How to Fix: The Computer Is Configured to Require a Password in Order to Start up

Encountering an error message that states, "The computer is configured to require a password in order to start up" can be frustrating and worrisome. This issue prevents you from accessing your computer's operating system and can disrupt your workflow.

What causes the “The computer is configured to require a password in order to start up” error?

When you encounter the error message stating that your computer requires a password to start up, it usually indicates that your system's BIOS settings have been modified or corrupted. The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is responsible for initializing hardware components and loading the operating system. Any changes to the BIOS settings might result in this error.

Besides BIOS settings changes, there are also some other factors that may cause this problem:

• Malware or viruses: Certain types of malware or viruses can modify your BIOS settings, leading to the error message.
• System restore or update issues: Performing a system restore or updating your operating system can sometimes disrupt the BIOS settings, resulting in the error.
• Faulty hardware: In rare cases, hardware-related issues such as a failing hard drive or faulty memory module can cause this error.
• Files are corrupted: This is typically the consequence of a virus wreaking havoc on your computer, even if you have removed it. The System File Checker check in Windows 10 can help you get rid of these troublesome files.

How can you fix the computer is configured to require a password in order to start up?

The reason why this error occurs on your computer might be undefined, but there are also some fixes that can help you solve the problem. Thus, in this article, we will explore the causes behind this error and provide you with step-by-step solutions to fix it.

Method 1. Restart PC and change power supply

In addition to the more complex solutions, we have a couple of straightforward ones you can consider.

Firstly, attempt to restart your computer. This well-established technique has proven to be the most prevalent solution for any password-related issue. If your PC doesn't restart successfully, it is imperative to take immediate action.

And if you're using a Windows laptop, try completely depleting the battery. Once the device runs out of power, recharge and power it back on. This process should eliminate the error you're encountering.

Another option is to remove the complementary metal-oxide semiconductor battery from your laptop and subsequently drain the primary battery.

Method 2. Recover your registry backup from your computer and use this copy to boot

This error essentially locks your registry using a Windows feature that has been discontinued and is unfamiliar to most users. But the process should be relatively straightforward because your computer retains a recent backup of the registry within its system files.

It's important to note that you'll need to find a way to access and navigate the files on your hard drive without booting into the operating system. There are essentially two methods to accomplish this: either remove the hard drive and connect it to a functioning computer or follow our instructions to achieve this on the same computer.

We have chosen to present the latter solution to avoid voiding your warranty, particularly if you're using a laptop where removing the hard disk may not be feasible.

Stage 1. Make an installation media

Step 1. Download the Media Creation Tool software from Microsoft’s website. Open the downloaded file you just downloaded and accept the terms and conditions.

Step 2. Select the Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC option from the initial screen.

Step 3. The language, architecture, and other variables of the bootable drive will depend on the settings of your computer. However, it is important to uncheck the option that says "Use the suggested choices for this PC" in order to manually select the appropriate settings for the PC that has the password.

Step 4. Click Next and click on the USB drive or DVD option when prompted to choose between USB or DVD, depending on which device you want to use to store this image.

Step 5. Click Next and choose the USB or DVD drive from the list which will show the storage media connected to your computer.

Step 6. Click Next and the Media Creation Tool will proceed to download the files necessary to install and create the installation device.

Stage 2. Use CMD to change system volume information

Step 1. Insert the installation drive you own and start the target computer. You will see a Choose your keyboard layout window so choose the one you want to use.

Step 2. The Choose an option screen will appear so navigate to Troubleshoot >> Advanced Options >> Command Prompt.

Step 3. Once Command Prompt opens, enter the command and click Enter: Notepad

Step 4. Notepad should open. Now so click on File >> Open from the top right menu and wait for the Windows Explorer window to open. Make sure you choose the All Files option under Files of type in order to see all files.

Step 5. This workaround will do great for what we are about to do as you can see everything connected to your computer. Just make sure you don’t double-click on any file which will cause Notepad to try and open it.

Step 6. Navigate to the System Volume Information folder in This PC/My Computer >> Your Main Hard Drive.

Step 7. Locate the _restore… folder where the three dots stand for a bunch of letters and numbers and open that folder.

Step 8. Open that folder and look for the files. These files are the ones we are going to back up and they belong to the registry. While looking for them, make sure you rename them as it’s presented below:

_REGISTRY_USER_.DEFAULT” to  “default”
_REGISTRY_MACHINE_SECURITY” to  “security”
_REGISTRY_MACHINE_SOFTWARE” to  “software”
_REGISTRY_MACHINE_SYSTEM” to “system”
_REGISTRY_MACHINE_SAM” to  “sam”

Step 9. Now select these five files and copy them to the Windows\system32\config folder in the drive where your Windows OS installation is located and make sure you overwrite the existing files.

You have now successfully backed up your registry to the date you specified. Check to see whether you are still provided with the password prompt after restarting your computer. If you are, try repeating the step but using an older registry version.

Method 3. Remove password before login

If method 2 is failed or you think it’s a little complex, then you can try this method. The error will pop out when you use your computer, in this case, you can use AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional to create a password reset/remove USB that can make you boot into the program and remove password before login.

The USB can be created on any running Windows PC, and it can be used on any Windows PC to remove and reset password without entering the system, so it can also help you when you forgot passwords on computers.

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant. From the main interface, click on "Tools" and then select "Reset Windows Password."

Step 2. Next, click on "Next" to create a bootable USB using WinPE.

Step 3. Choose the USB device you have prepared and click on "Proceed."

Step 4. Read the provided information and confirm by clicking "Yes".

Step 5. Change the boot drive settings to allow the PC to boot from the USB device.

Step 6. Once AOMEI Partition Assistant appears, click on "Reset Password" and then proceed by clicking "Next".

Step 7. Select the desired username and features according to your requirements.

Step 8. To remove the password, click on "Remove Account Password".

Conclusion

The “How do I get Windows to require a password at startup” problem can be solved via the 3 methods in the post. The causes of the “the computer is configured to require a password in order to start up” issue may be various, but this post will make it a small case for you.

The tool AOMEI Partition Assistant has many handy functions to help users manage their computers and disks more convenient, it can safely clone disks, convert a disk to MBR/GPT, test disk speed, check disk health, move installed apps, and extend C drive, etc. If you need a PC manager, this tool is a great choice.