How to Set a 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 XP, Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8.
You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.
This tutorial will show you how to use SysKey to require a password to be entered by users during system startup in XP, 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
EXAMPLE: Windows Startup
NOTE: This is an example of what you will see at Windows startup if you set a startup password. Windows will not startup until you have entered the startup password.
Here's How:
1. Press the Windows+R keys to open the Run dialog, type syskey, and click/tap on OK.
2. If prompted by UAC, then click/tap on Yes (Windows 7/8) or Continue (Vista).
3. Click/tap on Update. (see screenshot below)
4. Do step 5 or 6 below for what you would like to do.
5. To Set a Startup Password
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.
6. To Remove Startup Password
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.
That's it,
Shawn
Last edited:
works on xp too. regards stig01
