Windows 11 users are currently navigating a peculiar bug that has emerged following the August 2025 update (KB5064081). This glitch has led to the disappearance of the password sign-in icon, leaving many users scratching their heads as they attempt to access their accounts. The situation has sparked a wave of frustration, with some users even exploring alternatives like Linux’s Zorin OS 18 in search of a smoother experience.
Sign-In Options: A Game of Hide and Seek
As reported by Windows Latest, the recent update introduced a new feature allowing users to view various sign-in methods, including PINs and Windows Hello. However, the password option seems to have decided to play hide-and-seek. While the button is technically still present, it requires a bit of cursor maneuvering to reveal itself. Users must hover over the blank space where the icon should be, prompting it to reappear and allowing access to the password input field.
“After installing the August 2025 non-security preview update (KB5064081) or later updates, you might notice that the password icon is not visible in the sign-in options on the lock screen. If you hover over the space where the icon should appear, you’ll see that the password button is still available. Select this placeholder to open the password text box and enter your password. After entering your password, you can sign in normally.”
Microsoft acknowledges the issue and is actively working on a fix, promising that the password button will soon return to its rightful place. In the meantime, users are left to engage in a bit of digital sleuthing, hoping their cursor will land on the elusive icon.
As the operating system grapples with this and other recent bugs, the allure of alternatives like Linux is becoming increasingly appealing. With over 720,000 downloads of Zorin OS 18 in just a month, it appears that many users are contemplating a switch, eager to explore what other options are available beyond the familiar Windows environment.
