How to enable or disable users to use companion device to sign in to Windows 10. Tired of remembering complex passwords for Windows 10. This guide will show you how to enable or disable companion device Sign in in Windows 10, whether for convenience or enhance security. Before we begin, be sure to subscribe to Ninja one's IT Video Hub and our YouTube channel for more tech content like this. What is companion device sign-in? In Windows 10? Windows 10 includes a built-in feature that allows you to sign in using an external device such as a smartphone, smartwatch, or USB security key. This feature is powered by the companion device framework, which works alongside Windows. Hello, to streamline the login process. While it's convenient for users who prefer Passwordless authentication, IT admins and MSPs may choose to disable it for security hardening or compliance reasons, enabling or disabling via group policy. For Windows 10 Pro and enterprise, use the group policy editor press Windows plus R type GP edit dot msc, and hit enter. Navigate to computer configuration, then to administrative templates to Windows components, and finally to Microsoft Companion device framework. Next, double click enable companion device. Sign in. You can enable, disable or leave it not configured. Select your preference, click okay and restart your computer to apply the changes enabling or disabling via registry editor For Windows 10 home and all other versions, the registry editor is your tool. First press, windows plus R type Reg edit and press enter. Navigate to H key local machine software, Microsoft Policy Manager, default authentication. Enable companion device look for or create a D word 32 bit value named enable companion device. Next, set its value to one to enable or zero to disable. Finally, click okay. Close the registry editor and restart your PC note. Be cautious when editing the registry. Incorrect changes can affect system stability, common issues, and how to fix them. If you run into issues, here are some common problems and their solutions. Sign in. Option missing. Verify device support, drivers and policy settings, registry changes not taking effect. Confirm correct path slash value and restart your machine. Group. Policy settings not applying. Run gp. Update slash force in command. Prompt and reboot. Disabled device still works. Restart system. Confirm policy slash registry setting. Consider removing the registered device. Cannot register a new companion device. Update Windows and the devices software. Ensure compatibility companion device sign-in is a convenient and secure way to log into Windows 10 without relying on passwords. By learning how to enable or disable this feature, IT professionals and MSPs can have granular control over their security posture and user login experience. For more information, check out our official blog post on how to enable or disable users to use companion device to sign in to Windows 10 linked in the description below. Be sure to subscribe to Ninja One's IT Video hub and our YouTube channel for more tech content like this.