Set Up Picture Password in Windows 11

A picture password in Windows 11 lets you unlock your PC by drawing three simple gestures on a photo instead of typing a long text password. You can use taps, straight lines, and circles on any picture you like.

This sign-in option works with both local accounts and Microsoft accounts on Windows 11 version 22H2 and newer. You just need a mouse, a touchpad, or a touchscreen to draw your secret shape.

How to setup picture password in 🪟 Windows 11

Setting up a picture password in Windows 11 lets you sign in by drawing gestures on a photo, which can be faster than typing a regular password. Opening the Settings ⚙️ app starts the configuration process. Windows 11 houses these controls in a central hub known as the Settings app.

Here, you can manage everything from system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows.

System Settings opens when you press the Win+I shortcut or click Start, then Settings. You can access this screen to manage your Windows 11 setup.

Alternatively, you can use the search box 🔍 on the taskbar 🖥️ and search for Settings. Then select it to open.

Your Windows Settings should look similar to the image below. In Windows Settings, click Accounts, and select Sign-in options on the right side of your screen, shown in the image below.

Select Picture password to expand on the Sign-in options settings, and then 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.

You can now draw three gestures on the picture to set up your Windows picture password. You can use a combination of circles, straight lines, and taps for your gestures. You will need to remember the size, position, and direction of your chosen gestures.

When you successfully draw and confirm your patterns, Windows should accept them as your password. For this post, I drew three circles over both eyes and the nose.

Click Finish to complete the setup.

The next time you want to sign in to Windows, you'll need to confirm the correct patterns.

That should do it!

Picture passwords offer a quick, secure alternative to standard typing, especially on touchscreen devices.

• 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.