Windows 11 Login Bug Hides Password Option, But Doesn’t Disable It
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A recent bug in Windows 11, introduced with the August 2025 preview update (KB5064081) and subsequent updates, is causing the password login option too disappear from the sign-in screen for some users. Despite the visual glitch, the password login functionality remains operational, though hidden. Microsoft is currently working on a permanent fix.
The problem affects users running Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 who have configured multiple authentication methods, such as a PIN, security key, or fingerprint, alongside a password.Normally,Windows 11 displays a password icon alongside these other options. Though,after installing the problematic update,the icon vanishes,leading users to believe password login is unavailable. NotebookCheck first reported on this issue.
According to Microsoft’s support documentation, the password control isn’t actually removed; it’s simply not rendered correctly on the screen. Users can still access the password field by hovering their mouse cursor over the empty space where the icon should be. Clicking this hidden area will reveal the password field, allowing them to log in as usual.
Why is this happening?
The bug appears to be a rendering issue within the Windows 11 login screen interface. It doesn’t affect users who only use a password for login, as the password field is displayed by default in that scenario. The issue arises when multiple authentication methods are enabled, and the system fails to properly display all available options.
This password icon bug is the latest in a series of issues stemming from the KB5064081 update. Microsoft previously addressed problems caused by the same update, including:
* DRM-protected video playback: Fixes for freezes, playback stops, and black screens when playing Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital TV content.
* App installation failures: Resolution of issues preventing non-administrator accounts from installing apps due to unexpected User Account Control (UAC) prompts.
* Performance problems: Improvements to address severe lags and stuttering in NDI-based streaming software, impacting both windows 10 and Windows 11.
What’s the solution?
Currently, Microsoft’s workaround involves using the hidden control described above. The company states that a permanent solution is under development, but has not provided a specific release timeline. Users experiencing this issue should continue to utilize the hidden control to access password login until a formal fix is deployed.
Key Takeaways:
* A bug in Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 can hide the password login option.
* Password login still works – it’s just hidden.
* Hover your mouse over the empty space where the icon should be to reveal the clickable password field.
* Microsoft is working on a permanent fix, but no release date has been announced.
* This issue is part of a larger set of problems related to the August 2025 preview update (KB5064081).