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Can’t remove security key from Windows 10

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Tags: Microsoft, Operating Systems, Windows

Hi

I have been getting in my PC after boot up or trying to unlock it that primary sign in option is Security Key

I have never used or set up this as I only use traditional password.

I have been unable to remove this option from the Sign in Options and no idea why it started to appear as i have never set up one

On windows 10 in Accounts > sign-in options, it shows the Security Key option as setup.

When I click “Manage” to try and remove it, it says “insert security key into the USB port” so we are in a loop as i have never set up one

How can i remove this option from my Sign in to my Windows PC?

Topic

The other login methods?

In reply to Can’t remove security key from Windows 10

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/cant-remove-security-key/4768d1ce-d75a-4abd-87c2-12533e986c82

The only time I ran into your situation was resolved after the client admitted the laptop was essentially stolen from work and they no longer had the USB key. That was the end of that as we packed it up and sent it back to the counter for pick up. We can’t be party to willful property theft as in “Help me jack this laptop.”

Re: security key

In reply to Can’t remove security key from Windows 10

Then the next step is a clean install of Windows from DVD or stick (both free to make).

It might even be necessary to first delete all partitions on the drive using your favorite bootable partition manager, but don’t start with that.

Reply To: Can’t remove security key from Windows 10

In reply to Can’t remove security key from Windows 10

Click on the “Accounts” tile in the following window. The “Accounts” section opens to “Your Info” by default. Click the “Sign-In Options” entry on the menu followed by “Security Key” listed on the right. This entry expands to reveal a “Manage” button.

Greetings,
J Wick

Reply To: Can’t remove security key from Windows 10

In reply to Can’t remove security key from Windows 10

Such a garbage answer. I have the same at home, appeared yesterday after applying the latest Windows 11 update. But I guess it’s easier to accuse the users of stealing, instead of actually answering the question.

Never wrote that.

In reply to Reply To: Can’t remove security key from Windows 10

It has happened and it could be a prior or current company laptop or bought unknowingly about the past.

This new system is really upsetting to those that are just learning about how Microsoft Windows 10 and 11 has built in methods to lock down lost laptops. It’s pretty similar to what Apple did years ago.

The cases we ran into has us checking with the owner if we were to proceed to contact the company with the system to release the laptop!

Then again, Linux doesn’t do this as a total workaround.

-> Now, if you know how to fix this, share. Otherwise you are not helping.

Reply To: Can’t remove security key from Windows 10

In reply to Can’t remove security key from Windows 10

The “Accounts” section opens to “Your Info” by default. Click the “Sign-In Options” entry on the menu followed by “Windows Hello PIN” listed on the right. This entry expands to reveal a “Remove” button. Click it once

Greetings,
Peter

Reply To: Can’t remove security key from Windows 10

In reply to Reply To: Can’t remove security key from Windows 10

Maybe nobody read the above report that it is NOT possible to remove the key that way, without HAVING some key. Yes I know I can always select “use another method” at logins, but that is just a workaround. Not being able to remove this key garbage – only here because of a Windows update mind you – seems to be a fact of life, thank you Microsoft.

Reply To: Can’t remove security key from Windows 10

In reply to Can’t remove security key from Windows 10

You can try the following steps to remove the security key option from the sign-in options on your Windows 10 PC:

Disconnect any security keys or other USB devices from your PC.

Open the Start menu and type “netplwiz” into the search bar. Select “User Accounts” from the results.

In the User Accounts window, select your account and uncheck the “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer” option. Click OK.

Restart your PC and sign in using your password.

Once signed in, open the Start menu and type “netplwiz” into the search bar again. Select “User Accounts” from the results.

In the User Accounts window, select your account and check the “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer” option. Click OK.

Restart your PC and sign in again using your password. The security key option should now be removed from the sign-in options.

If the above steps don’t work, you may need to perform a clean install of Windows 10 to fully remove the security key option. Keep in mind that this will erase all of your data and settings, so be sure to backup any important files before proceeding.

