Windows 7: Secure Logon - Press CTRL + ALT + DELETE to log on

   Information

This will show you how to enable or disable having to press CTRL+ALT+DELETE before being able to enter your log on credentials in the Windows 7 log on screen.

   Note

Using secure logon provides an additional layer of security for your computer by ensuring that the authentic Windows logon screen appears. When secure logon is enabled, no other program (such as a virus or spyware) can intercept your user name and password credentials as you enter them.

OPTION ONE

Through Advanced User Accounts

1. Open the Start Menu.

2. In the search line, type netplwiz and press Enter. (See screenshot below)

3. Click on the Advanced tab. (See screenshot below)

4. To Enable Secure Log On

A) Check the Require users to press Ctrl+Alt+Delete box. (See screenshot above)
NOTE: If the setting is grayed out, then see OPTION THREE or OPTION TWO below.

B) Go to step 6.

5. To Disable Secure Log On

A) Uncheck the Requires users to press Ctrl+Alt+Delete box. (See screenshot below step 3)
NOTE: If the setting is grayed out, then see OPTION THREE or OPTION TWO below.

6. Click on OK. (See screenshot below step 3)

OPTION TWO

Using a REG File Download

1. To Enable Secure Log On

A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.

Enable_Secure_Logon.reg

B) Go to step 3.

2. To Disable Secure Log On

A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.

Disable_Secure_Logon.reg

3. Click on Save, and save the .zip file to the desktop.

4. Right click on the downloaded .reg file and click on Merge.

5. Click on Run, Yes, Yes, and OK when prompted.

6. When done, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.

OPTION THREE

Through Local Security Policy

   Note

When this option is set to Disabled or Enabled, it will override and gray out the settings in OPTION ONE above.

When this option is set to it's default Not Defined, then the settings in OPTION ONE above are no longer grayed out and can be set to how you like. Using a REG file in OPTION TWO above will set this option back to Not Defined.

1. Open the Local Security Policy editor.

2. In the left pane, expand Local Policies, and click on Security Options. (see screenshot below)

3. In the right pane, right click on Interactive Logon: Do not required CTRL+ALT+DEL and click on Properties. (see screenshot above)

4. To Enable Secure Log On

A) Select (dot) Disabled, and click on OK. (see screeshot below)

B) Go to step 6.

5. To Disable Secure Log On

A) Select (dot) Enabled, and click on OK. (see screeshot above)

6. Close the Local Security Policy window.