All about Picture Password for Windows 8 Users

Author: Brook Perry

Password protection is essential and something that is common with Windows users these days. However, with various other mobile devices there are other options like PIN protection and things like Face Recognition feature for unlocking your device. When you own a Windows 8 PC or device, you get the option of picture password. Let us find out more about it and how beneficial is it.

About Picture Password

A Picture Password is an option of drawing shapes, clicking points or taps on the screen of your device for the purpose of unlocking it. It is about creating a gesture in a specific manner or a pattern above an image that you have selected. This feature is suitable and designed for touch screen devices. However, even if you want to use this feature on a non-touch device, it is possible by using a mouse with your desktop. This feature has its advantage of gaining faster access and quick login. Another interesting thing about it is that it is fun and you need not key in anything for unlocking your device.

How to enable Picture Password?

Following steps will help you enable Picture Password:

  • First you need to call the Charm menu by using Windows+ I key
  • Go to PC settings option
  • Choose the Users link and click the option ‘Create a picture password’
  • Now you will be prompted to enter your already existing password for conformation
  • Now click the option of Choose Picture and select an image that you prefer. Remember to choose a picture that is easy to remember or else you might find it difficult to operate
  • Choose the option ‘Use this picture’
  • Now you will be prompted to choose gestures on this picture
  • You have the option of choosing click or taps, circles and straight lines
  • After choosing your gesture command you need to re-confirm it to set it.

Now you must realize that when the system asked for your already existing password it means that no one else can create Picture Password on your system or device. This means that Microsoft has managed to make it a personal choice and the system is secure from prying eyes or illegitimate access.

Now whenever you are about to access your computer you will need to login using your Picture Password gestures.

What are the limitations?

There are many things that seem perfect but they actually are not. When it comes to Picture Passwords, it seems to be a perfect solution of securing your device or system but is it so? Even though there are numerous combinations that you are using, it is still easy to override it and hack into your system. The worst part is that gesture commands do not replace your primary password. You will be amazed to know that even after setting a Picture Password you still have an option on locked screen to switch back to your old mode of login. You can still choose to use the standard login process.

Now you should understand that it is just an extra security that is added to your system. It has nothing to do with replacing your standard login procedure. This means that picture login is just an alternate mode of securing your device.

If you are using a touch enabled device or Windows 8 Tablet then it would be easier for anyone to guess the picture password by looking at the fingerprint on screen. It is a possibility that someone might be able to decode your finger smudges on the screen and decode your gestures. Nonetheless, the possibility of this happening is low as there might be other fingerprints on the screen too and it would be difficult to guess your picture password.

After knowing about the benefits and limitations of Picture Passwords, you have an option to either use it as an alternate or give it a pass. However using more than one mode of locking our device for security reasons is a good idea.

About the Author: Brooke M. Perry is an ardent technician associated with Qresolve online computer support with wide experience of fixing issues with PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphone. With a strong track record of devising effective ways of online tech support and system security, she has so far helped thousands of users across the globe.