Windows 11 on Hyper-V does not support autologin to the desktop

Al Perez 0 Reputation points
2025-03-04T20:44:29.19+00:00

I have an updated Win 11 system, domain and non domain joined running under Hyper-V on W11 Pro. Configured all the autologin settings correct. I cannot, no matter what, get a guest W10 and W11 system to autologin to the desktop.

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | Storage high availability | Virtualization and Hyper-V
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  1. Q&A Assist
    2025-03-04T20:44:29.2133333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    Autologin for Windows 11 running as a guest on Hyper-V can be tricky, especially when considering the security implications. While the autologon feature is available for Windows 11, it may not function as expected in a virtualized environment like Hyper-V due to various factors, including how the guest operating system interacts with the Hyper-V host.

    It's important to ensure that all settings related to autologon are configured correctly, including registry settings and group policies. However, there may be limitations or specific configurations required in a Hyper-V environment that could prevent successful autologon.

    If you've verified all settings and it still does not work, it may be worth checking for any Hyper-V specific configurations or limitations that could be affecting the autologon process.


    References:

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-03-06T07:22:34.3566667+00:00

    Hi Al Perez,

    Thanks for your post. Please firstly follow the steps to configure automatic login on Hyper-V differ depending on if the virtual machine(s) in the lab use Enhanced Session Mode (ESM). After the VM is configured to automatically login, a differencing disk will need to be captured to save the VM in its current state, to allow subsequent lab launches to automatically log in to the configured VM.

    Enables a connection similar to an RDP connection. Enhanced session mode leverages guest services to enable additional features such as: automatic VM logon, redirection of clipboard, audio, drives, devices, printers, and smart cards. Enhanced Session mode is not required for VM auto log in.

    For labs that do not use ESM, Netplwiz must be configured to enable automatic login. The following configurations needs to be completed:

    1. Configure Netplwiz
    2. Save a Differencing Disk

    In detail,

    1. Navigate to the lab profile that contains the VMs that you wish to enable automatic login on.
    2. Launch the lab.
    3. If the lab has multiple VMs, select the VM that should be automatically logged in.
    4. Enter the login password and login to the VM.
    5. In the Windows Start menu, search for Netplwiz, and then select Netplwiz.
    6. Uncheck the box next to Users must enter a username and password to use this computer.
    7. In the dialog that appears, enter the VM username and password and click OK.
    8. Repeat steps 3-7 for any other VMs that should be automatically logged in.
    9. Go to the Save a Differencing Disk section to save the VM state, so that subsequent lab launches will launch in this state.

    Reference: Configuring Hyper-V VMs for Automatic Login

    Best Regards,

    Ian Xue


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  3. Serg Rozhkov 0 Reputation points
    2025-03-10T10:44:18.5566667+00:00

    You might consider trying LogonExpert as an alternative. Unlike the native autologon, LogonExpert uses direct interaction with Winlogon, ensuring it works consistently even if Windows’ built-in feature encounters issues.

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  4. Serg Rozhkov 0 Reputation points
    2025-03-10T10:47:40.3666667+00:00

    You might consider trying LogonExpert as an alternative. Unlike the native autologon, LogonExpert uses direct interaction with Winlogon, ensuring it works consistently even if Windows’ built-in feature encounters issues.

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  5. Serg Rozhkov 0 Reputation points
    2025-03-10T11:41:25.61+00:00

    You might consider trying LogonExpert as an alternative. Unlike the native autologon, LogonExpert uses direct interaction with Winlogon, ensuring it works consistently even if Windows’ built-in feature encounters issues.

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