How to Enable Automatic Logon in Windows XP

This allows a user to start the computer and use the account that you establish to automatically log on.

IMPORTANT: If you enable autologon, using Windows XP becomes more convenient. However, using this feature can pose a security risk.

Use RegSetValue functions to add your logon information:

Change the account name and password, set the [DefaultUserName] entry and set the [DefaultPassword] entry under the registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

Note: If no [DefaultPassword] string is specified, Windows automatically changes the value of the AutoAdminLogon key from 1 (true) to 0 (false) to disable the AutoAdminLogon feature.

Next set the [AutoAdminLogon] entry to 1.

NOTE: If you want to bypass the automatic logon to log on as a different user, hold down the SHIFT key after you log off or after Windows restarts. Note that this procedure applies only to the first logon. To enforce this setting for future logoffs, the administrator must set the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

Value:ForceAutoLogon
Type: REG_SZ
Data: 1

Referenced article:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315231

Article ID:   W16038

File Created: 2004:03:30:15:42:24

Last Updated: 2004:03:30:15:42:24

Database Search

TechHome

How to Enable Automatic Logon in Windows XP