Unable to set up autologon

Autologon does not validate the password that is entered in its dialog box. It simply takes whatever credentials are typed and configures Windows’ built‑in automatic logon mechanism with them.

If the dialog reports that the password is “not recognized,” the issue is not with Autologon’s own validation logic (because it has none) but with Windows rejecting the credentials when it attempts to log on automatically at the next startup. Common causes include:

1. Typing a password that is different from the one currently used for interactive logon.
2. Specifying the wrong domain or computer name (for domain accounts, the domain must match; for local accounts, use the local computer name or leave domain blank as appropriate).
3. The account not being allowed to log on to that computer (for example, restricted logon rights or policies).
4. Exchange ActiveSync password restrictions being in place; in that case, Windows will not process the autologon configuration.

To work around this, ensure the following when running Autologon:

1. Log on interactively with the exact account that should auto‑logon and confirm the password works at the normal Windows sign‑in screen.
2. Run Autologon as an administrator.
3. In the Autologon dialog:
   • Enter the same username used at the sign‑in screen.
   • Enter the correct domain (or local computer name) that matches how the account is normally used.
   • Enter the same password used for normal logon.
4. If Exchange ActiveSync (EAS) password policies are applied (for example via a mail profile or MDM), remove or relax those policies; Windows will otherwise ignore the autologon configuration.
5. After enabling, restart the machine and verify whether Windows logs on automatically.

If autologon still fails, use the Shift key override: hold Shift during startup to bypass autologon and sign in normally, then adjust the username/domain/password in Autologon again.

References:

• Autologon v3.10
• Turn on automatic logon in Windows
• Winlogon Automatic Restart Sign-On (ARSO)