Reply To: Can’t remove security key from Windows 10

In reply to Can’t remove security key from Windows 10

To remove the Security Key sign-in option, follow these steps:

Open Control Panel.
Click on User Accounts and Family Safety.
Click on User Accounts.
Click on Manage your credentials.
Find the Windows Hello key and remove it.
If the above steps don’t work, try the following:

Open the Settings app.
Click on Accounts.
Click on Sign-in options.
Click on Windows Hello and remove the Security Key.
If these steps still don’t work, you may need to perform a system restore to a previous point where the Security Key option was not present. To do this, follow these steps:

Click the Windows Start button and type “System Restore”.
Click on “Create a restore point”.
Click on “System Restore” and follow the on-screen instructions.

Can’t remove security key from Windows 10

In reply to Can’t remove security key from Windows 10

f you’re having trouble removing a security key from Windows 10, there are a few potential solutions you can try:

Disconnect the key: If you’re using a physical security key, make sure it’s disconnected from your computer before attempting to remove it from Windows 10. This may allow you to remove the key from your list of security devices in Windows Settings.

Check for related applications: Some security keys come with companion software or drivers that may need to be uninstalled before you can remove the key from Windows 10. Check for any related applications in your list of installed programs and try uninstalling them.

Remove through Device Manager: You can also try removing the security key through Device Manager. Right-click on the Windows Start button, select “Device Manager,” then locate the security key under “Universal Serial Bus controllers” or “Other devices.” Right-click on the key and select “Uninstall device.”

Reset security settings: If none of the above steps work, you can try resetting your security settings in Windows 10. Open the Windows Settings app and go to “Update & Security” > “Windows Security” > “Device security.” Under “Security processor,” click “Security processor details” and then select “Remove.” This will reset your security settings and may allow you to remove the security key.

Contact manufacturer support: If you’re still unable to remove the security key, you can contact the manufacturer’s support team for assistance. They may be able to provide additional guidance or support for your specific security key.

In conclusion, if you can’t remove a security key from Windows 10, there are several potential solutions to try. By disconnecting the key, checking for related applications, removing through Device Manager, resetting security settings, or contacting the manufacturer’s support team, you can hopefully resolve the issue and remove the key from your system.

Reply To: Can’t remove security key from Windows 10

In reply to Can’t remove security key from Windows 10

It’s funny most answers don’t even read the problem, they just react to the “remove security key” terms, like an automated helpdesk chatbot would. I wonder why, are there some points given for writing answers?

Do you have a fix?

In reply to Reply To: Can’t remove security key from Windows 10

To the problem Arias presented?

So far the problem seems to be that the laptop is in a secured mode. MDM for example at https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/configmgr/mdm/deploy-use/wipe-lock-reset-devices is rather TENACIOUS on new laptops.

There are tools that claim to bypass MDM but no one here will write about them since it’s akin to “help me jack this laptop.”

If you have an idea on how to solve this, please share.

Reply To: Can’t remove security key from Windows 10

In reply to Do you have a fix?

What everybody misses is that the laptop (about 3yo now) never had a security key registered by me. It just appeared in the list since some time I suppose with some Windows update, and sometimes it’s asked. Of course I do skip the request every time, no big deal just a little hassle so that’s why I will not wipe Windows as suggested some place. Otherwise every answer saying “go to Accounts…” seems to not know that in order to remove a key there you must have that key connected. And I never had a key, so that mode is useless to me. Thus the only solution I have, so far, is to live with the “choose other method to login” like once a month (and curse quietly).

This is a discussion started by Arias

In reply to Reply To: Can’t remove security key from Windows 10

Maybe you have something different in mind but thanks for your monthly fix.

Microsoft and PC makers have implemented a newer security system so wiping the Windows OS and installing Windows 10/11 won’t cure it.

It’s all about abating theft and getting PCs under control of a central authority.

This can really upset those used to the days this wasn’t a thing.

No one but Microsoft or the company with the MDM can fix this one. unless you want to run Linux or another OS.

Reply To: Can’t remove security key from Windows 10

In reply to Can’t remove security key from Windows 10

The “Accounts” section opens to “Your Info” by default. Click the “Sign-In Options” entry on the menu followed by “Security Key” listed on the right. This entry expands to reveal a “Manage” button. Click it once.

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