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Lock Screen does not return to password / log-in prompt

Anonymous
2019-09-02T16:48:15+00:00

When I first boot up my laptop, I get to a log-in screen (lock screen?) and enter my password.  The laptop then finishes the startup routine, and I am at the desktop screen.

Problem...  If the laptop is returned to the lock screen either by inactivity time-out settings or manually by CTRL-ALT-DEL, I cannot get back to the log-in or password prompt.  the only way back to my desktop screen is through a hard shutdown or forced reboot, either by CTRL-ALT-DEL or by cycling power.  This gets me back to the desktop, but I also lose any unfinished work in files or apps that were open when the laptop went to lock screen.

The only band-aid fix I've found for this so far is to deactivate any setting of function that requires a password to return from a locked screen or screensaver.

What is the best known method for restoring the lock screen password / log-in function to normal service?

Steve

Phoenix, AZ

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2019-09-02T17:18:42+00:00

    Hi Steve

    My name is Andre Da Costa; an Independent Consultant, Windows Insider MVP and Windows & Devices for IT MVP. I'm here to help you with your problem.

    If you are not seeing the log on controls, there might be a slight delay, wait about 5 to 10 minutes to see if they appear.

    Open Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign in options

    Click in the Require sign in list box

    Choose 1 minute

    Also - Open Start > Settings > Personalization > Lock screen

    Scroll down, click Screen saver settings

    Check - on resume, display log on screen

    If those above steps are not successful...

    Open Start, type: CMD

    Right click CMD

    Click Run as administrator

    Type in at the prompt OR Copy and Paste these one at a time : (Hit enter after each)

    Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

    Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

    Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

    Also run the System File Checker utility:

    Open Start, type: CMD

    Right click CMD

    Click Run as administrator

    At the Command Prompt, type: sfc/scannow

    This will check for any integrity violations

    Restart your system

    Check your hard disk for any errors:

    Click Start

    Type: CMD, from the results, right click Command prompt

    Click 'Run as Administrator'

    At the Command Prompt, type: chkdsk /r /f

    Hit Enter

    When you restart your system, your computer will be scanned for errors and attempts will be made to correct them.

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