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.
| Server type or GPO | Default value |
|---|---|
| Default Domain Policy | Not defined |
| Default Domain Controller Policy | Not defined |
| Stand-Alone Server Default Settings | Disabled |
| DC Effective Default Settings | Disabled |
| Member Server Effective Default Settings | Disabled |
| Client Computer Effective Default Settings | Disabled |
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.