en-US windows-security computer

Recovery console: Allow automatic administrative logon

Verified with Windows Security Options 25H2 — updated on July 13, 2026

Security policy

This is a Security Options policy (Windows Settings > Security Settings), applied by the security engine — not an Administrative Template (ADMX). In GPMC/gpedit it is configured under Local Policies > Security Options.

Path in the GPO console

Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\Security Options\Recovery console

Description

This setting allows Recovery Console access without first supplying the local Administrator password. It is disabled by default. Enabling it simplifies offline recovery but gives anyone with physical or console access a more powerful path into the installation.

Registry

HKLM Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Setup\RecoveryConsole

Value name: SecurityLevel

More options available

Options

Recovery console: Allow automatic administrative logon
SecurityLevel boolean

Export Builder

BETA

Configure the state, scope and options, then generate .reg, PowerShell, Intune and SCCM outputs — or add the setting to a multi-setting collection.

These exports write the registry — this is not a managed GPO.

Security policy setting: a domain GPO (Security Settings) can overwrite this registry value at the next policy refresh. Prefer configuring it via GPMC > Security Options.

.reg file

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

; Exported from gporais.com
; Policy: Recovery console: Allow automatic administrative logon
; State: Enabled

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Setup\RecoveryConsole]
"SecurityLevel"=dword:00000001
"SecurityLevel"=dword:00000000
More formats (PowerShell, Intune, SCCM)

PowerShell

# Exported from gporais.com
# Policy: Recovery console: Allow automatic administrative logon
# State: Enabled

$path = 'HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Setup\RecoveryConsole'
New-Item -Path $path -Force | Out-Null
Set-ItemProperty -Path $path -Name 'SecurityLevel' -Value 1 -Type DWord
Set-ItemProperty -Path $path -Name 'SecurityLevel' -Value 0 -Type DWord

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