Logon Optimization

On Windows XP Professional the Fast Logon Optimization feature is set by default for both domain and workgroup members.

 

This results in the asynchronous application of policy when the computer starts up and when the user logs on.

 

This application of policy is similar to a background refresh and can reduce the length of time it takes for the logon dialog box to display and the length of time it takes for the shell to be available to the user.

 

Administrators can change the default by using the Group Policy Object Editor.

Fast Logon Optimization is always off during logon under the following conditions:

When a user first logs on to a computer.
When a user has a roaming user profile or a home directory for logon purposes.

When a user has synchronous logon scripts.

Note that under the conditions listed previously, computer startup can still be asynchronous. However, since logon is synchronous under these conditions, logon does not exhibit optimization.

 

Folder redirection and software installation policies. Note that when logon optimization is on, a user may need to log on to a computer twice before folder redirection policy and software installation policy are applied.

 

This is because application of these types of policies require the synchronous application of policy.

 

During a policy refresh, which is asynchronous, the system sets a flag indicating that the application of folder redirection or software installation policy is required.

The flag forces synchronous application of policy at the user's next log on.

 

The following table summarizes the default processing of policy on Windows XP.

 

Client Application at startup/logon Application at refresh
Windows 2000 Synchronous Asynchronous
Windows XP Professional Asynchronous Asynchronous
Windows Server 2003 family Synchronous Asynchronous

Note that Windows XP clients support Fast Logon Optimization in any domain environment.

 

To turn off Fast Logon Optimization, you can use the following policy setting:

 

Computer Configuration \ Administrative Templates \ System \ Logon \

Always wait for the network at computer startup and logon

 

When this policy is enabled, a Windows XP client behaves in the same manner as a Windows 2000 client at both system startup and at user logon.