You can change purchase sign-in settings for the Windows Store by opening the Microsoft Store app, going to Settings, finding the Purchase sign-in option, and toggling it on or off. This determines whether you need to enter your password every time you buy something or if you can skip that step on this device only.
What Are Purchase Sign-In Settings?
The Windows Store requires authentication for purchases by default. This is a security feature. Every time you want to buy an app, game, or in-app item, Windows asks you to confirm your identity by entering your password or using another authentication method.
Purchase sign-in settings let you control this behavior. You can either keep password verification required (the safer option) or disable it for faster checkouts (the more convenient option).
Important: This setting only affects the device you’re on right now. If you own multiple computers, you’ll need to change this setting on each device separately.
Why You Might Want to Change This Setting
Reasons to turn it ON (skip password requirement):
You buy apps frequently and find constant password prompts annoying. You’re the sole user of your computer and don’t share it. You want a faster checkout process. You’re confident in your device’s physical security.
Reasons to keep it OFF (require password every time):
Multiple people use your computer. You want extra protection against accidental purchases. You’re concerned about unauthorized spending. You want to prevent children or family members from making unwanted purchases. You prefer maximum security even if it’s slightly slower.
Step-by-Step: Change Settings on Windows 11
Step 1: Open the Microsoft Store
Click the Start button or press the Windows key. Type “Microsoft Store” and select the app from the results. The app usually has a shopping bag icon.
Step 2: Access Your Profile
Look at the top right corner of the Microsoft Store window. You’ll see a profile icon (often a circle with a picture or initials). Click on it.
Step 3: Go to App Settings
From the menu that appears, select “App settings.” This opens your personal preferences for how the Store behaves.
Step 4: Find Purchase Sign-In
Scroll down in the App settings menu. Look for the section labeled “Purchase sign-in.” You’ll see a toggle switch next to it.
Step 5: Toggle On or Off
Click the switch to turn Purchase sign-in on or off. The switch is usually blue when enabled and gray when disabled.
Step 6: Confirm Your Identity
Windows will ask you to verify your identity using your PIN, password, or Windows Hello (facial recognition or fingerprint). This is for security. Enter your credentials.
Step 7: Done
Once you confirm, the setting is saved immediately. It only applies to this device and this Windows account.
Step-by-Step: Change Settings on Windows 10
The process is slightly different on Windows 10, but equally simple.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Store
Click the Start button or search for “Microsoft Store” and open it.
Step 2: Click the Menu Button
In the top right corner, look for three dots or lines (the menu icon). Click it.
Step 3: Select Settings
A dropdown menu appears. Click “Settings” from the options shown.
Step 4: Find Purchase Sign-In
Look through the Settings menu for “Purchase sign-in.” Scroll if needed to find it.
Step 5: Toggle Your Preference
Switch the toggle on to skip password requirements, or off to require a password every time.
Step 6: Verify
Windows will ask you to enter your PIN or password to confirm this change. Complete the verification.
Step 7: Complete
Your setting is now saved on this Windows 10 device only.
What Happens After You Change This Setting
If you turn Purchase sign-in ON:
You can buy apps and make in-app purchases without entering your password or using facial recognition. The checkout process becomes faster. Your account credentials are “remembered” for this specific device. This only works on the device where you made the change.
If you turn Purchase sign-in OFF:
Every purchase requires password verification. This adds a security layer. Children or guests who gain access to your computer cannot buy anything without your permission. Your account is better protected against unauthorized spending.
Important Details to Know
Device-Specific Only
This setting does not sync across your devices. If you own a laptop, desktop, and tablet, you must change this setting separately on each one. Changing it on your laptop won’t affect your desktop.
Account-Specific
If multiple people have accounts on the same computer, each person’s purchase sign-in preference is independent. Your setting doesn’t change anyone else’s setting.
Applies to In-App Purchases Too
This setting controls both app purchases from the store AND in-app purchases within apps you’ve already installed. Buying an app itself and buying something inside that app both follow this rule.
You Need to Be Signed In
You can only change these settings when you’re logged into your Microsoft account. Local accounts cannot access this feature. If you use a local account, you won’t see this option.
Managing Purchases for Family Members
If You Have Kids Using Your Computer
If children have access to your Windows account or their own accounts on your computer, security matters. Consider keeping Purchase sign-in turned OFF so every purchase requires authentication.
Alternatively, set up a family group through Microsoft Family (family.microsoft.com). This lets you:
Add spending limits for children’s accounts. Require your approval before any purchase happens. Monitor what family members buy. Set different rules for different family members.
