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1. Add a password to my Windows account

To add a password to your Windows account, open Settings (the gear icon).

• In Windows 10, type Settings in the search bar,

• Or use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + I.

Then click on Accounts in the left menu, and select Sign-in options. Click the Add button in the Password section.

Enter the password of your choice. Do not make it too long or too complicated, as you will need to type it almost every day. I strongly recommend writing down your passwords in a small notebook that you keep safely at home.

2. Ajouter a PIN code to my Windows account

Let’s look at the advantage of using a PIN code instead of a password. A password is often complex and made up of letters, numbers, uppercase and lowercase characters, and special symbols. This is secure, but not always practical for everyday use. Windows allows you to create a PIN code as an alternative. A PIN code makes it easier to lock and unlock your computer because it is made up only of numbers. You can choose a 4- or 6-digit PIN, which is easier to remember and faster to type each time you turn on your PC.

Summary

• Password: can be long and complex, with letters, numbers and special characters

• PIN code: numbers only

• To create a PIN code, you must already have a password

When you start your computer (your Windows session), you can choose to sign in using either your password or your PIN code. By default, Windows will remember the last sign-in method used (password or PIN).

Let’s see this in pictures. Go to your PC Settings, then choose Accounts / Sign-in options :

Click Set up in the PIN (Windows Hello) section :

You will be asked to enter your current password (this is a security check to confirm your identity) :

Then choose your PIN code (4 or 6 digits) and confirm :

Once done, you can sign in using your PIN instead of your password !

Important to remember

• At the next startup, Windows will ask for the PIN by default

• You can switch between password and PIN by clicking « Sign-in options » :

3. Lock my Windows session (Lock my computer)

To lock your Windows session, use the keyboard shortcut « Ctrl + Alt + Delete », then click Lock. You can also lock your PC this way : Start menu (Windows logo) / Your name / Sign out.