Microsoft Ditches Picture Passwords in Windows 11
Microsoft is removing the option to set up new picture passwords in Windows 11. The change comes with the July 2026 security update for Windows 11, which means users who already have a picture password can keep using it but will not be able to set up one again if they remove or disable it.
The feature was first introduced in Windows 8 and allowed users to unlock their PC by making gestures on an image. However, Microsoft is moving away from traditional passwords and recommends using a PIN, facial recognition, or fingerprint to sign in to Windows 11 instead.
Picture passwords have some known security weaknesses, including the fact that 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.
Users who are affected by this change should keep their current picture password if they want to continue using it and set up a Windows Hello PIN, facial recognition, or fingerprint recognition as a replacement.