If there is malicious software present on your computer, it can replace the Windows login screen with a fake one to steal your login credentials. To avoid this problem, Microsoft offers a feature called Secure Sign-in, which you can access by pressing the Ctrl+Alt+Del keys on the Windows logon screen. The feature stops these malicious programs from displaying fake logins.

Although this has a lot of security benefits, you can disable it if you find it unnecessary or annoying. But before we move forward, let me explain what secure login is and why you might want to disable it.

What Is Secure Logon or Ctrl+Alt+Del, and Why Would You Want to Disable It?

Secure sign-in with Ctrl+Alt+Delete is an important feature on Windows that helps to ensure that only authorized users can access a system. It requires the user to enter a certain combination of keys, which then activates the sign-in screen to verify their identity. In this way, you can prevent unauthorized access to your computer without your permission.

Aside from its benefits, there are a few reasons you might want to disable the Ctrl+Alt+Del shortcut for signing in. Maybe your security is so advanced that you just don't want to take the additional step to log in. Or maybe you simply find it more convenient to sign in with a password or PIN. Whatever the reason, it's easy to disable Secure Sign in with Ctrl+Alt+Delete in Windows 11. So let's begin.

With a better understanding of secure login Ctrl+Alt+Del and the reasons you might want to disable it, let's take a look at how to turn off this feature.

How to Disable Secure Sign-In With Ctrl+Alt+Delete in Windows 11

You may disable the secure sign-in either through the Local Security Policy and Registry Editor, or you can use the NETPLWIZ Windows Command.

1. How to Disable Ctrl+Alt+Del Using the Local Security Policy

To disable Ctrl+Alt+Del using Local Security Policy, go through the below steps:

  1. Open the Run command dialog box.
  2. Type "secpol.msc" in the text box and press Enter to open Local Security Policy.
  3. When you are in the Local Security Policy window, navigate to the following locations:
            Local Policies > Security Options
        
  4. Double-click on Interactive logon: Do not require CTRL+ALT+DEL in the right pane.
    Disable Secure Login Using Security Policy.
  5. In the Properties window, select the Local Security Setting tab and check Enabled.
    Disable Secure Login
  6. Once you've made your changes, click Apply and OK.

After you disable the Secure sign-in feature, anyone can still access your computer if they know your password or PIN. However, they won't be able to just casually go there and start using it.

If you need to re-enable the feature, you just need to open the Local Security Policy as explained above. Navigate to Local Policies > Security Options and double-click on Interactive logon: Do not require CTRL+ALT+DEL. Next, mark the Disabled checkbox and click Apply > OK.

2. How to Disable Ctrl+Alt+Del Using the Registry Editor

If you want to disable the Ctrl+Alt+Del in Windows 11, you can do so by editing the Windows Registry. This is a relatively simple process, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully. However, if you are unfamiliar with the process of editing the registry, you may do serious damage to your computer. It would be better to let a professional handle these steps if you don't know much about tweaking the registry.

Also, make sure to back up your registry in case something goes wrong. Once you're done, follow these steps to disable the secure sign-in feature on Windows 11:

  1. Right-click on the Start menu and select Run from the power user menu.
  2. In the Run command dialog box, type "regedit" in the search field and press Enter.
  3. You will see a UAC dialog box on the screen; select Yes to confirm the action.
  4. Once the Registry Editor is open, navigate to the following directory:
            HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
        
  5. If the Winlogon key isn't there, you'll have to create it. For this, right-click on CurrentVersion and select New > Key.
  6. In the filename field, type "Winlogon" and press Enter to save it.
  7. Now right-click on the empty space in the right pane and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value from the context menu.
    Disable Secure Login Using Registry Editor
  8. Name the DWORD key as DisableCAD and then press Enter.
  9. Now double-click the newly created DWORD key to bring up a pop-up window.
  10. Set the value data to 1 and choose Hexadecimal as the Base.
  11. Once you have made the changes, click OK to save it.

Once you have made the changes above, close the Registry Editor and restart your computer. When your PC starts up, you won't see the Ctrl+Alt+Del combination on the login screen.

The next time you want to enable secure sign-in on your computer, open the Registry Editor, double-click on DisableCAD, and set Value Data to 0. After that, restart your computer to apply the changes.

3. How to Disable Ctrl+Alt+Del Using the NETPLWIZ Windows Command

Another method to disable secure sign-in is to use the NETPLWIZ Windows command. Here's how to do it.

  1. Press the Win + R to open the Run Command.
  2. Type "netplwiz" and click on the OK button. This will open the User Accounts page on your computer screen.
  3. Next, switch to the Advanced tab and go to the Secure sign-in section.
  4. Now uncheck the box next to Requires users to press Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
    Require users to press Ctrl+Alt+Delete
  5. Click Apply > OK apply the changes.

Restart your computer after you have completed the above steps, and you will no longer see the secure login feature.

If you'd like to reactivate the secure sign-in feature, you simply follow the above procedure and check the box next to Requires users to press Ctrl+Alt+Delete. After making the changes, restart your computer. Next time you log in, the following message will appear on the Windows lock screen: Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to sign in.

The Ctrl + Alt + Delete Secure Sign-In Feature Is Now Disabled

Ctrl+Alt+Delete adds an extra layer of security to a computer, but it may not be ideal for everyone. In case you find this feature unnecessary or would prefer not to have additional steps for logging in, you can disable it using any of the methods explained above.