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Know where the saved usernames liveClose every Security Center clientShow hidden folders in WindowsClear saved usernames for one Windows userClear saved usernames for all users on a shared PCStop new usernames from being savedRestart and check the logon screenVersion noteSourcesFAQsGenetec Security Center remembers every username and Directory typed into the Config Tool and Security Desk logon window on that workstation. (S1) If an operator typed a password into the username field, or the drop-down is full of old accounts, you clear it by editing one XML file in the Windows user profile, then optionally turn the history off. This guide covers one user, every user on a shared PC, and how to keep it from coming back.
Know where the saved usernames live
FlagWhen someone logs on to Config Tool or Security Desk, the username and the Directory (main server) are saved for that workstation. Next time the client opens, they appear in the logon drop-downs. (S1)
| What | Where |
|---|---|
| Saved usernames and Directories, per Windows user | C:\Users\(Windows user)\AppData\Local\Genetec Security Center 5.x\LoginOptionsExtension.xml (S1) |
| Username section in that file | UsernameHistory (S1) |
| Directory section in that file | DatastoreHistory (S1) |
| Switch that turns history on or off for the workstation | C:\Program Files (x86)\Genetec Security Center 5.x\ConfigurationFiles\Lnk.Security.config (S1) |
The "5.x" in each folder is the installed Security Center version, such as Genetec Security Center 5.12. Because the history file sits in AppData\Local, each Windows account on the PC has its own list. (S1)
Close every Security Center client
FlagLog off and close Config Tool, Security Desk and any other Security Center client on the workstation before editing anything. (S1) If a client is still open, it can write the old list back when it exits.
Show hidden folders in Windows
FlagAppData is hidden by default. To see it: (S1)
- Open Control Panel and click Appearance and Personalization > File Explorer Options.
- Click the View tab.
- Under Hidden files and folders, select Show hidden files, folders, and drives.
- Click Apply, then OK.
Clear saved usernames for one Windows user
Flag- In File Explorer, open C:\Users\(Windows user)\AppData\Local\Genetec Security Center 5.x. (S1)
- Open LoginOptionsExtension.xml in Notepad. (S1)
- Find the UsernameHistory section. Delete the string line for each username you want gone, such as the password typed by mistake, or delete every string line to empty the list. (S1)
- To clear old servers too, delete the string lines in the DatastoreHistory section. (S1)
- Save the file. (S1)
Each saved username or Directory is its own string line inside the UsernameHistory or DatastoreHistory section. (S1)
Clear saved usernames for all users on a shared PC
FlagEach Windows account on the PC has its own list. (S1) To clear all of them, repeat the previous step in C:\Users\(Windows user)\AppData\Local\Genetec Security Center 5.x for each Windows profile on the PC.
Stop new usernames from being saved
FlagOn shared workstations, turning history off keeps one operator's username from showing up for the next. This setting is for the whole workstation. (S1)
- Open C:\Program Files (x86)\Genetec Security Center 5.x\ConfigurationFiles. (S1)
- Open Lnk.Security.config in Notepad.
- Find the Security line and set EnableUsernamesHistory and EnableServersHistory to False. (S1)
- Save the file. (S1)
The Security line ships with EnableUsernamesHistory and EnableServersHistory set to True. (S1) Leave the other settings on that line as they are.
Restart and check the logon screen
FlagOpen Config Tool or Security Desk. The username and Directory drop-downs are empty, and with history turned off, new entries are not saved. (S1)
If the fields still show values, check Options > General in Config Tool. When Use Windows credentials is set to Always, or Force Directory to is on, the logon window shows predefined values. Hold Ctrl+Shift and click Log on to clear them. Logon options apply to each local workstation, for both Config Tool and Security Desk, and need a restart of both clients to take effect. (S2, S3)
Version note
FlagGenetec publishes this procedure for Security Center 5.10 through 5.13, and it replaces the older knowledge base article KBA-00525. (S1) The paths use the installed version number in the folder name, so on 5.12 the folder is Genetec Security Center 5.12. The logon options in Config Tool are the same in the 5.13 and 5.14 Administrator Guides. (S2, S3) Find client installers and tools in the LV Handbook software downloads.
Sources
- S1Genetec TechDocs: Deleting logon history from the logon dialog box in Security Center (5.10 to 5.13)techdocs.genetec.com · pulled Oct 25, 2026
- S2Genetec TechDocs: Customizing user logon options in Config Tool (Security Center 5.14 Administrator Guide)techdocs.genetec.com · pulled Oct 25, 2026
- S3Genetec TechDocs: Customizing user logon options in Config Tool (Security Center 5.13 Administrator Guide)techdocs.genetec.com · pulled Oct 25, 2026
FAQs
How do I remove a password someone typed into the Genetec username field?
Close Config Tool and Security Desk, open LoginOptionsExtension.xml in that Windows user's AppData\Local\Genetec Security Center 5.x folder, delete the string line holding the password from UsernameHistory, and save.
Where does Genetec Security Center store saved usernames?
In LoginOptionsExtension.xml under C:\Users\(Windows user)\AppData\Local\Genetec Security Center 5.x, in the UsernameHistory section. Saved Directory names are in the DatastoreHistory section of the same file.
Can I stop Security Desk from remembering usernames?
Yes. In C:\Program Files (x86)\Genetec Security Center 5.x\ConfigurationFiles\Lnk.Security.config, set EnableUsernamesHistory and EnableServersHistory to False, save, and restart the clients.
Does clearing the list delete the user account in Security Center?
No. The file only holds the logon drop-down history on that workstation. Users and their rights are managed in Config Tool and are not touched.
Why are the logon fields filled in even after I clear the file?
If Use Windows credentials is set to Always or Force Directory to is turned on, the fields show predefined values. Hold Ctrl+Shift and click Log on to clear them.
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