Password options for your Samsung PC
No one wants unwanted visitors seeing their personal information. If security is an absolute must for you, be sure to set up a solid Microsoft password or local password for your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC. Passwords are not the only way to protect your PC - there are tons of sign-in options, such as PINs, pictures, and more.
Create or change a local account password
If you are not a Microsoft account user, you can still access your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC through a local account. You can add or change a local password whenever you need to.
Select Start, begin typing Your account info, and then click it when it appears.
Verify that you are signed in with a local account. If not, select Sign in with a local account instead, and follow the on-screen instructions. You will be asked to sign out of your Microsoft account.
Note: Depending on your settings, Windows 11 may say "Stop signing into your Microsoft account automatically" instead. Select this to sign out of your Microsoft account. Then, repeat Steps 1 - 3 again.
If you ever need to create a new local account password, navigate to Accounts again, and then select the Sign-in options tab.
Select Password, select Add, and then follow the on-screen prompts.
Or, to change your current local account password, navigate back to Accounts in the Settings menu. Select Sign-in options, and then select Password. Select Change, and then follow the on-screen prompts. You can also remove the password by changing it and then leaving the new password blank.
Create or change a Microsoft account password
A Microsoft account is a PC account that uses your Microsoft email. Signing into a Microsoft account allows you to access a special cloud service. Your data, such as contacts, will sync to the cloud and to other connected devices, including on iOS and Android. You can change your Microsoft account password directly from your Windows 10 PC.
If you do not have a Microsoft account, you can create one on the Microsoft website.
When you want to change your password, select Start, and then select Settings.
Select Accounts, and then select the Your info tab.
Verify that you are signed in with a Microsoft account. If not, select Sign in with a Microsoft account instead.
Sign in to your Microsoft account using the on-screen instructions.
If you ever need to change your current Microsoft account password, navigate back to Accounts in the Settings menu. Select Password, select Change, and then follow the on-screen prompts to change your Microsoft account password.
Note: You cannot change your Microsoft password directly on a Windows 11 PC. You will need to change it from the Microsoft website.
Note: You cannot remove a Microsoft account password completely.
Create or change a PIN
Note: If you are a local account user, you must add a password before you can use the other sign-in options. If you are a Microsoft account user, you may be required to have a PIN set.
Your PC can use a PIN instead of a password for quicker access to your account, apps, and other services.
Select Start, select Settings, and then select Accounts.
Select Sign-in options.
Select Windows Hello PIN or PIN (Windows Hello), select Add, and then follow the on-screen prompts.
Note: This option will not appear if your Microsoft account required you to create a PIN already. However, you can change the PIN.
You can also adjust or delete the PIN by selecting Change or Remove under Windows Hello PIN. You may not be able to remove it if your Microsoft account requires a PIN.
Create a picture password
Note: If you are a local account user, you must add a password before you can use the other sign-in options.
A picture password uses a photo and a pattern to create a password only you'll know. For example, if you have a photo of a car, you can draw a circle around its hubcap.
Select Start, select Settings, and then select Accounts.
Select Sign-in options.
Select Picture Password, and then select Add.
Verify your account, and then select Choose picture.
When you've found your desired photo, select Use this picture and follow the on-screen prompts.
When you're done, select Finish. You can always adjust or delete the picture password by selecting Change or Remove under Picture Password.
Use fingerprint recognition
Note: If you are a local account user, you must add a password before you can use the other sign-in options.
A fingerprint password will ensure your device remains protected, because only you will be able to access it. Make sure to find the fingerprint sensor on your PC before starting, and then follow the steps below.
Select Start, select Accounts, and then select Sign-in options.
Select Windows Hello Fingerprint or Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello), and then select Set up.
Select Get started on the setup window. You will need to enter your PIN to continue.
Rest and then lift your finger on your device’s recognition sensor until the setup is complete. You will need to repeatedly touch and lift your finger.
Your fingerprint will be registered and you can now unlock your device using your fingerprint. To add an additional fingerprint, select Add another.
Set Dynamic lock
With Dynamic lock, your phone can become the key to your PC! In other words, if a paired phone is out of range, Windows will automatically lock your PC. But first, you'll need to connect the phone and PC through Bluetooth.
First, make sure Bluetooth is activated on your phone.
On your PC, select Start, begin typing Dynamic lock, and click it when it appears.
Expand the Dynamic lock dropdown if needed, and then select Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away.
Next, select Bluetooth & other devices, and then select the switch to turn on Bluetooth.
Note: You can skip this step if you know Bluetooth is already turned on or if you're using Windows 11.
Once your PC detects your phone, it should pair automatically. However, if your PC is having trouble finding your phone, select Add Bluetooth or other device, and then select Bluetooth.
Note: The Add Bluetooth or other device option will not appear on Windows 11. Instead, you will get a popup message if the PC can't find the phone.Follow the on-screen prompts to pair your phone to your PC.
Once the phone and PC are paired, Dynamic lock will work automatically.
Recover a forgotten password
If the password you've forgotten is for your Microsoft Account, visit Microsoft's password reset site to recover it.
Or, if the password you've forgotten is for your Administrator account, follow the steps below:
Log into a different Administrator account.
Type "Control Panel" in the PC's searchbar, and then select the app.
Select User Accounts, and then select User Accounts on the next screen as well.
Select Manage another account, and select the account you need to change.
Select Change the password, and follow the on-screen prompts to change the password.
Finally, select Change password to confirm your changes.
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