Login process

Login is the process in which end-user or personal access to a computer is managed by the detection of user provided credentials. A user can access a computer by providing a username and password which is then verified by Windows User Accounts. In case of network login, the user name and password is verified by Windows Authentication. Users can then log out of the computer, once access is no longer needed. The log out process ensures that unauthorized users do not have access to the computer, which prevents them from altering or corrupting any data on the computer.

Winlogon is the component of Windows operating systems that handles the Secure attention key (usage of Control-Alt Delete for Network based Windows operating systems), initiation of the user profile on logon, and locking the computer when a screensaver is running or when the computer is idle. How to Enable Autologon in Windows Vista

Autologon in Windows Vista

You can enable automatic logon to Windows Vista; however this option should be enabled only if you are the only person using the computer. To enable Autologon in Windows Vista, perform the following steps:

  1. Click Start.
  2. Type control userpasswords2 in the Search text box and press Enter.
  3. The User Accounts window appears.
  4. Clear the Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer check box, and then click Apply.
  5. The Automatically Log On dialog box appears.
  6. Type your password and then click Ok.

You will have to restart your computer for Autologon to take effect. The above procedure is valid for all versions of Windows Vista.