Set up Windows 7 to Login to an Account Automatically

Although Windows 7 offers a level of security not seen in previous versions of the operating system, there are times when it can be annoying to have to login every time the computer is reset. Luckily, Microsoft does offer a solution to having to log in every time. Learn how to set up Windows 7 to automatically login to an account.

A Word or Two of Warning

Obviously, by setting up Windows 7 to automatically login to an account, you give anyone with access to your computer the ability to use your computer. Setting up an administrator’s account as the default account is probably not a wise idea no matter how convenient it may be for you.

One way to combat this problem is to set it up so Window 7 automatically logs in to a guest or some other limited account. Remember that if you set up an account with administrative privileges to log in automatically, anyone could set a password for the account and completely lock you out of your own computer. Choose carefully the account you want Windows 7 to automatically log in to whenever the computer is reset.

Set up and Automatic Login in Windows 7

To set up the automatic login in Windows 7, begin by logging into Windows 7 with an account that has administrative privileges and clicking on Start and then on Run. If you don’t have the Run command on your Start menu, you can alternatively hold down the Windows key on your keyboard and press the Rkey.

Either method will bring up the Run dialogue box. Type the following line in the Run dialogue box and then click the OK button:

control userpasswords2

This opens the User Accounts window where you can control various aspects to users and user behavior. Click on the Users tab and locate an option titled Users Must Enter A User Name and Password To Use This Computer. This option is what makes it necessary to select a user and then type in a password to login to your computer.

Uncheck this box and click the OK button. Windows 7 will immediately opens another dialogue box asking if you want to choose an account into which the operating system will automatically login when Windows boots up.

Type in the username and password you want to use as the automatic login account. You have to confirm the password and then you can click the OK button.

Restart Windows 7 and verify that the operating system automatically logs in to the account you specified.

Although a convenient feature, there are some caveats to having Windows 7 automatically log in to an account. Some people use this feature temporarily to save some steps during a specific project. Others use a guest or other limited account as the default login account to set up a public or kiosk computereither in a public place or even in their homes.

Whatever your reasons, take care that you don’t accidentally give someone unrestricted access to your computer and invite the potential for someone to take your PC hostage from you.