While passwords are there to protect us, they are also very cumbersome to remember and key in.
Thats why Microsoft introduced the PIN with the launch of Microsoft Hello in Windows 10.
Password
A password is a simple alphanumeric sequence that you use to unlock your Windows 10 laptop.
More is always better.
The longer and more complex your password, the better it is.
Other methods includeface recognition, fingerprint, iris scan, and FIDO keys.
It can be longer than four digits but not shorter.
This is not to say that you will no longer create and use a password.
Passwords are here to stay because they add another layer of security.
You cannot create a PIN without creating a password first.
Its a convenience but then again, at what cost?
Security
you could either use a local account to use your Windows 10 computer or a Microsoft account.
You will use the same password on your PC too.
In the local account, all your information rests on the machine.
Why does that matter?
That is why I suggest using a Microsoft account.
That makes PIN useless to hackers.
They will have to steal your setup too for using that PIN.
Microsoft encourages users to use PIN because it is backed by TPM chip, which is a secure crypto-processor.
Not every laptop has that chip inside, so you might alsouse BitLocker, a built-in encryption program.
I guess thats as good as anything.
Guessing the wrong PIN repeatedly results in a lockdown.
That is why I suggest using cloud Microsoft account.
So you might manage it remotely in case you forget the PIN or someone tries hacking it.
So how do we use a PIN with password (works with both local and cloud account)?
Press Windows keys+I shortcut to launch options and select Accounts.
tap on Sign-in option in the left sidebar and select Windows Hello PIN and tap on Add.
Click Next in the pop-up.
For security reasons, you will be asked to type your local or cloud Microsoft account password.
That is where you create your PIN.
PIN It
Password and PIN are two sides of the same coin.
Both are optional, but both are necessary and they complement each other.
One secures your account against hacker, and the other helps you sign in quickly without compromising the security.
Note that you cannot set a PIN without setting a password first.
PIN only acts as a second layer of validation.
Next up:Experiencing lags on your Windows 10 computer?
Witnessing the 100% disk usage error in the Task Manager?
press the link below to learn how to resolve this error and boost your PC speed.
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