How to Enable or Disable Console Mode Sign-in in Windows 10

Windows 10 comes with a hidden console mode that can be used to replace the default lock, sign-in, welcome, and shutdown graphical UI screens with a text console terminal on a solid black screen.

If console mode is enabled, users will sign in to Windows 10 using the text console terminal. Users can press the ESC key to switch users or switch sign-in options. Only the keyboard will work in the text console terminal.

This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable console mode sign-in for all users in Windows 10.

You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to enable or disable console mode.

   Warning

This tutorial will no longer work starting with Windows 10 version 1903.

EXAMPLE: Console Mode at sign-in





Here's How:

   Note

The .reg files below will change the registry key and value below.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\TestHooks

ConsoleMode DWORD

0 =Disable
1 = Enable

1. Do step 2 (old) or step 3 (new) below for what you would like to do.

 2. To Enable Console Mode

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Enable_Console_Mode.reg

Download

 3. To Disable Console Mode

NOTE: This is the default setting.

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Disable_Console_Mode.reg

Download

4. Save the .reg file to your desktop.

5. Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

6. When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

7. If you like, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.

8. You will see the change the next time you lock the computer or sign in.


That's it,
Shawn

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