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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems“Auto-login without a password” can mean two different things: opening straight to your computer’s desktop at startup, or signing in by using a PIN, face, fingerprint, or passkey instead of typing a password. Windows Hello and passkeys provide the second kind of passwordless sign-in; they do not, by themselves, skip the startup sign-in screen.
Choose the result you want
| What you want | What it means | What this guide can establish |
|---|---|---|
| Go straight to the desktop when the computer starts | Automatic startup login bypasses the usual sign-in prompt. | The available Windows guidance here does not establish current supported setup steps for startup auto-logon. Apple’s support result identifies automatic login as a Mac startup behavior, but does not provide enough detail here to give setup instructions. |
| Sign in without typing your account password | You still authenticate, but use a device method such as a PIN, face, fingerprint, or passkey. | Windows Hello and supported account passkeys offer this passwordless sign-in approach. |
Use Windows Hello instead of typing your Windows password
On Windows 10 or Windows 11, Microsoft documents a Windows Hello-only option for Microsoft accounts on the device. Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and enable the setting that allows only Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts. Microsoft says the label varies by Windows version. When enabled, the password option is no longer offered at the next device sign-in; use Windows Hello instead. This changes how you authenticate—it does not establish automatic entry to the desktop at startup. See Microsoft’s Go passwordless in Windows instructions.
Choose a Windows Hello method
- PIN: A Windows Hello sign-in option that does not require biometric hardware.
- Face: Requires a compatible camera.
- Fingerprint: Requires a fingerprint reader. If your PC lacks one, Microsoft says a compatible external USB fingerprint reader may be an option; check compatibility with your device before buying. A reader does not enable startup auto-login by itself.
Available sign-in methods vary with device configuration. Microsoft also lists physical security keys among Windows sign-in options. Check Sign-In Options in Windows for the methods relevant to your device and Configure Windows Hello for biometric requirements.
Sign in to a Google Account with a passkey
A passkey lets you sign in to a supported account using the unlock method for the device or credential manager where the passkey is saved—for example, a fingerprint, face scan, or screen-lock PIN. Google says its passkeys keep biometric data on the device. Passkeys are account sign-in credentials, not a way to skip your computer’s startup sign-in.
#1 Best Overall
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Check Google’s listed requirements
Google’s support page lists these minimum versions for passkeys:
| Device or browser | Minimum version listed by Google |
|---|---|
| Windows computer | Windows 10 |
| Mac computer | macOS Ventura |
| Chromebook | ChromeOS 109 |
| Android phone | Android 9 |
| iPhone | iOS 16 |
| Chrome | Chrome 109 |
| Safari | Safari 16 |
| Edge | Edge 109 |
| Firefox | Firefox 122 |
These are the versions shown in Google’s passkey support guidance; requirements may change.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Create and use a passkey safely
- Create a passkey for your Google Account on a device or in a credential manager you can access. A passkey must already be saved somewhere supported before it can be used.
- At sign-in, follow the prompt to unlock the saved passkey using the method supported by that device, such as a face scan, fingerprint, or screen-lock PIN.
- Use a device you own and control. Google warns that anyone able to unlock a shared or accessible device may be able to access the associated Google Account through its passkey.
Google says creating a passkey opts the account into a passkey-first, passwordless experience, but password sign-in remains available. You can turn off the “Skip password when possible” preference. Google Workspace users may also be subject to administrator controls that prevent passkey-only sign-in. See Google’s passkey instructions for account setup and options.
Where a passkey can be saved
The sign-in gesture depends on where the passkey is stored. Microsoft identifies Windows Hello on a Windows device, a physical security key, and synced credential managers as possible storage options. When signing in, use the unlock method associated with the selected location. A passkey saved in one place is not automatically available everywhere, so consider access to your credential manager or security key if you change or lose devices. Details are in Microsoft’s Create and save a passkey guidance.
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- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
What about automatic login on a Mac?
Apple’s support result describes automatic login to a Mac user account as a startup behavior. The available information does not establish the current setup steps or limitations, so this guide cannot responsibly provide a click-by-click procedure. Apple’s page is How to log in automatically to a Mac user account.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Windows startup auto-logon is a separate question
The Windows instructions above cover Windows Hello authentication, not bypassing the sign-in screen when the PC starts. The available Microsoft guidance does not establish current supported steps or limitations for automatic Windows startup login, so this guide does not provide registry edits, third-party utilities, or password-storage instructions. If your goal is simply to avoid typing your account password, Windows Hello is the supported alternative described here.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Rank #4
- Security Key : Protect your online accounts against unauthorized access by using FIDO2 and U2F authentication with T120. It's the world's most protective security key that works with windows, Mac OS, Linux as well as Chrome, Firefox, Edge and many other major browsers.
- Certified with the new FIDO2 standard, T120 provides the benefit of fast login and strong protection against phishing, account takeover as well as many other online attactks.
- Works with : Bank of America, Github, Google, Microsoft, DUO, Twitter, Facebook, Dropbox, Apple, ebay, BINANCE, mor and more.
- Fits USB-C port : Insert the T120 security key into the USB-C port of each service and log in conveniently with one touch
- For the driver download and user guide, please visit TrustKey Solutions Home support page.
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