How to Remove Windows Password Complexity Requirements

Explore the easiest methods to disable this feature on Windows

by Srishti Sisodia
Srishti Sisodia
Srishti Sisodia
Srishti Sisodia is an electronics engineer and writer with a passion for technology. She has extensive experience exploring the latest technological advancements and sharing her insights through informative... read more
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Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Windows Server & Networking Expert
After moving away from the corporate work-style, Alex has found rewards in a lifestyle of constant analysis, team coordination and pestering his colleagues. Holding an MCSA Windows Server... read more
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  • To disable password complexity requirements on Windows, you can use Group Policy Editor or Command Prompt.
  • You can only turn off this feature in Windows Professional & Windows Server.
Remove Password Complexity Requirements In Windows (1)
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Windows enforces strong password complexity requirements to enhance the user accounts’ security. However, if you want simpler passwords, you need to disable Windows password complexity requirements.

In this guide, we will explore some of the most effective methods to remove it on Windows Pro and Windows Servers.

How can I disable Windows password complexity requirements?

1. Use the Group Policy Editor

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run box.GPEDIT MSC RUN Remove Password Complexity Requirements In Windows
  2. Type gpedit.msc and click OK to open the Group Policy Editor.
  3. Navigate to this path: Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Account Policies\Password Policy Password requirements Remove Password Complexity Requirements In Windows
  4. Locate and double-click the Password must meet complexity requirements option to open Properties.Disabled Password Policy password must meet complexity requirements
  5. Click on the radio button next to Disabled, click Apply, then OK to confirm the changes.
  6. Restart your computer to let the changes take effect.

2. Use the Command Prompt

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.CMD elevated password must meet complexity requirements
  2. Copy & paste the following command to dump the local policy or domain policy for the system and hit Enter: secedit.exe /export /cfg C:\secconfig.cfgcmd_local security policy editor
  3. Type notepad.exe and press Enter.cmd_notepad.exe password must meet complexity requirements
  4. On Notepad, click File, then Open to open C:\secconfig.cfg
  5. Now locate Passwordcomplexity and change its value from 1 to 0.
  6. Press Ctrl + S to save the changes.
  7. Open the Command prompt with admin rights.
  8. Copy & paste the following command and press Enter: secedit.exe /configure /db %windir%\securitynew.sdb /cfg C:\secconfig.cfg /areas SECURITYPOLICYcmd_confirm & save the changes password must meet complexity requirements
  9. Reboot your computer to confirm the changes.

3. Use the Local Security Policy Editor

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run box.Local Security Policy Editor password must meet complexity requirements
  2. Type secpol.msc and click OK to open the Local Security Policy Editor.
  3. Click Action, then select Export policy.Export policy
  4. Once you have saved the file, open it with Notepad.
  5. Go to System Access, and locate Password Complexity. Change its value from 1 to 0.
  6. You can also edit the values for MinimumPassword Age, MaximumPassword Age, & MiniumPassword length. Press Ctrl + S to save the changes.
  7. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.CMD elevated password must meet complexity requirements
  8. Type the following command and hit Enter: secedit.exe /configure /db %windir%\securitynew.sdb /cfg C:\secconfig.cfg /areas SECURITYPOLICYcmd_confirm & save the changes password must meet complexity requirements
  9. Restart your computer to confirm the changes.

You can now go to Local Security Policy Editor to confirm if the setting is disabled. If Local Security Policy Editor is missing or is grayed out, we recommend you check out the solutions in this informative guide.

So, these are methods you can follow to remove the password complexity requirements in Windows. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to let us know in the comments section below.

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