Windows 7: Log On Automatically at Startup

much better to use the real management console to do stuff like this, gives you more granular control.

right-click "my computer" > click "manage"
expand "local users and groups" > Click on "users" > right-click on the account you want to edit > click "properties" > change whatever options you want.

Here is a good article for adding the few registry entries to make your password protected account log on automatically.
http://www.logonexpert.com/freeautologon.html

WARNING! Be carefull editing the registery, double check everthing on each step.

Hello CCatlatt,

Sorry, but you cannot set Windows 7 to automatically log on to a user account from Local Users and Groups. You can only do it normally from Advanced Users Control instead as in the tutorial. The registry option is nice, but can be a bit tricky. Thank you for sharing that.


RowZ,

Are you part of a domain?

I am on a domain, both at home and work.

If i get some free time, I will write a tool that will create the needed registery entries. It is not good from a security standpoint, and its not like you have to constantly enter a username and password. I was offering some advice for setting user passwords.

CCatlatt,

Being on a domain is why you do not have this check option. You will need to check with the domain administrator to see if they will allow it or not for you.

I am a domain admin, I specifically DENY the checkbox. Auto-login is a horrible security risk on a domain.

For a domain, I agree 100% with you on that.

2. Start->Run->control userpasswords2

Does the same as

2. In the search line, type netplwiz and press Enter.

Mind you, I'm having problems on Windows 7 getting it to stick.

9 times out of 10, I have to enter the password !!

Hello CBers,

You might see if clicking on apply then ok may work better for you. Also check to see if you may have password protection on wakeup or resume to log on screen with a screen saver set.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Hi Brink.

Tried all of that !!

Have checked the settings against my laptop that runs Windows 7 which works, and they are the same

I had it do it to me one time, and reapplying this tutorial here again made it stick afterwards. Not sure what caused it not to the first time though.