Just like in previous Windows versions, on Windows 10 too it is possible to display a message when the computer starts. This functionality can be used for a variety of reasons, for instance to display a simple message to your friends informing not to use your laptop, or by enterprise administrators to display warnings to users.
There are two ways to add a startup message in Windows 8, using:
- Group Policy Editor
- Windows Registry Editor
Group Policy Editor
Open Group Policy Editor by typing in gpedit.msc in the Run dialog box. When it opens, navigate to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options.
Find these two settings in the list of policies:
- Interactive logon: Message title for users attempting to log on – Specify a title for the message here.
- Interactive logon: Message text for users attempting to log on – This is the place where you’ve to specify the message that you want to display to users.
Close the window after editing each of those policies. The next time you restart the computer, your message should be displayed. To delete or change message, modify the same policies again.
Registry Editor
If your Windows edition doesn’t have Group Policy Editor, you can use Registry Editor to display the message.
Steps:
Open Registry Editor by typing in regedit in the Run dialog, or search for it in the Start screen.
In the registry, navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
Within the System key, find two blank entries named:
- legalnoticecaption – Specify title of the message as its value.
- legalnoticetext – Add your message as this entries’ value.
Double-click on each entry to add your own custom message. Close when you are done and restart your computer to see the message. To get rid of the message or change it, simply follow the same steps again.