Windows Auto Sign In Last User Registry Key

This guide explains which Windows Registry value controls whether Windows automatically signs in the last interactive user after a restart or cold boot. It provides the exact registry path, value name, data settings, and step-by-step instructions to configure this feature directly in the Registry Editor (regedit).

The Registry Value: DisableAutomaticRestartSignOn

The specific registry value that controls the automatic sign-in of the last interactive user is DisableAutomaticRestartSignOn.

This feature—often referred to as Automatic Restart Sign-On (ARSO)—allows Windows to use the previous user’s credentials to automatically log in and lock the device after a restart or update, pre-loading background apps and setup processes.

Registry Location and Configuration Details

• Registry Key Path:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
• Value Name:
  DisableAutomaticRestartSignOn
• Data Type:
  REG_DWORD (32-bit Value)
• Value Data Options:
  • 0 (or key absent): Enabled. Windows automatically signs in and locks the last interactive user after an automated restart, cold boot, or update.
  • 1: Disabled. Windows requires manual sign-in at the lock screen and will not automatically sign in the last user.

How to Modify the Setting in Regedit

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

2. Navigate to the following path in the address bar:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

3. Look for the DisableAutomaticRestartSignOn DWORD value in the right pane:

   • If it exists, double-click it and change the Value data to 1 to disable the automatic sign-in, or 0 to enable it.
   • If it does not exist, right-click an empty area in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, name it DisableAutomaticRestartSignOn, and set its value accordingly.

4. Click OK and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.