How to put a password on a laptop when you turn it on. Protect a specific folder. Blocking access to laptop information

Information stored on laptop disks is at greater risk of leakage than on home desktop PCs. After all mobile computer Many owners carry it with them and sometimes leave it unchecked. To prevent data from falling into the wrong hands, it must be protected. The easiest way to do this is with a password.

Let's talk about how to set a password on a laptop and what protection method will be optimal for you.

Three lines of laptop password protection

The initial level of protection is setting a password to access the OS. Allows you to hide the contents of the disk from curious “dummies”, but not from those who are seriously aimed at stealing data.

The next one is more reliable way- this is setting a password for Laptop BIOS. To hack it, an attacker will have to work very hard.

The maximum level of protection is ensured by setting a password to HDD. But it is better not to use this option unless absolutely necessary. Below you will find out why.

Password protection of access in Windows

Why is it good

Simplicity and safety.

Why is it bad

Low reliability. Easily hacked. For special protection valuable information no good.

Who is it suitable for?

For those who want to protect personal files from access by others, such as family members or colleagues.

How to install on Windows 7

To set a password for your account Windows entries 7, just take 3 steps:

• Opening the panel Windows management and go to the “User Accounts” section.

• Click “Create a password for your account».

• In the next window, fill in the fields shown below: enter passphrase, her confirmation and reminder prompt. The latter is not necessary. Save the setting and reboot.

Now every time you turn it on Windows computer will require you to authenticate.

How to install on Windows 8-10

Windows 8 users for the first time had the opportunity to use not only symbolic, but also graphic password. The latter, if designed correctly, is no less reliable than a text one, but is much easier to remember.

On Windows 10, in addition to password protection the “PIN code” and “Windows Hello” functions appeared. A PIN code is a short combination of numbers that a user can enter instead of an account password. Microsoft records. According to the developers, this is done to simplify login for those who use the computer in safe environment, for example, only at home.

The Windows Hello feature is a relatively new feature. Its essence lies in the system recognizing the user’s fingerprint, face or iris. It is convenient, but does not work on all devices and is currently not fully debugged.

The section for managing all types of passwords in the “eight” and “ten” is located in the “Settings” application. In Windows 10, it opens through the Start menu (the gear-shaped button).

In Windows 8 (8.1), to do this, you need to open the Charms miracle panel, click “Settings” and then “Change computer settings”.

Further actions on both systems are very similar, so we will consider them only on Windows example 10.

While in the Settings application, open the Sign-in Options section and select the right type password and click “Add”.

• For creating text password your account we will open the “Password” subsection. Enter the code phrase, confirmation and hint in the appropriate field.

Pin code and picture password are only available for Microsoft account (under local administrator these functions are inactive).

• To set a PIN code (in Windows 10), enter several numbers in the fields provided, confirm them and click OK to save. Unlike a Microsoft online account, the PIN will only work on that device.

• To create a graphic password, load any graphic image. Please agree to use this image when creating your password. After that, draw a few on the image simple figures, which are easy for you to remember, and repeat the pattern 3 times.

BIOS and disk password protection

Why is it good

It is highly resistant to burglary. Not only protects the entry into the operating system, but also prevents modification BIOS settings(including preventing the laptop from booting from another medium).

Why is it bad

If you forget your password, it is extremely difficult to gain access to protected media. Sometimes it’s impossible.

Who is it suitable for?

For those who store particularly valuable data on a laptop.

What's special

Unlike desktop PCs, BIOS password On most laptops, it is impossible to reset by disconnecting the flash memory battery, where the BIOS microcode with all the settings is stored. He's not there. Passwords are recorded in a separate non-volatile memory eeprom, which is not erased when the power is turned off.

A forgotten password on some laptop models can be reset using special passphrases. The method for selecting these phrases on Asus, Lenovo, HP and other brands of laptops is not the same and is not always effective. Often the problem can only be solved by flashing the storage module on the programmer.

Password hard drive stored in a protected area of ​​magnetic media, as well as in the controller’s memory. When the user enters the password, both copies are compared. This dual method of storing the password ensures maximum security of the data on the disk, but in case you forget to restore or reset it impossible. The information will be lost forever.

