[FIX] Windows 7 Taskbar Resets to Default Settings If “Automatically Log On” Feature is Enabled

UPDATE: Article re-published because many Windows 7 users are facing this problem, mostly while enabling Quick Launch toolbar and it disappears after a reboot.
Some of Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 users are facing a weird issue now-a-days. When they log off or restart their Windows 7 computers, Taskbar resets to default settings and forgets all their customized settings.
According to Microsoft KB979155 article, it happens because of a race condition between Windows Explorer and Taskhost.exe.
This issue only occurs when "Automatically Log On" feature is enabled. Some people enable this feature to automatic log on to their systems without the need of entering password at login time.
If you are also facing this issue, you can ask Microsoft Support for a hotfix. Its not available for all users, so you'll need to ask them for it.
Or you can follow these simple steps to disable "Automatically Log On" feature which will also fix this issue:

Method 1: Using "User Accounts" Applet

1. Type control userpasswords2 or netplwiz in RUN or Startmenu Searchbox and press Enter. It'll open "User Accounts" window.
2. Now enable "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer." option.

3. Click on Apply button and it'll fix your problem.

Method 2: Using "Registry Editor"

1. Type regedit in RUN or Startmenu Searchbox and press Enter. It'll open "Registry Editor".
2. Now go to following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

3. In right-side pane, change value of AutoAdminLogon to 0 or simply delete it.

4. That's it. Restart your system and it'll fix the problem.

Posted in: troubleshooting