For Windows 7 you can leave the password blank and you will not be prompted to input a password during startup You can do the same for Windows 8.0/8.1 if you opt to sign in without a Microsoft Account. Unfortunately the installer for Window s8.1 tries to force you to sign into a Microsoft Account you can however opt not to sign in by selecting Create a New Account and then sign in with a local account. I usually install Windows this way as theres likely to be many updates and restarts. I usually then assign the password once Windows is up to date.
I am about to power up a new desktop for the first time.  I understand Win 7 will ask me to set up a password and create a password reset disk.  Does that have to be done during that initial system setup in the first session in order to proceed?   Or can one choose a password at a later time and also make the reset disk later?  In other words, is choosing a password and reset disk optional or required the first time through those setup screens?
Is it required to choose password during initial setup, or can be done later?