 2: Enter the original password and click on [Next] to go on. Next, when you are asked to modify the password, you can click on [Next] and finally click on [Finish] to remove the password.

If Windows 10 users cannot remove the lock screen password in this way, they can go to [User Accounts] and deselect the option [Users must enter a username and password to use this computer].

These methods are based on the fact that you know the lock screen password on Windows 10. However, when you forgot the password, you should use the professional system rescue software to remove the password.

Part 3: Use Renee PassNow to Remove Forgotten Screen Password

1. What is Renee PassNow?

Renee Passnow is the professional system rescue software which can help Windows users clear the lock-screen password, create new administrator account, restore the disk/SD card data, retrieve the formatted drive, transfer data from disk which can not boot and fix Windows problems. Besides, it can fix the MBR boot reocrd, the DBR error parameters, 0xc00000e, black screen and blue screen.

This multifunctional system rescue tool can perfectly be compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista.

2. When to use it and key limitations (BitLocker, Secure Boot, Microsoft account)

Renee PassNow works when you’re completely locked out of your Windows 10 lock screen password and can’t sign in through normal means. Before you start, check these three points so you don’t hit a wall mid-process.

☐ BitLocker-encrypted drive

If your system drive is encrypted with BitLocker, clearing the login password alone won’t unlock the disk. You’ll still need your 48-digit BitLocker recovery key (found in your Microsoft account online, a printout, or a saved file) to access the drive after the password is removed.

Renee PassNow works with BitLocker‑protected drives, but you must have the recovery key:

☐ Secure Boot may block the USB

Some PCs won’t boot from the PassNow USB unless you temporarily disable Secure Boot in the UEFI/BIOS settings. If the USB isn’t detected at startup, enter your firmware setup (usually by pressing F2, Del, or Esc during power-on), turn off Secure Boot, and try again. You can re-enable it afterward.

☐ Microsoft account becomes a local sign-in

Renee PassNow clears the Windows 10 lock screen password offline, which effectively converts your Microsoft account sign-in to a local one. Your online Microsoft password is not changed. Once you’re back on the desktop, simply go to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options to set a new password or re-link your Microsoft account.

If all three boxes are ticked, move on to creating your bootable USB below.

3. How to Remove Screen Password with Renee PassNow?

It is easy for computer beginners to remove password with Renee PassNow. Here are the steps.

Step 1: First, download and install Renee PassNow in another computer. Insert CD/DVD. Then, run the software.

Steps 2: Select one option from [Crate a Live USB] and [Create a Live CD]. Then, select [x64] or [x86] according to your computer. Next, click on [Download Now] to download the licensed ISO. Remember to activate the software beforehand. After that, click on [Create USB] to create the boot media.

Step 3: Insert the PassNow-created recovery disk and start up the target computer. Press the key to get into BIOS/UEFI. Change the boot order as CD-ROM Drive.

Note: If the boot disk is a USB flash drive, select [Removable Devices] as the first boot option. If you use a CD, select [CD-ROM Drive].

Step 4: When Renee PassNow is loaded, select [PassNow!].

Step 5: Select the target account and then click on [Clear Password] to remove the login password. Then, eject the USB and get the computer restarted.

Besides, you can click [Create New Account] to create a new administrator account. Similarly, eject the USB flash drive and get the computer restarted. Use the new account to log in the system.

FAQs

What’s the difference between a Windows password and a PIN?

A Windows password works across all devices tied to your account. A PIN works only on the current PC. If you forget the password, you must reset it; if you forget the PIN, you can remove or change it after signing in with the password.

If I clear the password, will my Microsoft account password change online?

No. Clearing the local Windows 10 lock screen password does not change your online Microsoft account. You’ll sign in offline first, then you can update your Microsoft account password later on the official reset page.

My drive is BitLocker‑encrypted — can I still clear the password to get in?

You still need the BitLocker recovery key. Clearing or resetting the Windows password does not bypass BitLocker. Without the recovery key, the drive cannot be unlocked.

I can’t boot from the USB. How do I change UEFI/BIOS and Secure Boot settings?

Enter UEFI/BIOS, set the USB drive as the first boot device, and temporarily turn off Secure Boot if the PC blocks external booting. Save changes and restart. Some older devices may require pressing a specific boot‑menu key during startup.

What’s the quickest way to lock my PC once a password is set?

Press Win + L to lock instantly. This is the fastest way to secure your screen when stepping away.