Microsoft Retires Picture Password Enrollment in Windows 11

Microsoft has quietly retired picture password enrollment in Windows 11 through its July 2026 cumulative update KB5101650. This move affects only Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, with builds 26100.8875 and 26200.8875 installed.

The change occurred without prior notice and was documented in the release notes three weeks after the update shipped on July 14. According to Microsoft, picture password is 'no longer available for new enrollment' as a security measure.

Users who have already configured picture passwords can continue using them, but anyone who never set one up or removes an existing configuration will lose access to this option permanently.