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I can't get to log in screen without pressing alt+control+delete

NandB 0 Reputation points
2026-06-12T18:31:55.6733333+00:00

I installed windows insight and now when I open my computer the lock screen photo appears as per usual. When I click on it, the only way I can get to my sign in page is by pushing alt+control+delete. Is this a common problem with windows insight? Is there a setting I need to use to solve this, or should I just delete windows insight? I have Windows 11 on a Lenovo IdeaPad.Thanks for your help!

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Accounts, profiles, and login
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  1. Clary-N 11,855 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-06-13T01:40:24.9333333+00:00

    Hi NandB,

    Thank you for reaching out and providing those details. I understand how unusual it feels when the sign-in screen doesn’t appear as expected unless you press Ctrl + Alt + Delete.

    Based on your description, this behavior is usually not caused by apps like Windows Insight. In most cases, it’s related to a built-in Windows security feature called Secure Sign-in, which requires pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete before the login screen is shown. This setting can sometimes be enabled after a system update or configuration change.

    To check this, you can try the following:

    • Press Windows key + R, type netplwiz and press Enter
    • Go to the Advanced tab
    • Look for the option “Require users to press Ctrl + Alt + Delete”
    • If it’s checked, uncheck it then click Apply and OK

    After restarting your device, please see if you’re able to access the sign-in screen normally by clicking or pressing a key.

    If the setting is already disabled and the issue still occurs, it may be related to a temporary lock screen glitch. In that case, I recommend ensuring your system is fully up to date and trying a restart. If needed, we can also explore additional steps such as testing with a new user profile.

    Please let me know how it goes or if you’d like help with the next steps. I’ll be happy to assist further.

    If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".  

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-06-12T18:32:13.0133333+00:00

    This behavior is not an issue with Windows Insider itself; it is a Windows sign-in policy called “Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to unlock.” It can be enabled by updates, policy changes, or security tools.

    To stop having to press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and go straight from the lock screen to the sign-in page, change the sign-in requirement in Windows:

    1. Open Settings.
    2. Go to Accounts > Sign-in options.
    3. Review the sign-in methods and additional settings. If there is an option related to requiring Ctrl+Alt+Delete or additional security at sign-in, turn it off.

    If the option is enforced by an organization or security policy, it may not be changeable from Settings. In that case, removing Windows Insider alone will not change the behavior; the policy would need to be adjusted by whoever manages the device.

    If there are broader sign-in issues beyond this behavior (for example, problems actually signing in after reaching the sign-in screen), use the troubleshooting guidance in the Windows sign-in help article, including restarting the device, trying Safe Mode sign-in, or using another account if available.

    References:

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