Windows 10 client doesn't stay logged in after system restart, despite setting open with a pin- demands logout and master password

[BD9Max]

Steps To Reproduce

Windows 10 client doesn't stay logged in after system restart, despite setting open with a pin- demands logout and master password.

But on Android Bitwarden always works with pin no master passwd needed after reboot.

Expected Result

Able to use PIN and PIN only.

Actual Result

After reboot pin not accepted needs to lof out of bitwarden and enter master password.

Screenshots or Videos

No response

Additional Context

No response

Operating System

Windows

Operating System Version

Windows 11

Installation method

Direct Download (from bitwarden.com)

Build Version

2026.3.1

Issue Tracking Info

• I understand that work is tracked outside of GitHub. A PR will be linked to this issue should one be opened to address it, but Bitwarden doesn't use fields like "assigned", "milestone", or "project" to track progress.

[bitwarden-bot]

Thank you for reporting this issue! We've added this to our internal tracking system.
ID: PM-36842
Link (for internal use): https://bitwarden.atlassian.net/browse/PM-36842

[bwbug]

Please provide proper "Steps to Reproduce". To reproduce your issue, what specific configuration must be set up in the Desktop app settings, what specific steps do you use to log in to the Desktop app, and what is procedure do you use when restarting the system (e.g., is the Desktop app running, locked, unlocked, or logged out just before you restart the system)?

[BD9Max]

Bitwarden doesn't start with system.

In Bitwarden is basic default settings - only added PIN - which I thought would sync as using in PIN in Android app.

Next time I boot I take a screenshot of the of the red message Bitwarden gives.

Usually before shutdown I ran Ccleaner 6.x to clear caches etc.

When booting I don't do other than start apps such as browser.

Also now that I'm reporting: make the PIN open the app after the 4 digits - so that enter isn't needed. It's that how in Ente 2FA app and it's better - faster & convenient.

[pamperer562580892423]

Another user here.

Expected Result

Able to use PIN and PIN only.

@BD9Max I don't know what other issues you might experience, but that alone here should be possible when you uncheck "Lock with master password on restart" when you set up PIN unlock on the desktop app:

 

PS: The issue that this setting cannot be changed afterwards was reported here before: #18281 - So, if you want to change that setting: disable PIN unlock first, and then enable it again.

PPS: And don't think too much about the expression "Lock with master password on restart"... I still think this a wrong description - and it should be renamed to "Unlock with master password on restart" (EDIT: Or - like in the browser extension - "Require master password...").

[pamperer562580892423]

@BD9Max:

Windows 10 client doesn't stay logged in after system restart,
...
Next time I boot I take a screenshot of the of the red message Bitwarden gives.

Are you self-hosting your Bitwarden server? If yes, what server version?

[BD9Max]

Another user here.

Expected Result

Able to use PIN and PIN only.

@BD9Max I don't know what other issues you might experience, but that alone here should be possible when you uncheck "Lock with master password on restart" when you set up PIN unlock on the desktop app:

 

PS: The issue that this setting cannot be changed afterwards was reported here before: #18281 - So, if you want to change that setting: disable PIN unlock first, and then enable it again.

PPS: And don't think too much about the expression "Lock with master password on restart"... I still think this a wrong description - and it should be renamed to "Unlock with master password on restart" (EDIT: Or - like in the browser extension - "Require master password...").

^ I have done exactly like that many times but always after reboot it want's master password.

@BD9Max:

Windows 10 client doesn't stay logged in after system restart,
...
Next time I boot I take a screenshot of the of the red message Bitwarden gives.

Are you self-hosting your Bitwarden server? If yes, what server version?

No not selhosting. Using the Bitwarden EU.

HERE'S THE ERRROR AFTER REBOOT WHEN FORCING ME TO LOGOUT:

[bwbug]

Are you using the portable Desktop app?

[pamperer562580892423]

Another user here.

Expected Result

Able to use PIN and PIN only.

@BD9Max I don't know what other issues you might experience, but that alone here should be possible when you uncheck "Lock with master password on restart" when you set up PIN unlock on the desktop app:

 
PS: The issue that this setting cannot be changed afterwards was reported here before: #18281 - So, if you want to change that setting: disable PIN unlock first, and then enable it again.
PPS: And don't think too much about the expression "Lock with master password on restart"... I still think this a wrong description - and it should be renamed to "Unlock with master password on restart" (EDIT: Or - like in the browser extension - "Require master password...").

^ I have done exactly like that many times but always after reboot it want's master password.

@BD9Max:

Windows 10 client doesn't stay logged in after system restart,
...
Next time I boot I take a screenshot of the of the red message Bitwarden gives.

Are you self-hosting your Bitwarden server? If yes, what server version?

No not selhosting. Using the Bitwarden EU.

HERE'S THE ERRROR AFTER REBOOT WHEN FORCING ME TO LOGOUT:

Ah. Now that looks like this issue IMHO: #16086

[BD9Max]

OK! Hope u get it fixed.

Are you using the portable Desktop app?

No

[TroyBW]

Hi there,

I am unable to reproduce this issue, it has been escalated for further investigation. If you have more information that can help us, please add it below.

Thanks!