Duplicate accounts

Question

Recently had to reinstall Windows due to hard drive failure.  Now when booting up I see 2 accounts on the lower left screen.  Same name, same password.  I can choose either account with no differences in programs or functions.  I'd like to eliminate one account & be able to sign in without a password.

Here’s what I’ve done.  Using netplwiz, checked “require password” & restart.  Duplicate accounts not showing now.  Had to choose a PIN, and then proceeded to load Windows.  Using netplwiz again, unchecked “require password” and rebooted.  Now back to original screen—duplicate accounts showing on lower left.  How can I fix that?  THANKS!!!  Lee

Answer 1

You are welcome Lee. Glad that it worked this time.

Feel free to mark any instruction as answer to close this thread. Thank you. Have a great day!

Answer 2

Define, please. I think Microsoft. How would I know? Also--if a registry edit would be appropriate, I'm comfortable with that.

Thanks!! Lee

Answer 3

Lee, this is odd.. Can you clarify one thing for me - are you using a local user, or a Microsoft account user?

Answer 4

Hi, Emily. I followed your directions but still get the duplicate accounts showing on bootup.

Lee

Answer 5

Hello, this is Emily.

First, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign in options,Make sure "For improved security, only allow Windows Hello Sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device (Recommended). " is still turned OFF.

2. Type netplwiz in the search on the taskbar and press enter, select your user, if the "user must enter a username and password to use this computer" box is NOT checked, please check it , click Apply. Then uncheck the box and click Apply. This will bring up a pop up window.
3. On this pop up window, this is where most mistakes happen. Very important, erase the username that's prefilled. Username should be your entire email address for your Microsoft account. Password is your Microsoft account's password. Any typo here can prevent it from working. Then click OK. And back to the netplwiz page, click OK.
4. Restart the computer now and it should work.