Disable screen saver passwords by using policies

This article describes how to make screen saver password locks unavailable on systems in a site, domain, or organizational unit, by using the policies available.

Applies to:   Windows 10 - all editions, Windows Server 2012 R2
Original KB number:   272304

Disable screen saver passwords

To make screen saver password locks unavailable, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start, and then click Run.

  2. Type mmc, and then click OK to start the Microsoft Management Console (MMC).

  3. On the Console menu, click Add/Remove Snap-ins, and then click Add.

  4. Click Group Policy, and then click Add.

    The Select Group Policy Object dialog box appears. If you want to apply this policy only to your computer, make sure that your local computer is listed in the Group Policy object, and then click Finish.

    Alternatively, if this will be an Active Directory policy, click Browse, select the site, domain, or organizational unit to which you want this policy to apply, and then click Finish.

  5. Click Close.

  6. Expand User Configuration, and then expand Administrative Templates.

  7. Expand Control Panel, and then click Display.

  8. In the right pane, double-click Password protect the screen saver.

  9. Select Disable on the Policy tab. This prevents users from setting passwords on screen savers for this computer or domain.

  10. Click the Explain tab for information about how to use this policy.

  11. Click Apply.

  12. Click OK, and then close the MMC.