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I'm not used to locking down my computer. I really don't like having to use a password very time I walk back to the laptop because I took a short break.

Seems I had to put one on this unit.

Does it require this? Can I remove it?

You really should use it, if for no other reason than to remember it. You have to have a password to install any software or updates to the system (that's for your protection).

But, if you don't want to use it, even though you have to have it, open System Preferences, Users and Groups, click on the padlock icon, enter your password (see, you need it), and then Login Options and in the top box, labeled "Automatic login:" change it to the user you want automatically logged in. Now go back to the System Preferences screen and on the Security and privacy tab, General options, again click the padlock, provide a password, uncheck the "Require password..." box and the "Disable automatic login" box.

Done. You now have zero password protection, but you'll need to remember the password because it's still there (you have to have one) and you will eventually need it to install software/updates.

Thank you!

There is another alternative to removing the password entirely. Go to System Preferences>Security and Privacy and select the General tab. If you uncheck the very first box I believe it sets things so that you no longer need the password to unlock the screen. You could also use the drop down to allow more time to pass before the password is required. The settings range from a few minutes to several hours.

That's usually a much better option than disabling a password entirely for two reasons:
1. Running with no password is like parking your car and leaving the key in the ignition of your car. Anyone can get in and cause all kinds of problems once they have physical access to the machine.
2. As Jake pointed out having to enter the password periodically is a good memory aid.

What I would recommend, is to use a separate Standard user account, and use Automatic login to go to the Standard user account. And only use the Administrator account for maintenance and troubleshooting

ferrarr said:

What I would recommend, is to use a separate Standard user account, and use Automatic login to go to the Standard user account. And only use the Administrator account for maintenance and troubleshooting

Click to expand...

I actually just saw that, or maybe paid attention to it. As long as all programs run, that's a great alternate!

Slydude said:

There is another alternative to removing the password entirely. Go to System Preferences>Security and Privacy and select the General tab. If you uncheck the very first box I believe it sets things so that you no longer need the password to unlock the screen. You could also use the drop down to allow more time to pass before the password is required. The settings range from a few minutes to several hours.

That's usually a much better option than disabling a password entirely for two reasons:
1. Running with no password is like parking your car and leaving the key in the ignition of your car. Anyone can get in and cause all kinds of problems once they have physical access to the machine.
2. As Jake pointed out having to enter the password periodically is a good memory aid.

Click to expand...

We can all use memory aids..LOL! Well at least at my age I can!

I'll look at that. Dropping for for 10-15 minutes and having to jump back on, I find this password to be a pain, and I don't want any pains.. especially at my age. Again LOL!

It was set to 5 minutes..Good God Mon.. Just reset it. Thank you all for your suggestions!