How to enable automatic logon in Windows NT or 2000

Updated: 05/04/2019 by Computer Hope
automatically login

To configure Windows NT or 2000 to automatically login requires the registry to be edited and the following instructions to be done. Before editing the registry, ensure you know of the possible issues that occur by reviewing our registry page.

  1. Run Regedt32.exe
  2. Open the following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

In 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, then 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.

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.

Tip

Unlike Windows 95, 98, and Me, users cannot hit a Cancel button or Escape key to bypass the Windows NT, 2000, XP or later logons.