Enable Autologon and Autostart for user session
Sometimes, you want your computer to automatically log in and launch specific applications as soon as it boots up maybe for a kiosk setup, a home server, or just to streamline your personal workflow. Windows allows you to configure automatic logon and start applications at login without requiring you to manually enter credentials or click through the startup processes. Here’s how you can enable autologon and autostart for user session in a clean, effective way. Please see how to Enable Automatic Logon via Windows Registry, and How to manage automatic login on Ubuntu Linux.
Also, see how to “View RDP Configuration Settings: Connect automatically on an RDP session“, “Program startup: How to launch an application automatically during startup on Windows“, and how to Enable Automatic Logon on Windows 10.
Why Enable Auto-Logon and Auto-Start?
Auto-logon can save time and effort, especially in environments where you don’t need high-level security, such as personal PCs or shared machines in controlled environments.
Combined with auto-start, this setup can ensure that critical apps and services are ready to go the moment your system starts up.
Here are other related guides How to Install Winget on Windows Server, Set Special File Permissions with SUID or GUID and Sticky Bit in Linux, and Prevent OS Reinstallation: Change from legacy BIOS to UEFI.
Step 1: Enable Auto-Logon
Let’s start by setting up automatic logon for a user account.
Method 1: Using the Registry Editor
Press Win + R to open the Run dialog. Type regedit and press Enter. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click “Yes” to allow the app.
In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WinlogonAutoAdminLogon: Double-click this value (if it doesn’t exist, right-click and create a new String Value with this name). Set its value to 1.
DefaultUsername: This should already be present, showing the name of the user account you want to auto-logon.
If it’s not there, create a new String Value with the name DefaultUsername and enter the account name.
DefaultPassword: If this value doesn’t exist, create a new String Value called DefaultPassword.
Enter the user account’s password as the value. Note that this stores the password in plaintext, so only do this on systems where security isn’t a concern.
DefaultDomainName: (Optional) If you’re logging into a domain, set this value to your domain name. For local accounts, this value can be left empty.
After you’ve made these changes, close the Registry Editor. The next time you reboot, Windows should automatically log in using the account you specified.
Please see Auto Logon Error “The username and password specified is not valid” and How to disable auto login in Windows.
Method 2: Using Netplwiz (Windows 10/11)
Press Win + R, type netplwiz, and press Enter. This opens the User Accounts settings.
In the User Accounts window, uncheck the box that says “Users must enter a username and password to use this computer.”
After you uncheck the box click the Apply button, a prompt will appear asking for the username and password of the account you want to auto-logon. Enter the details and click “OK”.
Restart your system. It should now automatically log in to the specified user account.
Step 2: Set Up Auto-Start for Applications
Once auto-logon is enabled, the next step is to configure which programs or scripts will automatically start when the user logs in.
Press Win + R, type shell:startup, and hit Enter. This opens the Startup folder for the current user.
You can drag and drop application shortcuts into this folder, and they will start automatically every time the user logs in.
You can also add scripts or batch files here if needed.
Option 2: Use Task Scheduler for More Control
If you need more control over when and how applications start (e.g., delay start or run with elevated privileges), use the Task Scheduler.
Press Win + S, search for “Task Scheduler,” and open it.
Click on “Create Task” from the right-hand panel.
In the General tab, give the task a name and select “Run whether user is logged on or not.”
In the Triggers tab, click “New”.
Set the trigger to “At logon” in the New Trigger.
Click “New” in the Actions tab.
Enter the path to the program or script you want to run.
Optionally, configure any additional conditions (like delays) in the “Conditions” tab.
Click “OK” and provide administrative credentials if prompted. Your task will now run whenever the specified user logs in.
Once you’ve configured auto-logon and auto-start, restart your computer to test whether everything works as expected. The system should:
Automatically log into the user account without needing a password. Launch the apps or scripts you’ve added during startup.
Security Considerations
While auto-logon and auto-start are great for convenience, be cautious if you’re enabling these features on systems where security is important.
Auto-logon stores your credentials in plaintext in the registry, which makes the system vulnerable if unauthorized users gain access to it. Consider this setup only in environments where physical access to the machine is well controlled.
Conclusion
Setting up auto-logon and auto-start can significantly speed up workflows and simplify user interaction in certain environments.
Whether you’re building a kiosk, configuring a home server, or just want your PC to get to work faster, this method makes the process seamless. Always remember to balance convenience with security when implementing such configurations.
I hope you find this post helpful on how to Enable autologon and autostart for user session. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comment section below.
