How to Password Protect Your Computer Properly
A weak password or no password at all leaves your computer and everything on it accessible to anyone. Here is how to set up proper protection and why the details matter.
Why a computer password matters
Without a password, anyone who has physical access to your computer can access everything on it — files, emails, saved passwords in your browser, online accounts you remain logged into. A password is the first and most basic line of defence. It is especially important on laptops that travel with you.
What makes a strong password
A strong password is long rather than complex. A passphrase of four random words is both memorable and extremely difficult to guess — for example "purple table Monday river". Avoid obvious choices like names, birthdays, or dictionary words. A password manager can generate and store genuinely random passwords so you never have to remember them.
Setting a login password on Windows
Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in Options. Under Password, click Add if you do not have one or Change to update it. You can also set up Windows Hello (fingerprint or face recognition) as a faster alternative on supported devices. Make sure automatic login is disabled — your computer should always require authentication when it starts or wakes.
Setting a login password on Mac
Go to System Settings > Users and Groups. Click on your account and set or change your password. In System Settings > Lock Screen, set the screen to require a password immediately or after a very short delay. Enable FileVault disk encryption (in System Settings > Privacy and Security) to protect your data if the computer is lost or stolen.
Screen lock and automatic lock settings
A password is only useful if your computer locks when unattended. Set Windows to require a password after the screen saver activates or after a short idle period. On Mac, set Lock Screen to require password after 1 or 5 minutes. Press Windows+L on Windows or Ctrl+Cmd+Q on Mac to lock immediately when you step away.
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