Options for auto login missing in Windows 8.1

I have hooked up my computer to my TV in the living room and set up Windows to auto log in at start up.  However, today this failed.  I know Windows can be forgetful at time.  No problem, a trip to "netplwiz" will fix it, won't it?


Well, it isn't quite as easy as it turned out.  It seems a recent update had done something to the security policies that made the option for auto login disappear.  A quick search in Google shows that this option can be restore by resetting the security policy as follow:

1. Press Windows-X to bring up the menu
2. Select Control Panel
3. Click User Accounts and Family Safety
4. Click User Accounts
5. If your security policies are non-standard you will see a link "Reset Security Policies" at the bottom of the left column. If the security policies are default you will not see this link. Click Reset Security Policies
6. You will see a confirmation box.
7. Press Windows-R
8. Type control userpasswords2
9. The check box should be there, uncheck the box and select your login information
10. Note that it now defaults to your local account - if you login with a Microsoft account don't forget to enter that email address in the user name.

Since I don't have custom local policies, this fix does me no harm.  However, if you have done some customizations to your local policies, you may look for a more precise solution.