12/06/2014
How to disable the Windows 8 lock screen, without disabling the password?
Windows 8 now has a slide-away lock screen like so many other OSes designed for a touch interface. However on a non-touch PC/laptop this is just an extra annoying step in logging in. There is an option to disable it, but this also turns off the password requirement.
Is there a way to disable the lock screen, and have Windows wake up directly to the password entry screen? Often when pressing a key to hide it there will be a noticeable delay before password entry is accepted, and no indicator, so one can easily lose the first character or so that they attempt to type, thus failing the login attempt.
you can disable the lock screen without disabling authentication, using the Local Group Policy Editor. Here's how to do it:
Press Win+R
Type gpedit.msc (runs Local Group Policy Editor)
Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Personalization
Enable the setting: Do not display lock screen
Then, when you press Win+L, you'll be presented with the password input screen instead of the lock screen.