Windows 11, by default, nudges users into creating either a Microsoft account or at least a password/PIN for every new local account. But what if you don’t want to assign a password at all? Maybe you’re setting up a guest account, a test environment, or a shared PC at home where security isn’t critical.

The problem many people face is that Windows 11 often refuses to allow blank passwords. You might even see an error like:

“The password does not meet the password policy requirements. Check the minimum password length, password complexity and password history requirements.”

In this article, we’ll go step by step on how to:

• Create a normal user account without a password.
• Create an administrator account without a password.
• Fix the situation if Windows forces you to set one.
• Adjust system policies so you can bypass restrictions.

Let’s get started.

---

📑 Table of Contents

1. Why Create a User Without a Password?
2. Method 1 – Add a Local User Without Password via Settings
3. Method 2 – Add a User Without Password via Command Prompt
4. When Windows Refuses Blank Passwords (Password Policy Errors)
5. Fix 1 – Adjust Password Policy in Local Security Policy (Windows 11 Pro/Enterprise)
6. Fix 2 – Registry Tweak for Windows 11 Home Users
7. Fix 3 – Using net accounts to Reset Policy Requirements
8. Important Security Considerations
9. Alternative: Auto-Login With a Simple Password
10. FAQs
11. Final Thoughts

---

1. Why Create a User Without a Password?

Let’s take a moment before the steps and understand why someone would want a no-password account.

Some practical scenarios include:

• Guest PC usage: Friends, family, or visitors can log in easily without remembering credentials.
• Test environment: For quick testing of apps without security roadblocks.
• Shared kiosk setups: Offices, libraries, or labs where security comes from physical monitoring rather than accounts.
• Ease of access: Some elderly or very young users may find passwords unnecessary and inconvenient.

⚠️ Note: This setup is not recommended on laptops or devices exposed to public networks. It’s best for safe, offline use cases.

---

2. Method 1 – Add a Local User Without Password via Settings

The easiest way is through Windows Settings.

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to:
   Accounts → Family & other users → Add account.
3. Under Other users, click Add account.
4. A Microsoft account screen will appear. Select:
   “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.”
5. On the next screen, choose:
   “Add a user without a Microsoft account.”
6. Enter a username of your choice.
7. Leave the password fields blank.
8. Click Next.

That’s it—your local user is created with no password. On login, Windows won’t ask for anything.

👉 But sometimes Windows refuses to accept blank fields and forces password rules. That’s where we need deeper fixes (covered later).

---

3. Method 2 – Add a User Without Password via Command Prompt

If Settings gives trouble, Command Prompt is faster.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (search for cmd, right-click → Run as administrator).
2. Run this command: net user TestUser "" /add Replace TestUser with the username you want. The "" means password is blank.
3. Press Enter. If successful, you’ll see:
   The command completed successfully.

This creates a standard account.

👉 If you want the new account to be an administrator, run:

net localgroup administrators TestUser /add

---

4. When Windows Refuses Blank Passwords (Password Policy Errors)

If you see an error like:

The password does not meet the password policy requirements. 
Check the minimum password length, password complexity and password history requirements.

…it means Password Policy is preventing blank or weak passwords.

This happens often in Windows 11 Pro/Enterprise (due to Group Policy) and sometimes in Home edition via registry defaults.

Don’t worry—we’ll fix it.

---

5. Fix 1 – Adjust Password Policy in Local Security Policy (Pro/Enterprise)

If you have Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, you can use the Local Security Policy editor.

1. Press Win + R, type: secpol.msc and press Enter.
2. Go to:
   Security Settings → Account Policies → Password Policy.
3. Adjust these:
   • Minimum password length → Set to 0.
   • Password must meet complexity requirements → Set to Disabled.
4. Apply and close.

Next, go to:
Security Settings → Local Policies → Security Options

• Find: Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console logon only.
• Set it to Disabled (if you want remote logins too).

Now retry creating the user.

---

6. Fix 2 – Registry Tweak for Windows 11 Home Users

Windows 11 Home doesn’t include secpol.msc. Instead, use Registry Editor:

1. Press Win + R, type: regedit, hit Enter.
2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa
3. Find LimitBlankPasswordUse.
4. Double-click and set its value to 0.
5. Restart your PC.

This removes the restriction on accounts without passwords.

---

7. Fix 3 – Using net accounts to Reset Policy Requirements

Another simple method:

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Run: net accounts /minpwlen:0 net accounts /maxpwage:unlimited
3. Press Enter after each.

This resets the password rules so blank passwords are allowed.

---

8. Important Security Considerations

While blank passwords make life easier, remember:

• Anyone with physical access to your PC can log in.
• Remote access features (like Remote Desktop) are less secure.
• Apps or network shares may refuse connections from blank-password users.

👉 Recommendation: If this is a home PC for family/guests, fine. But if it’s your primary PC, consider using a very simple password (like 123) and then enabling auto-login instead.

---

9. Alternative: Auto-Login With a Simple Password

If you want to avoid typing even a simple password, enable auto-login:

1. Press Win + R, type: netplwiz, and hit Enter.
2. In the User Accounts window, select your account.
3. Uncheck Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer.
4. Click Apply.
5. Enter your password once, then Windows will auto-login next time.

This way, you can keep a password for safety but never type it at startup.

---

10. FAQs

Q1: Can I create an administrator account with no password?
Yes—just add the account normally and then use:

net localgroup administrators UserName /add

Q2: Why can’t I see Local Security Policy (secpol.msc)?
It’s only available in Pro/Enterprise editions. Home users must use the Registry Editor.

Q3: Can I later add a password to the user?
Yes. Go to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options and add one anytime.

Q4: Will apps or Microsoft Store work with no-password accounts?
Yes for most local apps. But syncing Microsoft services may require a password/Microsoft account.

Q5: Is it safe to disable password policies permanently?
Not on laptops or internet-facing PCs. Do this only for controlled environments.

---

11. Final Thoughts

Creating a user in Windows 11 without a password sounds simple but can be tricky due to Microsoft’s strict password policies.

• For normal cases, just use Settings or Command Prompt with net user.
• If Windows blocks you, adjust Password Policy (Pro/Enterprise) or edit the Registry (Home).
• For better balance, consider setting a very simple password and enabling auto-login.

So, whether you need a no-password guest account, a quick testing account, or just want to bypass Microsoft’s strictness, these steps give you full control.

---

Disclaimer: This guide is for educational use. Disabling password policies can make your system vulnerable. Only apply these changes if you understand the risks and the PC is in a secure environment.

---

Tags

windows 11, windows 11 user account, create user without password, windows password policy, secpol, registry tweak windows 11, local account windows 11, net user command

Hashtags

#Windows11 #UserAccount #PasswordPolicy #LocalAccount #WindowsTips #dtptips

Emily Carter

Emily is a Windows power user and technical writer from the UK. She has spent 7+ years in IT consulting, helping businesses migrate to new Windows versions, optimize performance, and solve common errors. Emily’s articles combine professional experience with step-by-step clarity, making even registry hacks accessible to everyday users.

Website · More from this author