Windows 11 24H2 Update Removes Password Icon From Lock Screen Sign-In Options

Microsoft has confirmed a known issue affecting Windows 11 version 24H2 users: the password icon has vanished from the lock screen sign-in options after recent system updates.

Users who have installed the August 2025 non-security preview update (KB5064081) or any subsequent updates may encounter a frustrating visual glitch on the Windows lock screen.

The password icon, which usually appears among the sign-in options, is no longer visible. This creates initial confusion for users who rely on password authentication to access their devices.

The issue affects the visual display of the sign-in interface but does not prevent users from accessing their computers. The underlying functionality remains intact despite the missing icon.

How Users Are Affected

Upon arriving at the Windows lock screen, users will notice a blank space where the password icon typically appears.

The sign-in options bar displays other authentication methods, but the familiar password symbol is missing.

This visual bug can cause momentary panic for users unfamiliar with the workaround, particularly those who depend solely on password-based authentication rather than Windows Hello or PIN options.

Microsoft has confirmed that while the icon is invisible, the password button itself still exists and functions normally. Users can continue signing into their devices by following these steps:

Hover your mouse cursor over the area where the password icon should appear. You will notice that the password button is still present, even though no icon is visible.

Click on this invisible placeholder to open the standard password text box. Enter your password as usual, then proceed to sign in.

The authentication process works exactly as intended once users locate the hidden button.

Microsoft has acknowledged this problem and added it to the official list of known issues for Windows 11 version 24H2.

The company stated it is actively working to resolve the display bug and will provide additional information when a solution becomes available.

No specific timeline has been announced for the fix. Users should expect a resolution in an upcoming cumulative update. However, Microsoft has not confirmed which release will address the problem.

The issue first appeared with the KB5064081 update released on August 29, 2025, which corresponds to OS Build 26100.5074.

Any updates installed after this preview release will also exhibit the same behavior.

This update was part of Microsoft’s optional non-security preview program, meaning only users who actively sought out preview updates or had automatic preview installations enabled would have encountered the bug initially.

Until Microsoft releases an official fix, affected users should familiarize themselves with the workaround.

Those having difficulty locating the invisible button may temporarily switch to alternative sign-in methods, such as Windows Hello facial recognition, fingerprint authentication, or a PIN code, in the Settings menu.

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