Windows – Only Require password for Remote Desktop

passwordsremote accessremote desktopwindows 7

I have a windows 7 machine that I primarily use as a media server (NAS). For this reason, I don't want to require a password when the machine boots up. So, I've disabled the password for the primary account, and the computer boots up without a hitch. However, for security reasons, I've disabled Remote Desktop and have been using LogMeIn to access the computer remotely. LogMeIn has it's shortcomings, and I'd really rather remote into the machine directly using remote desktop connection (MSTSC).

Is there a way that I can require a password when establishing a remote desktop connection, but still allow the computer to boot up without providing one?

Best Answer

You have to set a password for the user.
Once done, just configure Windows to automatically logon on console (so localy).
To do that, you can edit the registry:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon]
DefaultUserName = user_name
AutoAdminLogon = 1
DefaultPassword = xxxxx

You can also have a look here: Is it possible to automatically log in in Windows XP?

This works only on the console (local keyboard and screen). So remote desktop will ask for a password.

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