The Lock screen in Windows 8 offers users much more information to what was available in earlier versions, but not everyone needs to know their email status, or calendar events from the first screen that pops up when they launch their PCs. Since it takes barely a few seconds to login to Windows 8 PC, there’s hardly any need to navigate through an additional screen to reach the programs you need to access. If you believe that the lock screen in Windows 8 adds no additional value to your PC experience, you can disable the Windows 8 lock screen. Here’s how.
Note: This feature no longer works in the Home edition of Windows 8.
How to Disable the Windows 8 Lock Screen
Ensure that you are logged into your PC as an administrator.
1. On the Start screen, type Run to display the Run window. Alternatively press Windows +R.
2. In the Open text box, type gpedit.msc and press OK.
3. The Local Group Policy Editor window is displayed. In the left pane, navigate to Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Control Panel.
4. In the right pane, double-click the Personalization folder.
5. Double-click Do not display the lock screen.
6. In the Do not display the lock screen window, select Enabled and then click OK.
Close the Local Group Policy Editor window to save the changes.
Restart your computer. The Windows 8 lock screen will no longer appear. You can access the login screen to enter your password, if you have configured one. If you have set up your computer to login automatically without entering the password every time, you will boot directly to the start screen from where you can access all your files and programs.
What do you think of the lock screen for Windows 8? Does it add any value to your login and PC browsing experience? Or would you rather disable it and get straight to your workspace?
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