Create a Secure Password in Windows: Easy Steps

Create a Secure Password in Windows: Easy Steps

What to Know

  • To create a password in Windows, go to the Settings menu and select “Accounts.”
  • Click on “Sign-in options” and choose “Password” to start setting up your new password.

This guide explains how to set up a password on a Windows computer.

How to Create a Windows 11, 10, or 8 Password

Create a password through the Control Panel. Once set, use the password when logging into Windows. You can later choose to remove your Windows password or set your computer to log in automatically.

  1. Open Control Panel. The easiest way to do that is by entering the word control in the Start menu or Run dialog box. Another way in Windows 8 is through the Power User Menu by pressing Win+X.

  2. Select User Accounts (Windows 11/10) or User Accounts and Family Safety (Windows 8).

    If you’re viewing the applets by their icons instead of in category view on Windows 11 or 10, proceed to Step 4 after choosing User Accounts. If you’re on Windows 8 in this view, you won’t even see this option; open User Accounts instead and then skip down to Step 4.

  3. Open User Accounts.

  4. Choose Make changes to my account in PC settings.

  5. Select Sign-in options. If you’re using Windows 11, you’ll see this only after selecting Accounts on the left

  6. Under the Password area, choose Add.

  7. Enter and confirm the new password by typing it in the first two text fields.

  8. In the Password hint field, enter something that will help you remember the password should you forget it, and then select Next.

  9. Select Finish to complete the new password setup.

  10. You can now exit out of any windows you opened to make the password, like Settings or PC settings.

How to Create a Windows 7 or Windows Vista Password

Control Panel is used to set a password on Windows 7 and Windows Vista.

  1. Open Control Panel from the Start menu.

  2. Select User Accounts and Family Safety (Windows 7) or User Accounts (Windows Vista).

    If you don’t see this link while creating or resetting your password in Windows 7, it’s because you’re using Control Panel in a view that just shows icons or links to the applets, and this one isn’t included. Open User Accounts instead, and then go on to Step 4.

  3. Choose User Accounts.

  4. In the Make changes to your user account area, select Create a password for your account.

  5. Type the password you want to use in the first two text boxes.

  6. Enter something useful in the Type a password hint text box. This step is optional but we highly recommend that you use it. If you try logging in to Windows but enter the wrong password, this hint will pop up, hopefully jogging your memory.

  7. Choose Create password to confirm your new password.

  8. You can now close out of any open windows you used to reach the page for changing the password.

How to Create a Windows XP Password

Follow these steps to put a password on your computer if it has Windows XP installed:

  1. Navigate to Start > Control Panel.

  2. Choose User Accounts.

    If you’re in the Category View of Control Panel, you’ll need to select it again on the next screen.

  3. In the or pick an account to change area, select your username.

  4. Choose the Create a password link.

  5. In the first two text boxes, enter the password you would like to start using.

  6. Choose Create Password to confirm your new password.

  7. The next screen might ask Do you want to make your files and folders private?. If other user accounts will be set up on this PC and you’d like to keep your personal files private, select Yes, Make Private.

    If you’re not concerned about this kind of security or this account is the only account on your PC, you can choose No.

  8. You can now close the User Accounts window and the Control Panel window.

FAQ

  • How do I see the Wi-Fi password in Windows 10?

    To find the Wi-Fi password in Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Network and Sharing Center. Go to Connections, choose your Wi-Fi network, select Wireless Properties, and choose the Securities tab. Check the Show Characters box to view your password.

  • How do I reset my Windows password?


  • How do I disable a password on Windows 10?

    To remove your Windows password, go to Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in Options. Open the Password menu, select Change, enter the current password, and select Next. In the box that appears, leave everything blank and click Next again. Select Finish to remove your password.

The Easy, Free Way to Get Windows 11 on Your Old Computer

The Easy, Free Way to Get Windows 11 on Your Old Computer

Windows 10 is nearing its end, and if your PC can’t run Windows 11, it’s headed to the scrapyard as well. But there’s one clever tool that can get Windows 11 running on your old PC, thanks to a simple loophole.

What Is Flyby11 and How Does It Work?

Flyby11 is a simple patcher to remove annoying hardware restrictions that prevent Windows 11 from running on older hardware. Even if Windows 11 doesn’t support your CPU because it lacks TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot, Flyby11 lets you install Windows 11 24H2 anyway.

