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.
What Microsoft Says and What Users Should Do
Microsoft 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.
www.ghacks.net
