> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](./llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](./unicore/error-list/stuck-on-login-screen.md).
# Stuck on login screen
## Step 1 - Restart Windows with the Shift key
1. Click the **Power** icon
2. Hold **Shift**
3. Click **Restart**
## Step 2 - Open Command Prompt in Recovery Mode
After restart:
1. Select **Troubleshoot**
2. Select **Advanced options**
3. Select **Command Prompt**
## Step 3 - Open Registry Editor
1. In Command Prompt, type: **`regedit`**
2. Press **Enter**
## Step 4 - Load the SOFTWARE registry hive
1. Select **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE**
2. Click **File → Load Hive**
3. Open the following path: **`Windows → System32 → config`**
## Step 5 - Load the SOFTWARE file
1. Select the **SOFTWARE** file
2. Click **Open**
3. Enter **msoftware** as the Key Name
4. Click **OK**
⚠️ If you see an error saying the file is in use:
* Click **OK**
* Manually browse via **This PC → Windows drive → Windows → System32 → config → SOFTWARE**
## Step 6 - Navigate to the PasswordLess registry key
Go to: HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE **→** msoftware **→** Microsoft (or Windows NT) **→** Windows NT **→** CurrentVersion **→** PasswordLess
## Step 7 - Change the value
1. Click **Device**
2. Double-click **DevicePasswordLessBuildVersion**
3. Change **Value data** from: 2 → 0
4. Click **OK**
## Step 8 - Exit Recovery Mode
1. Close all windows
2. Select **Continue** to boot into Windows
You should now be able to log in successfully