The tool does this through a feature of the Windows 11 setup process that uses the Windows Server variant of the installation. Unlike a regular Windows 11 install, the server variant doesn’t impose the same hardware requirements and skips most hardware compatibility checks. This means you can run Windows 11 on most unsupported systems without needing sketchy command line commands that may or may not work.

Flyby11 open on Windows 11

Yadullah Abidi / MakeUseOf

Even though the setup runs in server mode, it still installs regular Windows 11, meaning the final result and your experience are no different. It’s surprisingly easy to use since it automates the downloading and mounting of a Windows 11 ISO file automatically, so you don’t need to tweak anything. The latest version (3.0 at the time of writing) even supports the Windows Media Creation Tool as a download source.

Related

It’s Finally Time to Upgrade to Windows 11

Upgrade before Windows 10 support ends.

This method is the same as described in the official Windows documentation for upgrading unsupported systems. This means it’ll likely continue to work, unlike other methods that are often loopholes Microsoft closes sooner or later. It’s completely free to download, and the source code is available on the official GitHub repository.

Updating to Windows 11 Using Flyby11

Compared to other ways of bypassing Windows 11’s hardware requirements, Flyby11 is the easiest to use and requires little to no technical expertise. All you have to do is follow these simple steps:

You might see a Windows SmartScreen filter when you first run Flyby11. This is completely normal; you can proceed with the installation by clicking the More info button and then Run anyway.

  1. Download the ZIP archive containing the latest version of Flyby11 from the GitHub repository’s release page. Extract the archive and run Flyby11.exe.
  2. Once the Flyby11 Upgrading Assistant opens up, it’ll check for CPU POPCNT and SSE4.2 support. If both are supported, your upgrade probability is very high; click the Start Upgrade Now button to get started.
  3. Next, you’ll have to select a download source for downloading the Windows 11 ISO using a dropdown on the right. It’s recommended that you use the Download via Fido option, but you can also use the Windows Media Creation Tool or a local ISO file you may already have.
  4. Once you select the Download via Fido option in the dropdown, a PowerShell command will run. You’ll see a window asking what version, release, edition, language, and architecture of Windows you’d like to download. The default options work without any changes, so keep clicking Continue until you see the Download button, then click that to start the ISO download.
  5. Once the ISO is downloaded, Flyby11 should automatically start the installation process. If it doesn’t, drag and drop the downloaded ISO file into the Flyby11 window to mount it, and a Windows Server setup window will appear.
  6. From this point, it’s a standard Windows install, so click the Next button on the Windows Server install window and proceed as instructed. You can even choose to keep your files, apps, and settings intact.

Once the installation is complete, Windows 11 should boot up on your PC. If you chose to keep your files, apps, and settings, they should be exactly as they were on your Windows 10 installation.

There Are Still Upgrade Limitations

Flyby11 makes installing Windows 11 on an older system as painless as it can be, but it can’t do everything. Microsoft’s hardware requirements aside, there are still some requirements you need to meet before Windows 11 can run on your system. These include:

  • CPU POPCNT: One of Windows 11’s restrictions is a requirement for the CPU POPCNT instruction. Most CPUs made after 2010 should support this, so unless you’re installing Windows 11 on a really old system, you’re good to go.
  • SSE4.2: This is another CPU instruction introduced by Intel in 2008. Almost every Intel Core i3, i5, i7, or AMD FX/Ryzen CPU supports it.

So unless you’re trying to install Windows 11 on a PC that’s over a decade old, you’re good to go. And if you are, I’d recommend upgrading your hardware before your OS, as Windows 11 isn’t going to run well on such old hardware.

Related

Don’t Let Microsoft Kill Your Windows 10 PC—Do This Instead

You may have to part ways with Windows 10, but don’t surrender your PC just yet.

While the hardware requirements are easy to pass, Microsoft claims unsupported PCs running Windows 11 aren’t guaranteed to receive Windows updates. You’ll likely still receive monthly security and quality updates, but there’s no telling how long they’ll be provided.

That said, you likely won’t get major version or feature updates like 25H2 unless you install them manually. This should be a simple matter of repeating the steps mentioned above to install the latest update as a fresh Windows install. However, there’s always a risk of updates being blocked in the future.

When Windows 10 support ends, I’m leaving Windows for good. But if you want to stick around, Flyby11 can get Windows 11 running on just about any PC—for now.

Fix iPhone Hotspot Issues: Easy Troubleshooting Steps

Fix iPhone Hotspot Issues: Easy Troubleshooting Steps

The Download

  • Try restarting your iPhone to quickly fix your Personal Hotspot if it’s not working.
  • Check if an iOS or carrier settings update is available, as this can solve hotspot issues.
  • Make sure your phone plan supports Personal Hotspot, or it won’t work at all.

