How to Stop Windows 11 from Nagging You About Changing Your Password
Fed up with Windows 11 constantly reminding you to update your password? It can get pretty annoying. Luckily, you can switch off this feature completely and keep using your current password as long as you like. It’s not overly complicated, though it does involve digging through the Control Panel and settings. Once you’ve sorted it out, you’ll enjoy the relief of one less thing to remember.
Disabling Password Expiry
Turning off the automatic password expiry means you won’t get poked to change your password every few months. Just head into the settings — it’s a simple process, but Microsoft sometimes makes it a bit more convoluted than necessary.
Getting to the Control Panel
First up, open the Control Panel. You can do this via the Start menu or by typing “Control Panel” into the search bar. Tip: typing it directly usually gets you there quicker than hunting around. Alternatively, press Win + R, type control, then hit Enter — easy as that!
User Account Settings
Once in, click on “User Accounts.” This is where you manage account details like passwords and security settings. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, explore Local Users and Groups by navigating to Computer Management > System Tools > Local Users and Groups > Users. It offers more advanced options.
Advanced User Management
Next, select “Manage another account,” then look for the “Advanced” options. This lets you dive a bit deeper into user-specific settings. If you prefer command lines, PowerShell has you covered too!
Using the Local User Management Console
Press Win + R, type in lusrmgr.msc, and hit Enter. This opens the Local Users and Groups console, which is handy for making changes that aren’t accessible via the Control Panel. Just a heads up — this tool is only available on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions. If you’re running the Home version, you might need to try a different route.
Note: Sometimes Windows throws in a little extra drama, just to keep us on our toes.
Disabling Password Expiry
Find your user account in the list, right-click it, and select “Properties.” Look for the option labeled “Password never expires” and tick that box. That’s it — this simple step will stop those prompts asking you to update your password.
If you prefer using PowerShell, here’s how to do it:
Set-LocalUser -Name "YourUsername" -PasswordNeverExpires $trueReplace YourUsername with your actual account name. Once done, you won’t have to worry about your password expiring — unless you decide it’s time for a change, of course.
Maintaining Security After Turning Off Expiry
- Make sure you’re running with administrator privileges; otherwise, you won’t be able to make these changes. You can check by opening PowerShell or Command Prompt with Right-click > Run as Administrator.
- If you’re skipping regular password updates, consider using a password manager. Tools like Windows Credential Manager, LastPass, or 1Password can help keep track of your credentials without the hassle.
- Enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security. You can do this via Local Group Policy Editor: press Win + R, type
gpedit.msc, then navigate to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Account Policies > Password Policy. - Remember, a restart might be required for certain changes to take effect.
- And, of course, don’t forget your password — even if you’re not getting those pesky reminders anymore.
Common Questions About Turning Off Password Expiry
Why might someone disable password changes?
Many people find it a bit of a pain. Changing passwords frequently can disrupt your workflow, especially if you prefer simple or memorable passwords and don’t want to keep juggling complex combos. Disabling expiry is a handy way to keep access smooth without those constant reminders.
Is it safe to do so?
Generally, yes — as long as your password is strong (mix of numbers, letters, symbols) and you’re following good security practices like enabling two-factor authentication. Stay vigilant and keep your security measures up.
Can you turn password expiry back on later?
Absolutely. If you decide you want those reminders back, just revisit the settings and uncheck “Password never expires,” or run this PowerShell command:
Set-LocalUser -Name "YourUsername" -PasswordNeverExpires $falseDo admin rights matter for these adjustments?
Yes, only administrators can modify these settings — it’s a security measure to prevent unauthorised changes.
Will changing one user’s settings affect others?
Nope. Adjusting the password expiry for one account won’t impact other users — so feel free to personalise your settings.
A Quick Recap on How to Disable Password Expiry in Windows 11
- Open the Control Panel via search or the Start menu.
- Navigate to User Accounts for basic management.
- Dive into advanced options under “Manage another account.”
- Launch the Local Users and Groups console with
lusrmgr.msc. - In the account properties, tick “Password never expires” to avoid expiry prompts.
Disabling password expiry can make life a lot simpler for those who prefer a more relaxed password routine. Just remember to keep your account secure with a solid password and additional protections — even if you’re skipping the regular change cycle. It’s all about striking the right balance. And if this tweak spares someone from hassle or frustration, then it’s definitely worth it.