How To Prevent Password Expiration on Windows 11: Easy Instructions

How to Stop Windows 11 from Nagging About Password Changes

Dealing with that annoying password expiration in Windows 11? Yeah, it’s pretty much the worst. Thankfully, there’s a way to turn it off completely and keep using your password until you decide to change it. It’s not too tough, but a little annoying to navigate through the Control Panel and all that. Once you get it sorted, though, you’ll enjoy the bliss of one less thing to keep remembering.

Turning Off Password Expiration

So, getting rid of that auto password change thing means your password won’t need a fresh makeover every few months. Jumping into the settings is what you need to do, and while it’s straightforward, it can feel like Microsoft wants to make it harder than it has to be.

Getting to the Control Panel

First thing, go ahead and pull up the Control Panel. You can do this through the Start menu or just type “Control Panel” in that search bar up there. Quick tip: typing it in usually gets you there faster than hunting for it. Or just open the Run dialog with Win + R, type control, and bam, you’re in!

User Account Settings

Once you’re in, click on “User Accounts.” This is your hangout for anything account-related, like changing passwords or tweaking security settings. Basically, it’s your go-to for managing user stuff. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out Local Users and Groups. Just hit Computer Management > System Tools > Local Users and Groups > Users if you want deeper settings.

Advanced User Management

Now select “Manage another account,” then find the “Advanced” option. This part gets cool because you can dig deeper into the options available for each user. If you like command lines more, there’s power in PowerShell too!

Local User Management Console

Hit Win + R again, type in lusrmgr.msc, and hit Enter to open this neat console for managing users. It’s pretty handy for making changes that you can’t really do in the Control Panel. Just keep in mind, this only works if you have Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education. If you’ve got the Home version, you might have to take a different route.

Side note: Because of course, Windows has to make it a bit tricky sometimes.

Disabling Password Expiration

Find your account in the user list, right-click it, and hit “Properties.” Look for the “Password never expires” option and check that box. This simple act will stop those nagging prompts to change your password.

For those who have a fondness for the command line, here’s a quick PowerShell command to do the same:

Set-LocalUser -Name "Username" -PasswordNeverExpires $true

Swap out Username with your actual account name. Just like that, you won’t have to deal with expiry ever again—unless you decide to mix it up and change your password, of course.

Keep Security in Check After Disabling Expiration

• Make sure you’ve got admin rights; otherwise, you won’t get far. Check this by opening PowerShell or Command Prompt with admin privileges Right-click Start > Windows Terminal (Admin).
• If you’re ditching regular updates, think about getting a password manager. Stuff like the Windows Credential Manager, LastPass, or 1Password can save your sanity when remembering all those credentials.
• Consider enabling two-factor authentication to keep everything extra secure on your account. Just check using Local Group Policy Editor: Win + R > type gpedit.msc > go to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Account Policies > Password Policy.
• Sometimes changes need a good ol’ restart to kick in, so just be aware of that.
• Don’t forget your password though, because you won’t have those annoying reminders anymore.

Common Questions About Turning Off Password Expiration

Why disable password changes?

Many just find it a hassle. Frequent changes can really mess up your flow, especially if you’re busy and don’t want to juggle complex passwords. This option is a nice way to keep access easier without that monthly/change reminder.

Is it safe?

Yeah, if your password is sturdy—think numbers, letters, symbols—and you keep some extra security measures like two-factor on deck. Just stay alert and practice good security habits.

Can password expiration be turned back on?

Set-LocalUser -Name "Username" -PasswordNeverExpires $false