My laptop wanted a password after updating Windows. I hadn't been using a password, so I had to do some research. I have two sets of directions below: how to get in when you don't know the password and how to avoid the need for a password or a PIN. You will have to know the answers to your security questions, though.
Windows Password after Update
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/i-cannot-login-after-windows-10-update-says/7e799c58-af65-4836-b8f4-7065cba00883 If Windows asks for a password, do the following.
Boot into Safe Mode.
1. With the computer turned on, hold down the Shift key while clicking the Power button on the screen (probably bottom right).
2. Continue holding down the Shift key while clicking Restart.
3. Continue holding down the Shift key until the Advanced Recovery Options menu appears.
4. Click Troubleshoot
5. Click Advanced options
6. Click Startup Settings
7. Click Restart
8. Press (4) to Enable Safe Mode
9. Windows 10 will start in Safe Mode.
10. Log in. At this point, you should be able to click “Forgot Password.”
11. You should be presented with your security questions. If yu get these right, you can enter a new password.
If you are still unable to log in, see the following:
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...
Start Your Computer without Password or PIN
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-launch-windows-without-entering-a-password#:~:text=At%20the%20Open%20field%20in,password%20to%20use%20this%20computer.
1. Press the Windows key and R.
2. In the box that appears, type netplwiz
3. The User Accounts Control Panel, will appear. Select the account you wish to use to log in automatically.
4. Uncheck the box above that says Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer. Click OK.
5. Enter your password once and then a second time to confirm it. Click OK.
6. Reboot your PC. You’ll now bypass the login screen as well as the Lock screen and automatically arrive at the desktop in Windows 10 or Windows 11.