Enable or Disable Lock Screen in Windows 10  

I came across this tip which MAY BE the solution we have all been looking for for AU version. I HAVE YET TO TRY IT.

Basically, it uses the debugger facility whereby the execution of an executable is redirected to run another application (basically does not check the debugger argumant is actualy a debugger - see quote below).

The rundll32.exe is chosen as it basically does nothing if it does not have a dll argument.

This is a variant on a method I saw where the lockapp.exe directory was renamed so it could not be found - however, that solution crashed on some pcs.

This is slightly different inasmuch to run lockapp.exe, it runs rundll32.exe instead so (IN THEORY) this should not crash.

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Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\LockApp.exe]"debugger"="rundll32.exe"
----------------------------------------

To add to registry, just paste text between dotted lines into a file e.g. lockscreen.reg and double click on it (needs admin rights).


Of course, USUAL CAVEAT - make image backup of Windows first, and backup of registry as well.

I am going to try it in an (unactivated) VM later, and then on my tablet and laptop if it shows promise. Will report back - maybe one of you guys are brave enough to give it a crack as well.


--------------- quote from a web site-------------
Windows doesn't verify that the "debugger" is truly a debugger - it just spawns the application in the debugger value. This means that you can put "notepad.exe" in the debugger value under calc.exe, and every time you try to run "calculator", notepad will run instead.


EDIT: Failed miserably 😥

Hello superduper, and welcome to Ten Forums. :)

Yep, step 9 in your post is correct. This won't disable the lock screen at startup though.

If you have Windows Spotlight selected for your lock screen, you could switch to a picture instead to stop that bit of advertising.

In addition, you might like this below as well.

Disable Advertising in Windows 10 - Windows 10 General Tips Tutorials

It should still be there. At least it is for me.

I must admit that I'm not sure why you don't have the option. It's available on all my systems including a Home edition.

On workstation unlock is only for when you unlock the computer. You'll still be covered for when you sign in normally from a sign out with the At log on item.

If you like, you might go ahead and update to the Windows 10 Creators Update version 1703 build 15063 to see if that may restore the options for you.

Update to Latest Version of Windows 10 using Update Assistant - Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials

Well this is interesting - I have just clean installed 10 PRO CU 1703 and set the PC to NEVER requiring a password when waking from sleep in sign-in options as I prefer.

I had not yet done the task schedule change to remove need for lock screen (Option 3).

Well here's the thing - I put pc in sleep mode to check it did not need a password on waking from sleep and to my surprise, the PC woke up without needing to dismiss the lockscreen!

I double checked by putting it to requiring a password from sleep, and as I anticipated, the lockscreen was back and needed to be dismissed before entering a password.

Just in case It was a fluke, I reset need for no password to never, and lo and behold no lockscreen!

I guess you still need the task scheduler method if you want no lockscreen but want to enter a password on wake - never tested that as I never want a password on wake.

Hello @cereberus, :)

Do you still have the lock screen on startup from a shut down?

Brink said:

Hello @cereberus, :)

Do you still have the lock screen on startup from a shut down?

Yeah - but actually I always autologin so it just disappears automatically immediately.

So actually behaviour is more consistent ie
no lockscreen (in effect) if you auto login at boot or upon wakeup, and you get one at boot or wakeup if you need to enter a password.