No login password set for local access, need remote desktop/file shares instead.
No login password set for local access, need remote desktop/file shares instead.
I've configured my computer as an HTPC with multiple roles—file server, downloader, and remote video rendering. I'm exploring ways to balance local access with secure remote connections. I've tried using dual accounts, but they create separate sessions that don't integrate well for tasks like checking video rendering on the TV.
I think my plan might be acceptable, though not completely certain. Create your account with a password. Execute netplwiz and remove the requirement for users to enter a username and password when using the machine. It will then prompt you for a user name and password to log in. After setup, it will authenticate as that user on each startup. I assume network or remote access remains intact, so the distant PC still requires the right login for connections. Please verify it works as intended.
Windows 7 or 10? The autologon tool for Win7 is available, which you might find useful.
You can remove blank password restrictions by applying a policy. To find and modify this policy: Click Start, select Run, type gpedit.msc, and press OK to open the Group Policy Editor. Navigate to Computer Configuration → Windows Settings → Security Settings → Local Policies → Security Options → Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console logon only. Double-click the limit option, choose consol logon only, then click Disabled and OK. Close the Group Policy Editor. REMEMBER: The default setting is enabled.