Enable Ubuntu Style Logons in Windows Vista

Achieving an Ubuntu-Like Logon Experience in Windows Vista

For users who prefer manually entering their username and password, rather than selecting from an icon, a similar logon process can be implemented in Windows Vista. This modification is particularly beneficial for home users, as domain users typically already encounter this type of screen.

While not an exact replication of the Ubuntu style, this tweak provides the closest achievable experience within the Windows Vista environment.

Warning: Proceed with caution, ensuring you remember your username. This change necessitates manual username entry during login.

Implementing the Change via Registry Tweak

Access the Registry Editor by typing 'regedit.exe' into the Start menu search box. Navigate to the following key; you may need to create it if it doesn't exist.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

Within this key, create two new 32-bit DWORD values and assign each a value of 1:

DisableCAD
DontDisplayLastUserName

To revert this modification, simply delete these two newly created keys.

Note that utilizing the DisableCAD key is optional. Its function is to suppress the "Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete" screen, which can appear visually unappealing in Windows Vista. If you prefer to retain the Ctrl+Alt+Delete prompt, you can omit this key.

Utilizing a Downloadable Registry Tweak

Alternatively, a pre-configured registry file can be used to implement this change. Download and extract the contents of the file.

Double-click on 'UbuntuLogonVista.reg' within the extracted folder to apply the tweak. A corresponding registry file is also provided for removing the modification.

Download UbuntuLogonVista Registry Tweak

Warning: Again, be certain of your username before proceeding, as manual entry will be required for subsequent logins.