Windows 11 • Release: 6 Benchmark Date: 05 Jan 2026
CAT II V-253413 WN11-CC-000325
Automatically signing in the last interactive user after a system-initiated restart must be disabled.
Discussion
Windows can be configured to automatically sign the user back in after a Windows Update restart. Some protections are in place to help ensure this is done in a secure fashion; however, disabling this will prevent the caching of credentials for this purpose and also ensure the user is aware of the restart.
Check Procedure
If the following registry value does not exist or is not configured as specified, this is a finding: Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Registry Path: \SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System\ Value Name: DisableAutomaticRestartSignOn Value Type: REG_DWORD Value: 1
Fix Action
Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Windows Logon Options >> "Sign-in last interactive user automatically after a system-initiated restart" to "Disabled".