Set Up Picture Password in Windows 11
You set up a picture password in Windows 11 by choosing an image and drawing three specific gestures on it to log in.
A picture password replaces your traditional text password, allowing you to sign in by performing a series of taps, lines, and circles on a chosen photo. This offers a unique and potentially quicker way to access your PC.
Windows 11 lets you create these gestures using your mouse, touchpad, or a touchscreen. You can choose from circles, straight lines, and taps to form your login combination.
You can set up a picture password for both your local Windows account and your Microsoft account. This feature is available starting with Windows 11 version 22H2.
To set up a picture password in Windows 11, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Picture password > Add. Choose your picture, then draw three specific gestures on it. Confirm your gestures to complete the setup and use them to sign in.
How to setup picture password in 🪟 Windows 11
Picture password is a feature that allows you to sign in to your PC with your pictures. You don’t remember complex passwords anymore. Simply guess the correct patterns on an image to sign in to your PC.
Windows 11 has a centralized location for the majority of its settings. Everything can be done, from system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows from its System Settings pane.
To get to System Settings, you can use the Windows key + I shortcut or click on Start ==> Settings, as shown in the image below:

Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and search for Settings. Then select to open it.
Windows Settings pane should look similar to the image below. In Windows Settings, click Accounts, and select Sign-in options on the right pane of your screen, shown in the image below.

Select Picture password to expand on the Sign-in options settings pane and click Add as highlighted below.

When you click Add above, it will prompt you to confirm your password.

After confirming your password, click the left link to Choose a picture to use.

Browse and select the picture you want to use. Then on the top right, click the link that reads “Use this picture,” as highlighted below.

Now you can draw three gestures on the picture. You can use a combination of circles, straight lines, and taps. You must remember the gestures’ size, position, and direction.
When you successfully draw and confirm patterns, Windows should accept your unique patterns as your password. For this post, I drew three circles over both eyes and nose.

Click Finish to complete the setup.
The next time you want to sign in to Windows, you must confirm the correct patterns.

That should do it!
Conclusion:
- Using a picture password in Windows 11 provides a convenient and secure way to sign in to your device.
- The process involves selecting a personal image and creating three unique gestures that are easy for you to remember.
- Once set up, picture passwords eliminate the need for complex alphanumeric passwords.
- This feature is available for both local and Microsoft accounts, enhancing user accessibility and personalization.
- Remember to choose an image and gestures that are meaningful to you for easier recall during login.
Was this guide helpful?
About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
My Laptop doesn’t have this picture password option although it’s Windows 11. What should I do to activate and have it?
me too
[…] Windows Hello, one can use a PIN, facial recognition, picture, or fingerprint to sign into their Windows devices. In addition, the Windows Hello […]
[…] PIN is part of the Windows Hello security feature that enables other sign-in options. One can use a picture password, PIN, fingerprint, and face to sign into Windows. Hello, the PIN is secure because it is tied to […]
[…] it only works on your device, making it more secure. Windows 11 also lets you sign in using a picture password, fingerprint, or face […]
[…] 11 also lets you sign in using other methods like a picture password, fingerprint, or face […]