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Microsoft Removes Picture Password Setup in Windows 11, Pushing PINs, Passwords, and Biometrics
Дата публикации: 11-08-2026 07:02:23
Microsoft is removing the option to set up new picture passwords in Windows 11.
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Microsoft is removing the option to set up new picture passwords in Windows 11. Users who already have a picture password can keep using it, but if it is removed or disabled, it cannot be set up again.
The change comes with the July 2026 security update for Windows 11. Microsoft recommends switching to a Windows Hello PIN, facial recognition, or fingerprint recognition. This change only affects new enrollments. Existing picture passwords still work for now.
Why Microsoft Is Removing Picture PasswordsPicture passwords were first introduced in Windows 8. They let users unlock a PC by making gestures or taps on an image, like tapping the eyes of a smiley face and swiping across the mouth. The feature stayed in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Picture passwords used three types of gestures: circles, straight lines, and taps. Windows Central says the feature was meant to highlight the touch features of Windows 8, but it is not as secure as a passkey or a strong password.
Microsoft is moving away from traditional passwords and recommends using a PIN, facial recognition, or fingerprint to sign in to Windows 11. Passkeys are often suggested as the most secure option, but you cannot use a passkey to log in to a Windows 11 PC yet.
Picture passwords have some known security weaknesses. People often choose gestures around obvious parts of the image, making it easier for attackers to guess the pattern. Smudges on the screen can also give away where someone touches most often. Neowin pointed to a 2013 research paper that highlighted these risks.
What Microsoft Says and What Users Should DoMicrosoft shared the following in a support document: "To help enhance security, picture password is no longer available for new enrollment. Users who have already configured a picture password can continue to use it to sign in to Windows.
If a picture password is removed, disabled, or not previously configured, it cannot be set up again. We recommend using Windows Hello PIN, facial recognition, or fingerprint recognition where available."
If you are affected by this change, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Keep your current picture password if you want to continue using it. If you remove or disable it, you will not be able to set it up again.
- Set up a Windows Hello PIN, facial recognition, or fingerprint recognition as a replacement, as Microsoft suggests. Do this before removing your picture password.
- Make sure you have the July 2026 security update installed, since this change comes with that update.
The end of new picture password enrollment comes with the July 2026 security update, now rolling out to Windows 11. Existing picture passwords will keep working unless you remove or disable them.
Microsoft has not said if it will eventually turn off existing picture passwords, so if you rely on the feature, treat your current setup as your last.
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