Windows 7: SysKey - Set Startup Password to Lock or Unlock Windows

   Information

SysKey (SAM Lock Tool) is an in-built Windows utility that can help you secure the Security Accounts Management or SAM database.

This tutorial will show you how to use SysKey to require a password to be entered by users during system startup in Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8.

You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.

   Note

• A startup password is only entered at system startup at boot.
• A startup password is not the same as a user account's password entered in the log on screen.
• After entering the startup password, Windows will then startup to allow a user to login.

   Warning

Doing a system restore using a restore point dated before SysKey was set will undo it.

A) Select (dot) the Password Startup option, enter a password you want twice, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

B) If you currently have Windows set to require a USB Startup Key to be connected at system startup, then you will need to connect it now, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

C) Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

D) Windows will now require users to enter the startup password at every system startup before Windows will start and users allowed to login to their user accounts.

   Warning

It is recommended that you write down this startup password and keep it somewhere safe. Windows will not startup without it being entered.

A) Select (dot) System Generated Password, select (dot) the Store Startup Key Locally option, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

B) Enter the startup password from step 5A above, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

C) Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

D) Windows will now no longer require users to enter the startup password at every system startup.