This article explains the most common causes and ways to fix when an iPhone Personal Hotspot isn’t working.

How to Fix an iPhone Personal Hotspot

If your iPhone Personal Hotspot isn’t working, follow these suggestions—in this order—to get it working again.

These instructions apply to all iPhone models running iOS 16 and up. For older versions of iOS, the basic ideas are the same, but the exact steps may differ.

  1. Turn Personal Hotspot Off and On. If your Personal Hotspot isn’t working, a simple reset might help. Turn off your Personal Hotspot and then turn it back on: Tap Settings > Personal Hotspot > move the Allow Others to Join slider to off/white and back to on/green.

  2. Turn Cellular Data On and Off. Reset your cellular data connection by turning it on and off: Tap Settings > Cellular > move the Cellular Data slider to off/white and back to on/green.

  3. Restart the iPhone. A simple restart of your iPhone can often resolve issues. This step applies to every iPhone model.

  4. Update iOS. Ensure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS, as updates often include bug fixes that could resolve Personal Hotspot issues.

  5. Enable Maximize Compatibility on newer iPhones. For newer models, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot > move the Maximize Compatibility slider to on/green.

  6. Update Carrier Settings to Fix Personal Hotspot. Every iPhone has a hidden set of carrier settings. These settings help your iPhone work with your phone company. Carriers issue updates from time to time, though not as often as iOS updates. If Personal Hotspot isn’t working, check for and install available carrier settings updates.

  7. Confirm Your Phone Plan Includes Personal Hotspot. Check with your phone company to ensure your plan includes the Personal Hotspot feature. If it’s not included, you may need to add it.

  8. Reset Network Settings. The iPhone stores network settings that help control your connection to Wi-Fi, cellular, Bluetooth, and other networks. If a problem crops up in your Network Settings, it can cause the Personal Hotspot to stop working. Reset your Network Settings to solve the problem.

  9. Make Sure There Are No Problems With Your Phone Company Account. An issue with your phone company account, like an overdue bill, might prevent Personal Hotspot from working. Check your account for issues and contact your carrier if needed.

  10. Restore iPhone with DFU Mode. If you’ve gotten this far without fixing a Personal Hotspot that’s not working, it’s time for more drastic steps. One of those is to restore your iPhone using DFU Mode. DFU, or Disk Firmware Update, Mode lets your iPhone start up but doesn’t boot up the iOS. Because of that, it enables you to fix iOS at a lower level, which can sometimes solve tricky issues. Begin by making a backup of your iPhone so you don’t lose any data. Then, restore your iPhone to DFU Mode to see if a fresh start fixes the problem.

Of course, these tips only work if your Personal Hotspot is visible. In some cases, the option can disappear entirely from your iPhone. We can also show you how to fix a missing Personal Hotspot.

What to Do If Personal Hotspot Still Isn’t Working

At this point, if Personal Hotspot still isn’t working, it’s time to bring in the experts. You can contact Apple for tech support over the phone or make an appointment for in-person support at your local Apple Store. If anyone can help with a problem this stubborn, it’s Apple.

Causes of iPhone Personal Hotspot Not Working

The problem with Personal Hotspot might be related to your iPhone’s connection to cellular data networks. If your phone is having trouble connecting to those networks, Personal Hotspot might not work either.

Newer iPhones have different networking features and options than earlier devices, including 5G. These options can sometimes cause a problem for older models connecting to them.

FAQ

  • How do I make my iPhone hotspot faster?

    Turn on Maximize Compatibility and move your other devices closer to your iPhone. If necessary, update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS.

  • How do I check my hotspot usage on iPhone?

    To check your iPhone hotspot’s data usage, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot. Tap a connected device to see how much data it has used.

  • How do I change the hotspot name on my iPhone?

    To change your hotspot’s name, you must change the name of your iPhone. Go to Settings > General > About > Name. Tap X next to the current name, then enter a new one.

  • How do I change my iPhone hotspot password?


PS4 Controller Not Charging: Easy Fixes

PS4 Controller Not Charging: Easy Fixes

The Download

  • Try switching your USB cable if your PS4 controller doesn’t charge or feels loose.
  • Make sure the charging port on the controller is clean and not blocked by dirt or dust.
  • If the controller still won’t charge, you might need to reset the controller or replace the battery.

