How to Set a Lock Screen Password in Windows 10

If your Windows 10 PC goes straight to the desktop when you turn it on or wake it, anyone who sits down at it can see your files. Adding a password makes Windows ask for it on the lock screen, and a few extra settings make sure the PC locks itself when you step away. This guide covers adding a password to a local account, what to do if you use a Microsoft account, setting up a PIN, and making the lock screen appear after sleep or inactivity.

Quick Answer

Go to Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, click Password, click Add, enter a password and a hint, then click Next and Finish. Press Windows key + L to test the lock screen.

Add a Password to a Local Account

1. Click Start, then the Settings gear (or press Windows key + I).
2. Click Accounts, then Sign-in options.
3. Click Password, then Add.
4. Type your new password, type it again, and enter a password hint (required; don’t make the hint the password itself).
5. Click Next, then Finish.

Windows now asks for the password when you start the PC, restart, sign out or lock it. If you already have a password, the button says Change instead of Add.

If You Use a Microsoft Account

If you sign in with a Microsoft account (your name and an email address appear under Your info), your lock screen password is your Microsoft account password, so it already exists. If Windows isn’t asking for it, you’ve probably turned off the sign-in requirement; see the section below on requiring sign-in. To change the password, go to Sign-in options > Password > Change, or change it on the Microsoft account website.

Add a PIN (Faster Than a Password)

1. In Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, click PIN (Windows Hello), then Add.
2. Enter your account password to confirm.
3. Enter a PIN of at least four digits. Check Include letters and symbols for a stronger PIN.
4. Click OK.

A PIN only works on this device, which makes it safer than a password that could be used elsewhere. You need a password before you can add a PIN. If your PC has a compatible camera or fingerprint reader, you can also set up Windows Hello Face or Fingerprint here.

Make Windows Ask for the Password After Sleep

1. In Sign-in options, scroll to Require sign-in.
2. Set it to When PC wakes up from sleep.

If it’s set to Never, Windows wakes straight to the desktop. The option doesn’t appear until you have a password.

Lock the PC Automatically When You’re Away

• Screen saver lock: type screen saver in the Start search box, open Change screen saver, pick a screen saver (Blank is fine), set Wait to a few minutes, and check On resume, display logon screen.
• Dynamic lock: pair your phone with the PC over Bluetooth, then check Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away under Dynamic lock in Sign-in options. The PC locks shortly after your phone goes out of range.
• Sleep timer: in Settings > System > Power & sleep, set the PC to sleep after a short time.

Lock Your PC Manually

• Press Windows key + L.
• Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and choose Lock.
• Click Start, click your account picture, and choose Lock.

Tips for a Good Password

• Use at least 12 characters. A passphrase of four or more unrelated words is easy to remember and hard to guess.
• Don’t reuse a password from another site.
• Write down or save the password in a password manager. If you forget a local account password, you’ll need your security questions, a password reset disk, or another administrator account to get back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why don’t I see the Password option?

Some PCs managed by a school or work hide sign-in options. Also check you’re signed in to an administrator or your own standard account, not a guest.

Why does Windows still sign me in automatically?

Automatic sign-in may be turned on. Press Windows key + R, type netplwiz, and check Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer. If the checkbox is missing, turn off For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in in Sign-in options first.

Can I remove the password later?

Yes, for a local account. Go to Sign-in options > Password > Change, enter the current password, and leave the new password boxes blank. We don’t recommend it on a laptop or shared PC.

Does a lock screen password protect my files if the PC is stolen?

It stops casual access, but someone could remove the drive and read it. Turn on device encryption or BitLocker for full protection.

Summary

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
2. Click Password > Add and create a password and hint.
3. Set Require sign-in to When PC wakes up from sleep.
4. Press Windows key + L to lock the PC.