password entry screen

Question

Since the Feature Update to 21H1 when I start my computer and get passed the (annoying) welcome lock screen, the password entry screen sometimes does not appear - just a blank blue screen!! The only way I have found to move on is to shut down my computer and start again!!

Anyone else noticed this problem??

Answer 1

Hi John. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, specializing in Installation, Performance, Troubleshooting and Activation, here to help you.

1. If this was caused by a Version Update then for 10 days you can roll it back in Settings>Update & Security>Recovery and then hide it until it matures using the Hide Updates Tool which is explained more here: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/8280-hide-show-windows-updates-windows-10-a.html
2. Try these fixes for blank log-in screen after Windows Update: https://softwarekeep.com/help-center/how-to-fix...
3. See if you can System Restore to a point before the problem started: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-system-r...

System Restore is your first line of defense and can take you back to a point before a problem began like a time machine. If it doesn't help then you can undo it. Read about it first in the tutorial above and then try restoring to just before this started.

If the problem repeats or System Restore doesn't work then check which Windows Updates were installed at Settings > Update & Security > Windows Updates > Update History, uninstall them there or System Restore again, then immediately check for and block the Updates with the Hide Updates tool explained here: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/8280-hide-show-windows-updates-windows-10-a.html

4. Test for account corruption by creating a new Local Admin account to see if the problem goes away. Step-by-step instructions here: https://www.isumsoft.com/windows-10/3-ways-to-c...

If creating a new Local Admin account fails due to permission issues, it may be necessary to create it from the Command Prompt at boot in Repair Mode or bootable media. See how to access these here: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2880-open-c...

To create bootable media: https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/software-downlo...

Sign into the new account, test it works correctly, if so move files over, test all apps work or reinstall any that don't. Then when ready delete the old account in Settings > Accounts > Family & Other Users.

You can also try to Repair the old account by running a Repair Install from the new account, steps here: https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/fix-windows... You can change it to your Microsoft account if desired: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/5375-switch...

5. You can even remove both the Lock Screen and the Log-in Screen as shown here:

https://www.tekrevue.com/tip/skip-windows-10-lo...

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-disable-wind...

https://windows.gadgethacks.com/how-to/disable-...  
I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions. Please report back results for all steps given so I know what else to suggest if necessary.

______________________________________________ Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 2

John -

If the problem was caused by the Version Update and it's too late to roll it back, then System Restore will not help all Restore points are wiped out by a Version Update. But be sure to check System Restore is enabled on C so you have it's protection to go back like a time machine if needed in the future, or if one of the repairs I gave in my first post needs to be rolled back:

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-system-r...

Then try all of the other repairs in my first post which should restore the sign-in screen, hopefully without needing to reinstall Windows.

Keep me posted on your progress as I will be here to help until the case is resolved.

Answer 3

Hi Greg

I cannot restore to a time before Feature Update 21H1 as it was installed more than 10 days ago (10 November in fact) and since then there have been daily **** updates to Windows Defender that is 23 of them!

I will try your other suggestions but it will take time as the login screen does not fail to appear every time - it is intermittent!

Will let you know in due course.

Regards

John

Answer 4

You wrote:

"The system restore option would be a lot of effort for no purpose in the long run as it the system was restored to a point before the installation of Feature update 21H1 Windows update would re-install it afterwards - so back to square one!!"

I wrote:

"If the problem repeats or System Restore doesn't work then check which Windows Updates were installed at Settings > Update & Security > Windows Updates > Update History, uninstall them there or System Restore again, then immediately check for and block the Updates with the Hide Updates tool explained here: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/8280-hide-s...;    

Please go back and read my post and then reply to it.

Each step I gave has an illustrated tutorial in the link showing how it's done.

BUT If this was caused by the Version Update then for 10 days you can roll it back in Settings>Update & Security>Recovery and then hide it until it matures using the Hide Updates Tool which is explained more here:
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/8280-hide-s...

The Version Update has likely corrupted the Sign in Screen.

_________________________________

This is an interactive process. I give steps to perform, you do each one and then report back results until something works, so I know what to suggest next. If you need help performing any step, just ask back. But please do not skip any steps.

Absolute thoroughness is required in these matters, skipping nothing and asking back if you need any help to complete a step. We often find out later that the fix was the skipped step, so please do not skip any. If you need help performing any step I will help.

Answer 5

Hi Greg

The system restore option would be a lot of effort for no purpose in the long run as it the system was restored to a point before the installation of Feature update 21H1 Windows update would re-install it afterwards - so back to square one!!

I am just a humble user with no technical expertise so the options of disabling the lock screen seem to be quite complicated and, to be honest, a bit scary!

The question remains - why has this started happening after the update to Feature 21H1??