The DualShock 4 controller is designed to be used both wirelessly and wired with your PlayStation 4, and it’s supposed to charge when you plug it in via USB. If you find that your PS4 controller won’t charge, there’s a possibility that the battery needs to be replaced, but that’s just one potential fix among many. Before you toss your controller, or send it in for costly repairs, we have a number of easy fixes you can try yourself.

 Jeremy Laukkonen

How to Fix a PS4 Controller That Won’t Charge

If your DualShock 4 controller isn’t charging, try these troubleshooting steps:

  1. Check the charging cable connection. DualShock 4 controllers charge via micro USB, which uses small spring steel clips to keep the charger in place. If your controller doesn’t charge right away, gently remove and reinsert the micro USB connector. Ensure the connector is fully seated and doesn’t move around.

    If the micro USB connector feels loose or falls out, then you probably have a worn out cable. Check the little spring steel clips on the connector to see if they have been pushed in or worn down.

  2. Try a different USB cable. Since micro USB is so common, there’s a good chance you have more than one of these cables. If you have multiple cables on hand, try a few of them to see if your controller is able to charge.

    It’s important to use a cable that is both capable of providing power and transmitting data. While all of the best micro USB cables can perform both functions, some cheaper cables can only do one or the other.

  3. Plug your USB cable into something other than your PS4. In some cases, a PS4 controller will have difficulty charging from the PS4 USB ports. Instead of the PS4, you can use any high quality USB charger or even a powered USB port on your computer or laptop.

    If your controller charges when plugged into a charger, your computer, or another device, there may be an issue with the USB ports on your PS4.

  4. Inspect and clean the charging port on your controller. The connectors used by micro USB are so small that it’s actually very easy to plug one in even if the port has dirt, dust, or other contaminants inside. In a worst case scenario, the debris can actually prevent you from plugging the cable in all the way and properly seating it. In other cases, dirty connections just prevent power from transfering.

    Use canned air or an electric blower to clear out the charging port, and examine inside with a flashlight. If you see any debris, or the controller still refuses to charge, you can try to clean it further with a small implement like a toothpick.

    If the port shows signs of damage, or if it wiggles around, it may be damaged and in need of replacement.

  5. Reset your PS4 controller. Your controller may have a firmware issue that’s preventing it from charging. To fix that, you can insert a toothpick or other similar implement into the small hole on the back of your controller for about five seconds. After that, plug the controller in, boot up your PS4, and see if the controller will take a charge.

  6. Power cycle your PS4. If the controller still doesn’t charge, then power cycling the console may help. To do this, you need to shut down the console and controller, unplug the console from power, and leave it unplugged for about 20 minutes.

    This will only help your PS4 charge your controller. If you’ve already tried a different charger without any success, this won’t help.

  7. Replace the PS4 controller charging port. If you find that the charging port is loose or damaged, then the only fix is to replace the port. This requires you to disassemble the controller, unscrew the charging port board, and disconnect the ribbon cable that connects the charging port board to the main board. It isn’t especially difficult, but you will want to make absolutely certain that the charging port is at fault first to avoid wasting time and money.

  8. Replace the PS4 controller battery. When all else fails, there are only two options. Either the battery is bad, or the controller itself has broken. You may want to send your controller in for repairs at this step or the previous one, or you can just open the controller up and replace the battery.

    While the DualShock 4 doesn’t use easily replaceable batteries like the Xbox One controller, replacing the battery isn’t that difficult. All you need to do is take the controller apart, unplug the battery pack from the main circuit board, and replace it with a new battery.

What Causes a PS4 Controller to Not Charge

When a PS4 controller isn’t charging, several potential causes might be considered. These could be related to the charging port or cable, a PS4 issue that blocks power over USB, or a problem with the controller battery.

Here’s a quick look at the issues you might be dealing with:

  • Charging port issues: The port could be blocked by debris or physically damaged. Solutions include cleaning or replacing the port.
  • Charging cable issues: The micro USB end of the cable may be broken or worn out, the cable itself may be bad, or the cable may not be designed for this sort of use. Some USB cables aren’t designed for charging.
  • PS4 issues: Some problems can prevent the PS4 from providing a charge to your controllers. You may be able to fix this by resetting the controller or power cycling the console, or just charging your controller using a different charger.
  • Hardware problems: The two most common hardware failures with this sort of problem are the charging port and the battery. These are both fairly easy to replace, although many users will be more comfortable enlisting the services of a professional.
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