When first setting up a computer with Windows 10 a new user account is created.
The new default user account is configured to automatically login at startup.
Where the computer is at home, with limited variation in its usage this practice may be helpful. Although it does make any sensitive data readily available to any visitors.
The prohibition of automatic login ensures that the authentic Windows sign-in screen is presented. This will protect the computer from programs mimicking the login screen to acquire the login details.
For a computer, such as a laptop, which is regularly taken out of a safe environment this lack of password and automatic login poses a serious security risk.
Its easy to disable the automatic login in Windows 10.
- Open the User Accounts window by clicking on the Windows and R keys. In the run dialogue box enter netplwiz in the search box. click OK.
- In the popup of options click on the users tab. The other tab is Advanced.
- This view shows a list of the users for the computer with above a checkbox along with the text:
Users must enter a username and password to use this computer. - Ensure that the checkbox is ticked if you wish to enforce password entry.
- Click on The OK button at the bottom of the window.
- Restart the computer to test your settings
