Troubleshooting Windows 10 IoT: Non-automatic Logging Password Change
This article covers the process of troubleshooting a Windows 10 Enterprise IoT machine that is not automatically logging in after a password change. This issue can affect any system running Windows 10 IoT, but this article will focus on a scenario where the same machine was used for app installation.
Background: Automatic Logging in Windows 10 IoT
Windows 10 IoT Core, a version of the Windows 10 operating system designed for Internet of Things devices, supports automatic logging in. This is useful for devices that are dedicated to specific functions and where user interaction is not required. However, sometimes the automatic logging feature can stop working, for example, after a password change.
Symptoms: Non-automatic Logging after Password Change
In this scenario, a machine that has been running Windows 10 Enterprise IoT and has automatically logged in at startup now fails to do so after a password change. This can prevent the machine from performing its intended function, for example, running a large LED screen.
Troubleshooting Steps
Here is a step-by-step guide for addressing this issue:
1. Check the Group Policy Settings
Group Policies are used in Windows 10 IoT to manage the system settings. One of the Group Policies is responsible for enabling automatic logging. Here is how to check if this policy is enabled:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
3. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options.
4. Find the policy named "Interactive logon: Do not require CTRL+ALT+DEL" and double-click on it.
5. If the policy is not enabled, click on the "Enabled" radio button and then click "OK".
6. Close the Local Group Policy Editor.
2. Update the Password in the Autologon Settings
Windows 10 IoT includes a built-in tool for managing the autologon settings. This tool needs to be updated with the new password:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type netplwiz and press Enter to open the User Accounts dialog.
3. Select the account that is currently set to automatically log in.
4. Click "Properties" and then the "Password" tab.
5. Enter the new password twice and click "OK".
6. Close the User Accounts dialog.
3. Check the Autologon Registry Key
The autologon settings are also stored in the Windows Registry. Sometimes the registry key may become out of sync with the other settings. Here is how to check if the registry key is correct:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon.
4. Make sure the following values are set:
AutoAdminLogon = 1
DefaultUserName = [the user name of the account]
DefaultPassword = [the new password of the account]
DefaultDomainName = [the domain of the account]
5. Close the Registry Editor.
In this article, we have covered the process of troubleshooting Windows 10 IoT when the automatic logging feature stops working after a password change. By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to resolve this issue and restore the intended function of the IoT device.
- Automatic logging is a feature of Windows 10 IoT that can simplify the use of a dedicated IoT device.
- If automatic logging stops working after a password change, check the Group Policy and the Autologon settings.
- Make sure the autologon registry key is updated with the new password.
- Resources:
- Microsoft Documentation: Automatic Logon in Windows 10 IoT
- Microsoft Documentation: Interactive logon: Do not require CTRL+ALT+DEL