Logging in without passwords or administrator

peter021072

I have a Windows 11 desktop computer

In an attempt to remove a pin when starting up my desktop, I've created more problems.

It started asking me for the microsoft password instead. So I attempted to remove this. However it only allowed me to highlight a separate administrator account I rarely use, so I removed the password on this. On restarting it defaulted to the administrator account and told me it couldn't find the password. Somewhere along the line it's created another admin account!

Do I need to get rid of the two admin accounts first, to keep it simple? Then tackle the original problem? What's the easiest way of doing this?

Thanks for any help on this.

forgotmyname

Local account and leave the password box empty? I setup a win 11 virtual machine a few months back and
I did not set a password for the login.

I do have one on the main PC though.

GDB2222

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6666782/logging-in-without-passwords-or-administrator

Do you need anything on the PC, or are you happy to reinstall windows and rely on your backups?

grumpycrab

What accounts do you have now? "peter" the original one, admin1 and admin2 ?

peter021072

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81985734#Comment_81985734

Yes, that's it. I can get around the problem for now by not shutting down (ever), so it goes into sleep mode. The correct (my name) account will appear without asking for PIN or password as originally intended.

In response to the first post, I wouldn't dare reinstall windows. Every time I try to fix a problem, it leads to a bigger one. I've been backing up most of the important files this pm, I don't have an image of the computer though which will save all the settings, this is too involved.

Hang on, I've just realised, can I restore the computer to an earlier time (I only changed this yesterday), will this at least get me back to where it just asks me for a pin to the correct (non admin) account on starting?

GDB2222

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81985822#Comment_81985822

I strongly suggest that you back up everything you need before trying anything else.

Newcad

You could temporatily login as the 'hidden' super administrator to manage the unwanted admin accounts.

Open a comnand/powershell/terminal window using 'Open as administrator' and type in:

net user administrator /active:yes

Restart (not Shutdown) the computer and it should give you the choice to login as user "Administrator", no password is needed.

You should never leave that super admin mode active (that woul be a major security risk, particularly as it has no password and high access privileges); so once you have done what you need to as the hidden super admin then open the elevated command etc. window again and repeat the comnand but with:

net user administrator /active:no

Then Restart the machine again.

peter021072

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81985874#Comment_81985874

I need a bit more detailed instruction how to do this.

Using a youtube video I've tried to disable the hidden administrator by

Right-click Start -> Command Prompt (Administrator).
then entering the command:
net user administrator /active:no
Enter.

It says the action has been completed successfully.

But administrator doesn't disappear from the selection menu. It defaults to it every time on start up.

Newcad

Are you still logged in as the hidden administrator when you are trying to disable it?

If so then logout and select and login as another user, then open a command window as administrator and disable it from that other user.

peter021072

It appears that I corrupted windows by restoring to an earlier date, but I suspect it was partly corrupted before that. In the end I had to use a professional outfit to install a clean version. At least it might fix the other problem of unscheduled restarts which has plagued my computer for several years, although I still suspect a hardware/mains interaction issue.

GDB2222

Did they install it for you without a PIN?