Setting Your Password on Your Windows Computer

It is important to set a secure password for your personal Windows computer. This will prevent unauthorized people from using your computer at your desk or remotely.

Windows Vista

Note: Windows Vista disables the Administrator account by default.

Windows Vista now uses User Account Control (UAC), a new security component. UAC enables users to perform common tasks as non-administrators, called standard users in Windows Vista, and as administrators without having to switch users, log off, or use Run As. A standard user account is synonymous with a user account in Windows XP. User accounts that are members of the local Administrators group will run most applications as a standard user. By separating user and administrator functions while enabling productivity, UAC is an important enhancement for Windows Vista.

Windows XP

When you install Windows XP you may have not set an administrative password or accidentally set it to BLANK (i.e., nothing). This is a serious security problem. To check for this, follow the steps below before you set up a password.

Step 1: Checking for an Administrator password.

Turn on the computer and click Username in the logon box.
Press Ctrl - Alt + Delete twice.
Under 'User name', type Administrator.
Leave Password blank.
Click OK.
1. If the system lets you in, you're in trouble: you've set "nothing", a blank field, as your administrator password. You must set a new administrator password. Follow the steps below.
2. If the system does not let you in, then you have already set an administrator password. Don't forget it, because it won't be displayed for you.

Step 2: Setting the Administrator password.

In the Log onto Windows box, log in as Administrator. (Enter "administrator" as your user name, enter your administrator password, and click OK.)
Right click on My Computer.
Select Manage.
Under Computer Management (Local), open the Local Users and Groups folder.
Select Users.
In the window on the right, select Administrator.
Right click on Administrator.
Select Set Password
Read the text in the Set Password for Administrator box. Click Proceed.
Type your new password.
Type this password again in the confirm field.
Click OK.

Disabling Auto Login - Windows XP

If you are able to start your computer without logging in, your account may have a blank password. This is convenient, but very insecure. Anyone with access to your office or computer can login as you and do things without your knowledge.