Tweaking the Sign-in Experience

Tweaking the Sign-in Experience

Windows 8 by default has a new start screen, where you can add notifications, alarms and so on, but what if you don’t want that, or you want to make users press CTRL+ALT+DELETE first, then this post is something you should read!

[alert-note]Tweaking your system can be a dangerous thing to do, we always recommend you make a backup before you begin! However the tweaks in this post should never damage your system[/alert-note]

Skip the Sign-In screen.

Windows 8 does not offer the possibility to skip the sign-in screen by default, however, it’s not that hard to skip it.

1. Open Netplwiz by following one of three methods below
   1. On your keyboard press the Windows + R key at the same time, then type Netplwiz and hit enter.
   2. On your keyboard press the Windows + W key at the same time, then type Netplwiz and hit enter.
   3. Open Start, then type netplwiz and hit enter.
2. Select the Account you wish to sign-in with automatically
3. Then uncheck the box “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer“
4. Click on Apply, you will be prompted to enter your password twice.
5. Click on OK

Windows should now no longer ask for a password when it boots.

[alert-warning]This does however not remove the need to enter a password after locking, hibernating or resuming from stand-by[/alert-warning] [divider]

Secure Sign-In: Press Control-Alt-Delete

Used within many networks, ctrl+alt+delete has been around for many years. Some home users however wish to use it as well, this guide will help you set that up

1. Open Netplwiz by following one of three methods below
   1. On your keyboard press the Windows + R key at the same time, then type Netplwiz and hit enter.
   2. On your keyboard press the Windows + W key at the same time, then type Netplwiz and hit enter.
   3. Open Start, then type netplwiz and hit enter.
2. Open the Advanced tab
3. Check the box “Require users to press Ctrl+Alt+Delete“