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How to Use a Picture as a Password in Windows 8.1

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Microsoft’s Windows 8.1 introduces a lot of new features that are designed to make the computing experience of an average user easier. While it misses the mark in a few cases, being able to use a PIN number or a picture as a password replacement is one of the places where Microsoft’s latest operating system excels. Of those two options, picture password is the most useful for users with a Windows-powered tablet or laptop with a touchscreen.

Here’s how to use a picture as a password in Windows 8.1

Go the Start Screen by pressing the Windows key.

How to Use a Picture as a Password in Windows 8 (1)

Open the Charms Bar by swiping from the right edge of your display to the left. Tap Settings.

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Click or tap Change PC Settings.

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In the Settings app click or tap Accounts in the menu on the left side of your screen.

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Click or tap Sign in Options in the menu on the left side of your screen.

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Click or tap the Add button under Picture Password.

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If you’re using a Microsoft Account to download apps and sync to SkyDrive you’ll need to enter that account’s password. Then click or tap Ok.

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Picture password allows users to unlock their device by entering a three-part pattern that’s overlaid on their favorite pictures. Tap or click Choose Picture to use one of your photos for Picture Password.

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Select the picture you would like to use for Picture Password from your computer then click or tap Open.

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Click or tap on Use This Picture if you’re satisfied with the picture you selected. If you aren’t tap or Click on Choose New Picture.

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Swipe your finger in a specific manner three times. Be sure, to use landmarks on the photo as your guide. You’ll need to enter it twice correctly before Windows 8.1 will treat it as your password.

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Click Finish.
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There you have it. You’ve added a picture password to your Windows 8.1 device. There are two key things users with Picture Password should remember. Should you forget your password, your device will allow you to use your original password instead of a picture password. Also, picture passwords work with a mouse and keyboard, stylus and tablet. That being said, most users will find that it makes more sense to enable it on a device with a touch screen.

Finally, picture passwords don’t automatically sync between devices. As such, you’ll need to enable it on each device you own manually if you prefer it over typical passwords.

 

 

 

3 Comments

3 Comments

  1. Bill

    01/20/2014 at 4:30 am

    Can we go back to Windows 7 or Vista please?

  2. Veeramanchineni Lalitha

    01/24/2014 at 4:23 am

    Hii
    when I try creating a picture password, the box is grayed out

    Is there a way to fix this?

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