Windows 11 All-in-One For Dummies

Chapter 2

Logging into Windows 11

IN THIS CHAPTER

Signing into Windows 11

Personalizing the lock screen

Setting a PIN or facial recognition

Avoiding logging in altogether

Windows 11 presents three hurdles for you to clear before you can get down to work (or play, or whatever):

• You have to get past the lock screen. This first-level hurdle is like the lock screen on a smartphone or an iPad and prevents your computer from being used by unauthorized people.
• If more than one person — more than one account — is set up on the computer, you must choose which person will log in. I go into detail about setting up user accounts in Book 2, Chapter 4.
• If a password is associated with the account, you must type it into the computer. Windows allows various kinds of passwords, which are particularly helpful if you’re working on a touch-only tablet or a tiny screen. But the idea’s the same: Unless you specifically set up an account without a password, you need to confirm your identity.

Only after clearing these three hurdles are you granted access to the desktop and, from there, to everything ...