Tired of logging into Windows Vista every time you boot up your computer? This guide shows you how to use the netplwiz command to make Windows Vista automatically log you in when your computer boots up.
The NETPLWIZ Command
In Windows XP you could use the control userpasswords2 command to make Windows XP automatically log you into your computer when Windows XP booted up.
In Windows Vista you use the netplwiz command to automatically login a user when Windows Vista boots up.
To use the netplwiz command click the Start button, type netplwiz in the search box, then press enter.
Uncheck Users should enter a username and password to use this computer, and then press OK.
Type the username and password for the user you want to automatically logon to Windows Vista when it boots up and press OK when you’re done.
Still need help? Ask Your Computer Question Now.
Explore other guides about: All • Misc • Vista • Windows.
That worked for me! Thanks… I had been looking for precisely the dialog you mention (netplwiz) for hours before finding your site. Thanks so much!
I prefer this solution:
http://www.computerperformance.co.uk/vista/vista_registry_autoadminlogon.htm
Instructions for Setting AutoAdminLogon
1. Launch Regedit. (See more details on starting regedit)
2. Navigate to:
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\winlogon
Set: AutoAdminLogon = 1 (one means on, zero means off)
3. Tip: Try Regedit’s ‘Find’: AutoAdminLogon
4. Create a new String Value called DefaultPassword
Set: DefaultPassword = “P@ssw0rd”
5. Check for the existence of a REG_SZ called DefaultUserName. The value should reflect the user who you wish to logon automatically. If this value does not exist, then right-click in the right pane, New, REG_SZ, name it, DefaultUserName. Set the string value to the required UserName.
6. Optional Item: If your Vista Machine has joined a domain, then create a String Value called DefaultDomainName.
Set: DefaultDomainName = “OnlyYouKnowDomain”
Here is a summary of the four key registry settings:
“AutoAdminLogon”=”1″
“DefaultUserName”=”xxx”
“DefaultPassword”=”xxxx0xxxx”
“DefaultDomainName”=”xxx.xxx”. Definitely needed in a domain situation.
Why bother editing the registry when netplwiz does it much more elegantly?
Because you could script it for use in workplace management.