New Dell Laptop - Windows 11

[angiedee]

Hello

I wonder if someone there can help.

After recently purchasing a new Dell Laptop I have noticed that when clicking on the start button and ‘l’ to lock the screen if I am away from my desk that the only way to access the computer again is to enter my pin code rather than a password.

I prefer a password, but when I go into settings / accounts and sign-in options there does not seem to be a choice to change it from a pin code to a password. Is this correct now for new laptops/pcs?

I’ve searched online and it advises it should be in the list.

Thank you for any help.

Kind regards
Angela

[Bastet]

Deselect Only allow Windows Hello to sign in on this computer? This will give you the option to set up a password again for the account - it isn’t possible to reuse the previous password.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/configure-windows-hello-dae28983-8242-bb2a-d3d1-87c9d265a5f0

[angiedee]

Hi,
Thank-you very much for your reply, I will give that a go.
I’m not there with the new tech just yet and only used to passwords! I have seen all of the various ways of securing the laptop though and wonder now what one is the most used and recommended? Not sure about face recognition, and didn’t want another pin to forget or get mixed up!
Thank-you,
Angela

[Bastet]

You’re welcome. I use a PIN but have the option for using a fingerprint reader or password. I tried moving over to Hello (PIN/Fingerprint) only but had read stories of people being locked out of their pc after their PIN failed so turned password back on.
Facial recognition will require an infra red camera, I’ve thought about adding one but the cost is too high for me.

[angiedee]

Yes you were right. By deselecting the only allowing windows hello on this computer. When accessing now from logging in or screen lock it has both PIN or Password as options.

Thank you

[Bastet]

You’re welcome.
I’d check to see if the password still works.

[angiedee]

Yep, this seems to have worked. Thank you

[angiedee]

Having said that, it still asks for a PIN when you want to change the password!

[Bastet]

Having said that, it still asks for a PIN when you want to change the password!

There should be an option on the sign in screen to change to a password - underneath the PIN/password box there should be a link to make the options show. Also once signed in you should be able to disable the PIN by deleting this sign in option.
You’d still need to confirm via PIN when changing the password but once changed you can then use the password going forward.

[angiedee]

Great - thank you so much.

[Bastet]

Great - thank you so much.

You’re welcome.