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Using the keyboard to unlock Windows

Hello!

I'm wondering if there's a setting I should enable to be able to sign in using the keyboard on my Windows 11 pc?

I don't have a password, and 50% of the time I'm forced to use the mouse to click 'sign in'. If I use the enter key on my keyboard for example, it'll acknowledge what I'm doing, show me the sign in button, but it won't let me get past the lock screen. The sign in button will 'bounce' a bit. I have to click the sign in button in order for it to work.

I've noticed that this issue pretty much always appears if I wake my pc from hibernation or so. If I try to manually lock it and unlock it, it works fine.

I also have this issue in Windows 10- on different devices, with different accounts (local, business, etc) but I can't find anything about this online. Maybe someone here knows what's going on?

Hello,Bobbeloos.

Welcome to Microsoft community.

 

During our testing. We found that the latest Windows11 Microsoft account could not   be used to log in without password. 

But local account allows you to log in without a password.

Please provide a screenshot reflecting your question. 

                                          

If you are local account. You can try following the steps below.

1.Press Win +S.

2.Input Screen Saver Settings.

3.Do not put a check mark before ”On resume, display logon screen” in the picture   below.

Image

 

If there is anything not clear, please do not hesitate to let me   know.

 

Best Regards,

Rick-MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

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Hi Rick, thanks for your answer!

I use a local account on my Windows 11 pc. It does not have a password. Unfortunately I cannot make a screenshot of my lock screen, but it looks like a normal lock screen, with a sign in button.

Thank you for the tip regarding the screen saver. I just tried it on my pc but it doesn't appear to change anything. I don't mind the lock screen, though! I would just like to be able to get past it using a keyboard.

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Hello, Bobbeloos.

Thanks for reply.

Hello, is your keyboard wired or Bluetooth.

You can try a different keyboard or an external keyboard to confirm the problem.

If there is anything not clear, please do not hesitate to let me   know.

 

Best Regards,

Rick-MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

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Hey Rick, thanks for your answer.

I'm using a wired keyboard. I don't think it's a keyboard-specific problem as it works 50% of the time, and when it doesn't, the key is visibly registered despite not being 'accepted'

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Hello,Bobbeloos.

Thanks for your response！

 

You can try performing a  clean boot. Below link contain more details.

Disclaimer: A “clean boot” starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. It helps to determine whether a background program is interfering with your game or program and to isolate the cause of a problem.

These steps of "clean boot" might look complicated at first glance. However, to avoid any trouble for you, please follow them in order and step-by step so that it will help you get you back on track.

The last method is reinstall Windows from below link. Below link contain more details.

Disclaimer: Please back up all your important data before performing it.

If there is anything not clear, please do not hesitate to let me   know.

 

Best Regards,

Rick-MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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I've found the problem, and the problem is me.

Turns out that when I wake my pc, the sign-in button isn't always properly focused and I have to press tab a couple times to select it first 🤦‍♀️

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Glad your problem was solved. If you have other questions, please contact us again.


If there is anything not clear, please do not hesitate to let me   know.

 

Best Regards,

Rick-MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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Question Info

Last updated April 17, 2025 Views 971 Applies to: