Reference number: CH000296

How to enable automatic logon in Windows NT / 2000.

Question:

How to enable automatic logon in Windows NT / 2000.

Reason:

Automatic Logon may be needed for users who do not share computers and wish to quickly log onto a network.

Automatic Logon may also be used for networks who have one default logon for their users.

Answer:

To configure Windows NT / 2000 to automatically login will require the registry to be edited and the following instructions to be done. Before editing the registry, ensure that you are aware of the possible issues that occur by reviewing our Registry page found at: http://www.computerhope.com/registry.htm

1. Run Regedt32.exe
2. Open the following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

Within the above key, change the values normally entered to the following values:

DefaultDomainName
DefaultUserName
DefaultPassword

If DefaultPassword is not present, create a new value by clicking Edit and choose Add Value. In the Value Name field type DefaultPassword. Select REG_SZ for the Data Type. In the String field type your password and save changes.

In addition, if no DefaultPassword string is specified, Windows NT automatically changes the value of the AutoAdminLogon key from 1 to 0, thus disabling AutoAdminLogon feature.

From the Edit menu, choose Add Value. Enter AutoAdminLogon in the Value Name field. Select REG_SZ for the Data Type, enter 1 in the string field and save your changes.

To bypass the automatic logon in the future, press and hold the SHIFT key as the computer is booting.

Finally, if DONTDISPLAYLASTUSERNAME value is set to 1, Autoadminlogon does not function.

Additional Information:

It is important to keep in mind that unlike Windows 95, 98 and Windows ME, users cannot hit a Cancel button or Escape key to bypass the Windows NT / 2000 logon.