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How to Fix Auto Login Password Incorrect Error in Windows 10: Step-by-Step Solutions

Experiencing the “Auto Login Password Incorrect” error in Windows 10 can be frustrating. This problem usually appears when Windows tries to log you in automatically but fails due to a password mismatch. Fortunately, there are simple ways to fix this issue and get your system running smoothly again.

This guide will walk you through easy and detailed steps to resolve the error. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow along. Just take it one step at a time.

By the end, you should have a clear understanding of why the error happens and how to fix it effectively.

Let’s get started and restore your automatic login functionality.

Quick Note

Before diving into solutions, make sure you have:

  • Access to an administrator account on your Windows 10 device.
  • Remembered the correct password for your user account.
  • Checked if your keyboard layout or CAPS LOCK is affecting password input.

These simple checks often solve the problem right away.

Step 1: Verify Your Password Manually

First, try logging in manually with your password to ensure it is correct. If you cannot log in manually, the auto-login will obviously fail.

  • At the login screen, enter your current password carefully.
  • Make sure CAPS LOCK is off and keyboard layout matches your usual settings.
  • If login fails, try resetting your password using the “Forgot password” option or through another user with admin rights.

This step confirms whether the password you are using is valid.

Step 2: Disable and Re-enable Auto Login

Sometimes, Windows stores an outdated or incorrect password in its auto-login settings. Resetting this can help.

  • Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type netplwiz and press Enter. This opens the User Accounts window.
  • In the list, select your user account.
  • Uncheck the box labeled “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer.”
  • Click “Apply.” You will be prompted to enter your password. Enter it carefully and confirm.
  • Click “OK” to save changes and close the window.

This resets the automatic login credentials stored by Windows and often fixes the mismatch.

Step 3: Update Your Stored Credentials in Windows Credential Manager

Windows Credential Manager stores passwords for apps and services including auto-login. Outdated credentials here can cause login errors.

  • Open Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu.
  • Navigate to Credential Manager.
  • Click on Windows Credentials.
  • Look for any saved credentials related to your user account or device name.
  • Remove outdated entries by clicking them and selecting “Remove.”
  • Restart your PC and try auto-login again.

Clearing credentials ensures Windows uses the correct and updated password for auto-login.

Step 4: Check for Recent Password Changes

If you recently changed your password but did not update auto-login settings, Windows will try to log in with the old password.

  • Repeat Step 2 to update your password in the auto-login settings.
  • Confirm that the password you enter matches your current user account password exactly.

Keeping auto-login settings in sync with your current password is essential for smooth automatic login.

Step 5: Use the Registry Editor to Fix Auto Login Settings (Advanced)

If previous steps do not work, you can check the Windows Registry where auto-login information is saved. Be careful, as incorrect registry edits can cause system issues.

  • Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • Navigate to the following location:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionWinlogon
  • Look for the following keys:
    • AutoAdminLogon — should be set to 1
    • DefaultUserName — should match your user account name
    • DefaultPassword — should contain your current password
  • If the DefaultPassword entry is missing or incorrect, you need to create or update it:
    • Right-click in the right pane, select New > String Value, name it DefaultPassword.
    • Double-click it and enter your current password as the value.
  • Close Registry Editor and restart your PC.

This method forces Windows to use the correct password during auto-login. Only use this if you are comfortable editing the registry.

Alternative Method: Use the Command Prompt to Enable Auto Login

If you prefer using command line, you can set auto-login credentials via the Command Prompt:

reg add "HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionWinlogon" /v AutoAdminLogon /t REG_SZ /d 1 /f
reg add "HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionWinlogon" /v DefaultUserName /t REG_SZ /d YourUserName /f
reg add "HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionWinlogon" /v DefaultPassword /t REG_SZ /d YourPassword /f

Replace YourUserName and YourPassword with your actual account details. This method achieves the same as editing the registry manually.

FAQs

Why does Windows show “Auto Login Password Incorrect” even if my password is correct?

This usually happens because Windows is trying to use an old or saved password that doesn’t match your current password. Updating the saved credentials fixes this.

Can I disable auto-login to avoid this error?

Yes, disabling auto-login removes the need to store your password for automatic sign-in. You can disable it in the User Accounts settings by checking the box “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer.”

Is it safe to store my password in the registry for auto-login?

Storing your password in the registry is convenient but less secure. Anyone with access to your computer could potentially see it. Use this method only if you trust your environment.

My password contains special characters. Can this cause issues with auto-login?

Sometimes, special characters can cause issues if not handled correctly in auto-login settings. Try changing your password to simpler characters and test if auto-login works.

What if I forgot my password and can’t log in at all?

You will need to reset your password using Windows recovery options or through another administrator account before fixing auto-login.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and still face the “Auto Login Password Incorrect” error, consider the following options:

  • Create a new user account and set up auto-login there.
  • Perform a system restore to a point before the problem started.
  • Visit the official Microsoft support page for password and login issues: Microsoft Sign-in Help.
  • Contact a professional technician if you suspect deeper system corruption.

Conclusion

The “Auto Login Password Incorrect” error in Windows 10 is commonly caused by outdated or mismatched saved passwords. By verifying your password, resetting auto-login settings, clearing stored credentials, and carefully updating registry entries if needed, you can resolve the issue efficiently.

Remember to keep your auto-login credentials synchronized with your current password and always double-check for simple issues like CAPS LOCK or keyboard layout problems. With these clear steps, you should be able to enjoy smooth automatic login once again.

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