Summary

A picture password lets you sign in to Windows by drawing gestures (taps, lines, and circles) on a photo of your choice. It is a visual alternative to typing a password or PIN and can be faster on touchscreen devices.

Before You Start

• Your device must be running Windows 10 or Windows 11.
• Make sure you know your current account password.
• A touchscreen is recommended but not required — you can draw gestures with a mouse.

Instructions

1. Set Up a Picture Password

A picture password replaces typing with three gestures drawn on an image you choose.

1. Open Settings (press Windows key + I).
2. Go to Accounts > Sign-in options.
3. Click Picture password.
4. Click Add.
5. Enter your current account password to verify your identity and click OK.
6. Click Choose picture and browse to a photo you want to use.
7. Drag the image to position it the way you like, then click Use this picture.
8. Draw three gestures on the picture. These can be any combination of:
   • Taps — touch a specific point.
   • Lines — draw a straight line between two points.
   • Circles — draw a circle around a feature.
9. Repeat the same three gestures to confirm them.
10. Click Finish. Your picture password is now active.

Tip: Choose gestures based on memorable features in the photo (e.g., tap someone's nose, draw a circle around a face, draw a line along a horizon). This gives you a sequence you can recall without writing it down.

2. Sign In with Your Picture Password

At the lock screen, your chosen photo will be displayed.

1. Draw your three gestures on the photo in the correct order and position.
2. Windows will unlock if the gestures match.
3. If the gestures are not recognized after several attempts, Windows will ask for your password instead.
4. To switch methods manually, click Sign-in options below the image and select the key icon (Password) or PIN pad icon (PIN).

3. Change or Remove Your Picture Password

Changing and removing both start from the same Sign-in options page.

To change your picture password:

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Picture password.
2. Click Change.
3. Enter your current account password.
4. Choose a new picture or keep the same one and draw three new gestures.

To remove your picture password:

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Picture password.
2. Click Remove.
3. The picture password is deleted immediately. You will sign in with your PIN or password going forward.

Troubleshooting

TIP

If you frequently fail to draw your gestures accurately, practice on a touchscreen by tapping and dragging slowly. On a mouse, use deliberate, smooth movements.

Symptom / Error	Potential Cause	Solution
Gestures not recognized	Position or order wrong	Each gesture must match the exact position and sequence. Try again carefully, or click Sign-in options to use your password.
"Picture password" option missing	Disabled by Group Policy	Ask IT whether picture password is disabled by policy, and to enable it for your account if the policy allows exceptions.
Picture password not appearing at lock screen	Different default method active	Click Sign-in options at the lock screen and select the picture icon.

Related Articles

• How to Set Up a Windows Hello PIN
• How to Set Up Windows Hello Fingerprint
• Understanding Windows Sign-In Methods — Passwords, PINs, and Biometrics

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