[FIX] Windows Taskbar Resets to Default Settings If “Automatically Log On” Feature is Enabled

Sometimes Windows users face a weird issue. When they log off or restart their computers, Taskbar resets to default settings and forgets all their customized settings. For example, you enable Quick Launch toolbar on Taskbar but it automatically disappears after reboot.

According to Microsoft, it happens because of a race condition between Windows Explorer and Taskhost.exe.

This issue only occurs when “Automatically Log On” feature is enabled. Some people enable this feature to automatic log on to their systems without the need of entering password at login time.

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If you are also facing this issue, you can ask Microsoft support for a hotfix. Its not available for all users, so you’ll need to ask them for it.

Or you can follow these simple steps to disable “Automatically Log On” feature which will also fix this issue:

METHOD 1: Using “User Accounts” Applet

1. Type control userpasswords2 or netplwiz in RUN or Start Menu Searchbox and press Enter. It’ll open “User Accounts” window.

2. Now enable “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer.” option.

Automatic_Logon_Windows_7.png

3. Click on Apply button and it’ll fix your problem.

METHOD 2: Using Registry Editor

1. Type regedit in RUN or Start Menu Searchbox and press Enter. It’ll open “Registry Editor”.

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2. Now go to following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

3. In right-side pane, change value of AutoAdminLogon to 0 or simply delete it.

AutoAdminLogon.png

4. That’s it. Restart your system and it’ll fix the problem.

PS: If you are not familiar with Registry editing and want a ready-made script to do the task automatically, download following zip file, extract it and run extracted REG file. It’ll fix the problem for you:

Download Fix

METHOD 3: By Removing 3rd Party Software Toolbars

Sometimes this problem occurs due to additional toolbars on Taskbar which were added by 3rd party software or bundled programs (also called crapware) which came preinstalled on your branded computer.

Some readers have suggested that they faced similar problem on HP and Lenovo brands computers due to extra HP Support Assistant toolbar and Lenovo Power Manager toolbar present on the Taskbar.

If you are also facing this problem, you can fix this problem by removing the extra toolbars from Taskbar and then restart your computer.

Published in: Troubleshooting Guides, Windows 7, Windows 8

About the author: Vishal Gupta (also known as VG) has been awarded with Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) award. He holds Masters degree in Computer Applications (MCA). He has written several tech articles for popular newspapers and magazines and has also appeared in tech shows on various TV channels.

Comments

NOTE: Older comments have been removed to reduce database overhead.

  1. My taskbar resets but I do NOT have automatic logon. I believe I may have set automatic logon once a while ago but set it back to requiring a password. So should I try the KB979155 hotfix?

  2. Well, KB979155 did not work for me, but I did get a solution. First, I will tell you, I was told to set a restore point then try the hotfix. I backed up my files and set the restore point, but the hotfix said that it did not apply to my system. So I tried something: I closed the HP Support Assistant toolbar. Now, my other toolbars keep their settings across reboots. Perhaps the problem had something to do with the Support Assistant stretching up along the three rows of the Taskbar that I had, against the right side. Anyway,… problem solved. – notreal

  3. After reading notreal’s last post, I turned off the Lenovo Power Manager toolbar and fixed my problem. Thanks for the idea.

  4. Hi, after reading your article, I found that my autologon option is set to 0, then in comments I found that “Perhaps the problem had something to do with the Support Assistant stretching up along the three rows of the Taskbar” – and this was a problem, when I deleted it from taskbar and restarted my HP Envy – every thing on its place. Thank you and Notreal you made my day, I was looking for solution for 3 month. A lot of people face with that problem, but nothing helps.

    P.S. I am using Win 8.1 from HP, so I think this is problem with HP Support Assistant panel, not with windows.

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