Show name and password boxes instead of a list of users at login

Why it happens

Your Mac's login window can show each account as a picture with a name, or just a box for the name and one for the password. The list is handy at home, but it tells anyone walking past who uses the Mac. One setting in Lock Screen picks between the two for the whole Mac.

How to fix it

1. Click the Apple menu, choose System Settings, then click Lock Screen in the sidebar.

2. Further down the page, find Login window shows. Choose Name and password to hide the names, or List of users to bring them back. If your Mac asks for an administrator password, type it to confirm.

   Lock Screen›Login window shows

3. To see the result, log out from the Apple menu. The login window should now ask you to type your user name as well as your password.

Still not fixed?

1. Still see pictures right after switching the Mac on? That's normal when FileVault is on. That first screen belongs to FileVault, and it lists the accounts allowed to start the Mac. Your choice applies to the login window you see after logging out or switching user.

2. If you can't change the setting, you may not be an administrator. Ask the person who owns the Mac to sign in and change it.

3. If the setting is greyed out or goes back by itself, a school or company may manage this Mac. Open General > Device Management to see who manages it, and ask them.

   General›Device Management

4. If the login window still ignores your choice after a restart, contact Apple Support. They can check whether something on the Mac is overriding the setting.