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Set a Windows Password

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You Really DO Need a Windows Password

Although you may be the only person who makes regular use of your computer, it is crucial that you set a password on your Windows user account. While you are connected to the Internet, crackers and their programs may attack your computer. They can easily scan for your account names, and then they can attempt to logon and take control of your computer, or install malicious software (malware). If you do not have an account password, you have not merely left the front door unlocked, you have left it wide open with a sign that says "here, take everything I have." Macintosh computers are not immune to attack, but users are required to create an account password the first time they use their computer.

Setting Your Password on Windows 8 and 10
Setting Your Password on Windows 7
Setting Your Password on Windows Vista
 

Setting Your Password on Windows 8 and 10

  1. Press the “Windows button” on keyboard..
  2. Type “PC Settings” and hit Enter.
  3. Select “Accounts” (Or “Users”).
  4. Select “Sign in Options.”
  5. Under “Password” choose "Change."
  6. Follow the instructions.

Setting Your Password on Windows 7

  1. Select Start | Control Panel | User Accounts and Family Safety | Add or remove user accounts.
  2. If prompted by User Access Control (UAC) that you need permission to continue, select "Continue."
  3. Find your user name in the list of accounts. If its description says "Password protected," then you need take no further action for your account.
  4. If the description does not include "Password protected," then open the account settings by clicking on the icon next to the account name.
  5. Select "Create password" and then follow the prompted instructions.
  6. Repeat steps 3-5 for any other listed account other than "Guest."

Setting Your Password on Windows Vista

  1. Select Start | Control Panel | User Accounts and Family Safety | Add or remove user accounts.
  2. If prompted by User Access Control (UAC) that you need permission to continue, select "Continue."
  3. Find your user name in the list of accounts. If its description says "Password protected," then you need take no further action for your account.
  4. If the description does not include "Password protected," then open the account settings by clicking on the icon next to the account name.
  5. Select "Create password" and then follow the prompted instructions.
  6. Repeat steps 3-5 for any other listed account other than "Guest."

Note that in Vista, the "Administrator" account by default cannot logon, so you need not set a password for it.