SysKey - Set Startup Password to Lock or Unlock Windows

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    SysKey - Set Startup Password to Lock or Unlock Windows

    SysKey - Set Startup Password to Lock or Unlock Windows

    How to Set a Startup Password to Lock or Unlock Windows
    Published by
    Designer Media Ltd


    How to Set a Startup Password to Lock or Unlock Windows


       Information
    SysKey (SAM Lock Tool) is an in-built Windows utility that can help you secure the Security Accounts Management or SAM database.

    This tutorial will show you how to use SysKey to require a password to be entered by users during system startup in XP, Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8.

    You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.

       Note

    • A startup password is only entered at system startup at boot.
    • A startup password is not the same as a user account's password entered in the log on screen.
    • After entering the startup password, Windows will then startup to allow a user to login.
       Warning
    Doing a system restore using a restore point dated before SysKey was set will undo it.




    EXAMPLE: Windows Startup
    NOTE: This is an example of what you will see at Windows startup if you set a startup password. Windows will not startup until you have entered the startup password.
    SysKey - Set Startup Password to Lock or Unlock Windows-startup.jpg

    Here's How:


    1. Press the Windows+R keys to open the Run dialog, type syskey, and click/tap on OK.

    2. If prompted by UAC, then click/tap on Yes (Windows 7/8) or Continue (Vista).

    3. Click/tap on Update. (see screenshot below)
    SysKey - Set Startup Password to Lock or Unlock Windows-syskey-1.jpg
    4. Do step 5 or 6 below for what you would like to do.

    5. To Set a Startup Password
    A) Select (dot) the Password Startup option, enter a password you want twice, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)
    SysKey - Set Startup Password to Lock or Unlock Windows-syskey-2.jpg
    B) If you currently have Windows set to require a USB Startup Key to be connected at system startup, then you will need to connect it now, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)
    SysKey - Set Startup Password to Lock or Unlock Windows-syskey-3.jpg
    C) Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)
    SysKey - Set Startup Password to Lock or Unlock Windows-syskey-4.jpg
    D) Windows will now require users to enter the startup password at every system startup before Windows will start and users allowed to login to their user accounts.

       Warning
    It is recommended that you write down this startup password and keep it somewhere safe. Windows will not startup without it being entered.

    6. To Remove Startup Password
    A) Select (dot) System Generated Password, select (dot) the Store Startup Key Locally option, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)
    SysKey - Set Startup Password to Lock or Unlock Windows-undo-2.jpg
    B) Enter the startup password from step 5A above, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)
    SysKey - Set Startup Password to Lock or Unlock Windows-undo-3.jpg
    C) Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)
    SysKey - Set Startup Password to Lock or Unlock Windows-syskey-4.jpg
    D) Windows will now no longer require users to enter the startup password at every system startup.
    That's it,
    Shawn











  1. Posts : 19,383
    Windows 10 Pro x64 ; Xubuntu x64
       #1

    Very nice Brink! So, to be absolutely clear....there is no known 'backdoor' if the password is forgotten?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #2

    None that I'm aware of.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 513
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
       #3

    If you recently set the password; you can restore your system from Recovery Environment if there is any restore points.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Hello IMAyNeed,

    Well, that's one way. Added a warning for it. Thank you. :)
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 513
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
       #5

    Thank you for the tutorial!
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 10,200
    MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit
       #6

    Shawn,
    With System Repair Disc, can I:
    1) edit the regisry in such a manner as to remove this protection
    2) access any and all data?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Hello Karl,

    I'm sure if there is a will there's a way, but it wouldn't be very easy to do. :)
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 1
    win7 pro
       #8

    THANK YOU


    WHAT A LEGEND, works on xp too. regards stig01
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 2
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64
       #9

    Syskey only working during restart


    My custome syskey is only asking for the syskey (SAM) password during a restart, but if I do a full shutdown, it boots into Windows and only asks for my Windows logon password. Any help would be appreciated

    Thank You
      My Computer


 
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