For Shared Family Computers
If your whole family shares one computer and everyone logs into the same Microsoft account, keeping passwords required prevents accidental purchases.
If each family member has their own account, turn off purchase sign-in on children’s accounts and keep it on for adult accounts.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
I Can’t Find Purchase Sign-In in Settings
Make sure you’re looking in the correct place. In Windows 11, it’s under the Profile icon menu in App settings. In Windows 10, it’s in the three-dot menu under Settings. If you still can’t find it, update your Microsoft Store through the Windows Update section.
I Changed the Setting But It Didn’t Work
Make sure you clicked the toggle fully. Some users think they changed it but only partially clicked it. Try clicking it again, then confirm with your PIN or password.
My Password Still Gets Asked Even Though I Turned It On
Some purchases require additional security checks beyond this setting. Large purchases or purchases using new payment methods might still require authentication. This is normal.
I Forgot My PIN or Password
If you can’t verify your identity to confirm the change, you need to reset your PIN or password first. Go to your Microsoft Account settings online to reset it.
Security Recommendations
Best Practices for Device Safety
If your computer is your personal device that only you use, turning Purchase sign-in on is reasonable. Just make sure your Windows account password is strong and unique.
If anyone else can access your computer, keep Purchase sign-in OFF for maximum protection.
Use Windows Hello (facial recognition or fingerprint) if available. It’s faster than typing a password but more secure than no verification.
Change your password regularly and don’t share it with others, even family members.
For Devices You Share
Create separate user accounts for each person. Set each account’s Purchase sign-in preference individually. This way, you control your account while others control theirs.
Enable Windows Hello on your account for faster authentication without sacrificing security.
Log out when you’re done using the computer, especially on shared devices.
Purchase Sign-In Options
| Feature | Turned ON | Turned OFF |
|---|---|---|
| Password required for purchase | No | Yes |
| Checkout speed | Fast | Slower |
| Risk of accidental purchase | Higher | Lower |
| Protection for shared devices | Lower | Higher |
| Good for personal devices | Yes | Depends |
| Good for family devices | No | Yes |
| Device-specific | Yes | Yes |
Related Settings Worth Knowing
Purchase Approval for Family Members
Even if you turn Purchase sign-in on, you can require adult approval for purchases by family members. This overrides the device setting for family accounts.
Payment Method Settings
You can control which payment methods are available for purchases. Remove payment methods you don’t want to use from your Microsoft Account online.
Purchase History
Visit your Microsoft Account security page (account.microsoft.com) to view your complete purchase history, cancel orders within 60 days, and monitor spending.
Subscription Management
If you have Microsoft subscriptions (like Game Pass or Microsoft 365), manage them in your account settings rather than in the Store app.
Summary
Purchase sign-in settings for the Windows Store give you control over password requirements when buying apps and making in-app purchases. The process takes about one minute and happens right inside the Microsoft Store app. Remember that this setting only affects the device you’re configuring right now, so you’ll need to set it on each computer you own.
Choose what works for you: faster checkout or extra security. Most people benefit from keeping passwords on shared devices and turning passwords off on personal devices. The choice depends entirely on your situation.
For families, use the family management features at https://family.microsoft.com rather than relying on device-level settings alone. This gives you better control and monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I turn Purchase sign-in ON, can someone else use my computer to buy apps?
Technically yes, if they can access your Windows account. That’s why this setting is mainly safe if you’re the only person who uses your computer. For shared computers, keep it OFF or use separate user accounts for each person.
Does changing this setting affect my phone or tablet?
No. This setting is completely separate for each device. Your Windows computer setting doesn’t affect any other device you own. You must change settings on each device individually.
Can I require a password for purchases over a certain amount?
Not directly through purchase sign-in settings. However, Microsoft’s family features and account security settings offer more granular control for family members. Check your Microsoft Account settings online for additional security options.
What if my account gets hacked? Are my purchases protected?
Microsoft offers purchase protection and fraud detection. If you notice unauthorized purchases, report them immediately through your account. Most unauthorized purchases can be reversed. Keep your password strong and enable two-factor authentication on your Microsoft Account for added protection.
Is Purchase sign-in the same as two-factor authentication?
No, they’re different. Purchase sign-in controls whether you need to enter a password to buy something on this device. Two-factor authentication is a separate security feature that protects your entire account across all devices. You should have both enabled for best security.
