Enable Ctrl+Alt+Del Logon Using Regedit

Enabling the Secure Attention Sequence (Ctrl+Alt+Del) adds an extra layer of security to your Windows login screen by preventing malware from spoofing the logon prompt. This guide provides a direct, step-by-step walkthrough on how to configure the Windows Registry (regedit) to require the Ctrl+Alt+Del keystroke sequence before a user can sign in.

Step 1: Open the Registry Editor

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type regedit and press Enter (or click OK).
3. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to grant administrative permissions.

Step 2: Navigate to the Winlogon Key

In the Registry Editor address bar at the top, paste the following path and press Enter:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

Alternatively, you can manually navigate through the folder tree in the left sidebar: * HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE * SOFTWARE * Microsoft * Windows NT * CurrentVersion * Winlogon

Step 3: Modify the DisableCAD Value

1. With the Winlogon folder selected on the left, locate the value named DisableCAD in the right pane.
2. If DisableCAD exists:
   • Double-click on it to open the Edit window.
3. If DisableCAD does not exist:
   • Right-click an empty area in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it DisableCAD.
4. In the Value data field, enter 0.
   • Setting the value to 0 enforces the Ctrl+Alt+Del requirement.
   • Setting the value to 1 removes the Ctrl+Alt+Del requirement.
5. Ensure the Base is set to Hexadecimal and click OK.

Step 4: Apply the Changes

1. Close the Registry Editor.
2. Restart your computer or sign out of your current Windows session.

Upon reaching the lock screen, Windows will now prompt you to press Ctrl+Alt+Del before presenting the username and password fields.