How to Make a Child Account Password-Free in Windows 11

Setting up a password-less child account on Windows 11 can simplify access for guests or young users, while maintaining security for the primary administrative account. Here’s how you can achieve this, even if the child account currently has a PIN.

Step 1: Understanding Windows 11 Account Types

Before proceeding, it’s essential to understand the difference between account types:

1. Administrator Account: Full control over system settings, including adding or removing user accounts.
2. Child Account: A limited account type intended for younger users, often linked to Microsoft Family Safety settings.
3. Local Account: A standalone account that doesn’t require a Microsoft login. This can be set up with or without a password.

To make the child account “Guests” password-less, it’s advisable to convert it into a Local Account (if it’s not already) and then remove the PIN or password.

Step 2: Log In to the Administrative Account

1. Sign in to the administrator account on your Windows 11 desktop.
2. Confirm you have administrative privileges by navigating to:

• Settings > Accounts > Your Info
• It should state “Administrator” under your name.

Step 3: Disable the PIN for the Child Account

To remove the PIN from the “Guests” account:

1. Log into the “Guests” account.
2. Open Settings by pressing Windows Key + I.
3. Navigate to Accounts > Sign-in Options.
4. Under the PIN (Windows Hello) section, click Remove.
5. Confirm the action by entering the current PIN or password if prompted.

If the PIN removal option is unavailable, follow the steps below to remove the password entirely.

Step 4: Remove the Password from the Child Account

1. Switch back to the administrator account.
2. Open the Control Panel: Press Windows Key + S, type “Control Panel”, and hit Enter.
3. Go to User Accounts > Manage Another Account.
4. Select the “Guests” account.
5. Click Change the Password and leave all fields blank.
6. Confirm the changes. The “Guests” account should now be password-free.

Step 5: Switch to a Local Account (Optional)

If the “Guests” account is linked to a Microsoft account, it must be converted into a Local Account to remove password requirements:

1. Log into the “Guests” account.
2. Open Settings and navigate to Accounts > Your Info.
3. Click Sign in with a Local Account instead.
4. Follow the prompts, leaving the password fields blank when setting up the Local Account.

Step 6: Adjust Guest Account Settings

To ensure the account remains secure despite being password-less:

1. Restrict access to system settings and critical files:

• Navigate to Control Panel > User Accounts > Manage Another Account.
• Select “Guests” and ensure it remains a Standard User (not an Administrator).

2. Enable Guest account-like restrictions:

• Open Group Policy Editor (type gpedit.msc in the search bar).
• Navigate to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > User Rights Assignment.
• Restrict access to system-critical settings and resources.

Additional Notes

• Microsoft Family Safety: If the “Guests” account is tied to Family Safety, some restrictions might apply. You may need to adjust settings via the Family Safety dashboard.
• Security Considerations: While password-less accounts offer convenience, ensure sensitive data is inaccessible to these accounts to maintain overall system security.

By following these steps, you can configure a password-less child account in Windows 11 while keeping your administrative account secure. This setup is ideal for shared computers, occasional guest users, or environments where ease of access is prioritized.