Microsoft has confirmed that the Windows 11 preview update KB5064081 makes the password sign-in icon disappear from the lock screen. The bug is UI-only and impacts specific Windows 11 preview builds (24H2 and 25H2). Microsoft says it is working on a fix.
The bug appears to only appear on systems with several sign-in methods configured, like a PIN, fingerprint, security key, and password; devices that only use a password just show the password box normally.
On the lock screen, users can move the mouse to where the password icon used to be; when the empty area is highlighted, clicking it brings up the password text box so you can enter your password and sign in normally. On devices without a mouse, this becomes more confusing, because you may have to guess or tab-navigate to the invisible control. This could make users who have forgotten their PINs feel effectively locked out, Tom’s Hardware reports.
Microsoft lists the bug under “Known issues” for KB5064081 and has not yet released a fix or repair timeline. Regular users who do not use preview builds don’t appear to experience the issue. If this bug is a concern, it’s safest to avoid KB5064081 or to roll back from the preview channel until Microsoft provides a proper fix.