This article will explain how to set up a Windows 11 Pro computer for unattended operation, for example when running a gallery installation or kiosk. This article is a companion to Remote Computer Access.
These articles do not assume that you are an expert, but do require you to be familiar with using Windows. If required, you can find more detailed tutorials online. My aim here is to be concise and precise since I have not yet found an overview of this kind.
There are four main tasks: configure Windows for unattended use, create an account for remote access, set up automatic login, and configure Wi-Fi.
A. Windows configuration
Many of the tasks can be accomplished through Settings, which can be accessed several ways. For example, you can right-click the desktop and choose "Personalise". Or click on the gear icon that might appear on your toolbar or Windows menu.
1. System settings
Click "System" in the left panel.
a) Ensure your computer has a memorable name. This will be displayed at the top of the panel, but if you need to change it, scroll all the way to the bottom and choose "About".
b) Choose "Sound" and ensure the default devices are correct.
c) Choose "Notifications" and turn off everything.
d) Choose "Power" and then "Screen, sleep, & hibernation time-outs." Set all these to "Never". Ensure "Energy saver" is "Off" because you don't want random parts of the computer falling asleep.
2. Personalisation settings
Click "Personalisation" in the left panel.
a) "Background" allows you to use a distinctive desktop image. For an installation I customise the desktop to display any required instructions or to highlight the icons that run the show.
b) "Themes" is useful for two purposes. First, you can set a larger mouse cursor that's easier to find on the screen. This is especially useful under less than perfect viewing conditions.
c) Second, click "Sounds" in order to see the following dialogue. Set the "Sound Scheme" to "No Sounds" and uncheck "Play Windows Start-up sound". This allows for silent operation.
3. Application settings
It pays to only install crucial applications on your host computer in the first place. Nonetheless, some apps are required for administration that are not required when the computer is running an installation. Here's how to turn off all inessential programmes, so that they do not automatically start when your account is loaded. This provides more resources for your applications and avoids distractions that might occur.
Click "Apps" in the left panel. Then choose the final option in the right panel, "Startup". Now you can pick and choose.
Additionally, it is a good policy to manually launch every application that normally reminds you about updates and find out how to turn off those reminders. This setting will be hidden in their configuration settings. Ditto for application in your status bar.
4. Windows updates
It's important to turn off automatic updates to Windows, so the computer will not be plagued with reminders and pop-up prompts. For this we use the Services interface. Tap the Win key or otherwise view the Start menu. Type "services" and when this displays in the right-hand panel, click "Run as administrator".
Scroll down to "Windows Update" and double-click this entry. Change the "Startup type" pulldown menu to "Disabled". Click "OK" and close the dialogue.
B. Adding a remote User
The above tasks will have been accomplished using your main User account, which has Administrator permissions for full local access. But it's important to have a more restricted account ready for remote access.
In the same Settings panel we used above, choose the "Accounts" tab in the left panel. In the right panel, scroll down to "Other users". You will see that Microsoft has thoughtfully provided a Kiosk mode. This allows you to set up an account that will run one and only one application when it launches, denying access to all other functionality.
This might work for you, but other times it is too limiting. An installation might have multiple applications or require occasional access to system settings.
The alternative is to manage an account manually, thankfully not too complex a task. Click "Add account".
Now we enter the world of corporate assumptions, namely that we have a Microsoft account that we wish to use globally. Avoid this requirement by answering "I don't have this person's sign-in information" and then "Add a user without a Microsoft account".
Now we can fill in the name of this User account along with the password and a number of silly reminder prompts. These are irrelevant to remote access.
We then return to the Settings window where we have additional options for this account. By default the new account has been set up with the account type "Standard User", which limits access to systems changes. The only other option is an "Administrator" account, which has full access.
If you are familiar with other operating systems, this will seem overly simplistic. But know that Windows has, in fact, a granular system of access permissions, hidden away in esoteric applications. Thankfully these are not required today!
C. Automating log-in
The next task is to automate the login process, so that when the host computer is turned on, it will automatically choose "remote" from the available users and log us in with the password. Naturally this process compromises security. But it makes sense for a host that is on-site, under lock and key.
Download the Autologon utility here, install, and run. You will be greeted by the simplest of dialogues.
Your username should be "remote" or whatever else you chose in task B. Domain is the name of the host computer set in task A. Then, supply the password.
D. Wi-Fi access
Assuming that you will require remote access, the final task is to ensure the host computer can connect to the local Wi-Fi. Get the required password and ensure that this network is the default and set to automatic login.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you are done! Once complete you have a computer set up for automated use on site. it will need only occasional maintenance henceforth. For example, before each installation I log into the main administrator account and apply and security and Windows updates.
You may now wish to read my article on Remote Computer Access.
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