Windows 11 Bug Causes Key Symbol to Disappear from Password Field
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A recently discovered bug in Windows 11 is causing the key symbol to disappear from the password field on the login screen for some users. This issue surfaced following the mandatory update KB5068861 released in November for versions 24H2 and 25H2. While the bug doesn’t prevent users from logging in, it can be disconcerting and raises security concerns for some.
Details of the Bug
The disappearing key symbol affects the visibility of the “show password” option, making it tough for users to verify their password entry. Currently, this is the only widely acknowledged bug related to the KB5068861 update. The cause of the issue remains unknown.
A user on Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/WindowsHelp/comments/1of12zz/invisible_password_option_at_windows_11_logon/ reported that the problem appears to be more prevalent on computers joined to corporate domains, though this might potentially be coincidental.
Workarounds and Option Login Methods
despite the bug, users still have several options for accessing their Windows 11 accounts:
* Biometric Login: Computers equipped with the necessary hardware can utilize Windows Hello for facial recognition or fingerprint scanning.
* PIN Login: Windows Hello also supports logging in with a PIN.
* Disable Password Login: If you are signed in with a Microsoft account, you can disable password logins altogether and rely solely on Windows Hello or a PIN. to do this, navigate to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
Passwords Gradually clearing
Some users have also reported that passwords gradually clear from the field as they type. this adds to the difficulty of ensuring correct password entry when the key symbol is missing.
Microsoft’s Response and Future Updates
As of December 3, 2025, Microsoft has not officially addressed the bug beyond acknowledging its existence. Users should ensure they have the latest updates installed, as Microsoft frequently releases patches to address reported issues. you can check for updates by going to Settings > Windows Update and clicking “Check for updates.”
Key Takeaways
* A bug in Windows 11 (introduced with KB5068861) is causing the key symbol to disappear from the password field on the login screen.
* The cause of the bug is currently unknown.
* Workarounds include using biometric login (Windows Hello), PIN login, or disabling password login altogether.
* Keep your Windows 11 installation updated to receive potential fixes.
It is expected that Microsoft will release a fix for this issue in a future update. Users experiencing this bug should monitor the official Windows blog https://blogs.windows.com/ and Windows Update for announcements regarding a resolution.
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