Set up an automatic logon to Windows XP

by Mark Kaelin | May 04, 2004 2:01:00 PM

Tags: Mark Kaelin, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows, automatic logon, user account

Takeaway: TechRepublic member dusty1one is seeking a way to bypass the Microsoft Windows XP logon/welcome screen. Here's how to do it.

Problem

In versions of Microsoft Windows prior to XP, you could set up your PC to automatically log on and load the desktop, bypassing the normal logon/welcome screen. In Windows XP, if there is only one user account, it is relatively simple to set up the system to automatically log on. However, if there is more than one user account, designating that all of the accounts can automatically log on is much more obscure.

Solution

To get access to a user account control panel that will allow you to set up accounts for automatic logon in Windows XP, you must use the command line and an obscure control application. At the command prompt, enter:

control userpasswords2

That command will open control panel that looks like Figure A.

Figure A

The User Accounts control panel

From this control panel, you can uncheck the Users Must Enter A Name And Password To Use This Computer setting. When you click the Apply or OK button, you will be asked to supply a password (you can leave it blank). After clicking OK on that screen, you will have set your PC to log on automatically.

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Fate plays a hand

This solution is really a by-product of an odd coincidence. The night before I read dusty1one's Tech Q&A post, I read this article in PC Magazine. I took it as an omen.

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Print/View all Posts Comments on this article

Is this tip a good idea?? Mark W. Kaelin | 07/28/04

Yes, for kiosk applications... dnotarnicola@... | 07/28/04

Didn't think of that Mark W. Kaelin | 07/29/04

Touchscreen only? CraigMaq | 07/29/04

90% of the time NO, Its not a good idea.. TomSal | 07/29/04

I use it in W2K gshollingsworth | 07/29/04

Alternative solution for autologon. BHLang | 08/16/04

Almost TheGooch1 | 08/17/07

Anything to get around MS's help robapacl@... | 08/16/04

must use command line psandefur@... | 08/16/04

Not good tafland1@... | 08/17/04

Not a good idea for me! pcscomp@... | 04/30/05

Check box not in window bob.withers@... | 07/29/04

Works on XP Home only CraigMaq | 07/29/04

... and XP Pro in a workgroup (sorry...) CraigMaq | 07/29/04

Are you running under a domain Mark W. Kaelin | 07/29/04

what if multiple users? wodenickel1@... | 08/16/04

How to autologon Jshee42 | 08/16/04

null jmschattke@... | 08/25/04

useful for a open office ramnaumi_india@... | 09/01/04

RE: Set up an automatic logon to Windows XP Cap'n Billy | 11/08/08

xp automatic logon srozhkov@... | 12/11/08