Recovery console: Allow automatic administrative logon

Applies to

• Windows 11
• Windows 10

Describes the best practices, location, values, policy management, and security considerations for the Recovery console: Allow automatic administrative logon security policy setting.

Reference

This policy setting determines whether the built-in Administrator account password must be provided before access to the device is granted. If you enable this setting, the built-in Administrator account is automatically logged on to the computer at the Recovery Console; no password is required.

The Recovery Console can be useful when troubleshooting and repairing systems that can't be restarted. However, enabling this policy setting so a user can automatically sign in to the console is dangerous. Anyone can walk up to the server, shut it down by disconnecting the power, reboot it, select Recovery Console from the Restart menu, and then assume full control of the server.

Possible values

• Enabled

  The built-in Administrator account is automatically logged on to the computer at the Recovery Console; no password is required

• Disabled

  Automatic administrative logon isn't allowed.

• Not defined

  Automatic administrative logon isn't allowed.

Best practices

• Set Recovery Console: Allow automatic administrative logon to Disabled. This setting requires a user to enter a user name and password to access the Recovery Console account.

Location

Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\Security Options

Default values

The following table lists the actual and effective default values for this policy. Default values are also listed on the policy’s property page.

Policy management

This section describes features and tools that are available to help you manage this policy.

Restart requirement

None. Changes to this policy become effective without a device restart when they're saved locally or distributed through Group Policy.

Group Policy

Setting and deploying this policy using Group Policy takes precedence over the setting on the local device

Policy conflicts

None.

Security considerations

This section describes how an attacker might exploit a feature or its configuration, how to implement the countermeasure, and the possible negative consequences of countermeasure implementation.

Vulnerability

The Recovery Console can be useful when you must troubleshoot and repair devices that don't start. However, allowing automatic logon to the Recovery Console can make it possible for someone to assume full control of the server.

Countermeasure

Disable the Recovery console: Allow automatic administrative logon setting.

Potential impact

Users must enter a user name and password to access the Recovery Console.

Related topics

• Security Options