How to setup

• After turning on the laptop, press the key combination to enter BIOS Setup Utility.
• Using the arrow keys, go to the “Security” tab. The required options are circled in the screenshot. Select “Change (Set) Supervisor Password”, press Enter and enter the passphrase in the field that appears.

• If you want to set a password for the user (user rights in the BIOS are limited to viewing and changing minor settings such as date and time), select “Change (Set) User Password" and do the same.
• The option to set a password for the disk is located here and is called “Change (Set) HDD Password”. If it doesn't exist, it means your computer doesn't support it.

• To save the settings and close the utility, press F10.

Now you will have to enter passwords every time you turn on the laptop, without them Windows boot and access to information will be prohibited.

As practice shows, most PC users begin to become interested in the topic of security after the occurrence of any incidents in this area.

In today's article we will talk about methods of basic security and organizing distributed access to data stored on your laptop.

So, how to install pass on PC?

Why do you need a password on a laptop?

Current progress in the field high technology has stepped very far and the presence of a phone in everyone, and sometimes several, will no longer surprise anyone.

People who don't have them are more likely to be surprised.

The same situation is true for computers and laptops, the only difference being that in most families the trend continues to have one device that is used by all family members.

This is an example of the first situation when it is very desirable to install a code and create a separate account for each family member.

This approach will allow each user to have access only to their profile.

Each account can be customized in its own way - personalization of the desktop, location of shortcuts and their appearance, bookmarks in the browser, etc.

The laptop has important advantage Compared to a desktop PC - mobility.

However, along with the advantage comes a significant disadvantage - security problems personal information.

Attention! If you use a personal laptop at work without a password, then potentially anyone around you can gain access to personal data stored on the hard drive.

Moreover, if the computer is connected to a local (for example, corporate network enterprises) or global network(Internet), a laptop without a password becomes an easy target for an attacker who can connect to the computer remotely, without the user’s physical presence and visual detection.

Thus, installing a code reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access by third parties to the user’s personal data.

There are many options for protecting data stored on your computer’s hard drive.

However, in this article we will consider only two - installing a code on a laptop and setting a password on the laptop’s BIOS.

The question may arise: why do you need a BIOS password? Isn’t it possible to limit yourself to a password only when logging into the operating system?

The point is that having access to Computer BIOS, an attacker can gain access to all files stored on the computer’s hard drive by booting from a Live CD/DVD disk or flash drive.

Thus, using each option separately will not bring the desired result.

Setting a password on Windows 7 in 4 steps

As practice shows, in addition to the lack of a code for the account, most users work under the administrator account all the time.

From a security point of view, this is a rather reckless step and this section we will also touch on this issue.

Step 1. Go to the “Start” menu - “Control Panel”.

Step 2. Find the item “User Accounts” and click on it.


Step 3. Select the item “Create a password for your account.”


Step 4. Enter the password in the fields “ New Password" and "Confirm password" and click the "Create password" button. Please pay attention to the “Password protected” account item.


In the future, in order to change the code, you must complete the first two steps, and then select “Change your password.”

We draw your attention to the fact that to set a new password you need to know the previous one.


Next, we recommend creating required amount accounts for all computer users, incl. and for yourself.

To do this, follow the first 2 steps of our instructions, after which you should select the “Manage another account” item:

Go to the “Account Creation” menu:


Enter the user name, for example “User1” (the name can be arbitrary) and select the account type.

For most tasks, it is enough to select " Regular access" and click the "Create an account" button.

After adding an account, you can see it in general list.


The next thing you need to do is protect your new account with a password.

To do this, double-click on the created account, and then go to the “Create a password” menu.

Please note that only a user with Administrator rights can create and change login/pass accounts of other users.

However, each user with normal rights can perform the above operations only for his account.

Now, leaving the laptop for long time, you can block it: “Start” - “Shutdown” - “Block” or by pressing the keyboard shortcut “Win ​​+ L”.

Each user may need to set a password on their laptop or computer in order to strangers We were unable to use your device. There are many ways to set a password on a laptop, for example, installation or through the BIOS. But we will look at these two methods.

In addition to the methods that I mentioned above, at the end of this article there will be a little written about additional ways PC protection.

How to set a password on a laptop using Windows

The most common method is to set a password through the operating system. But it will be quite easy to set a password and find out if any advanced user wants to access your computer. He can easily reset the Windows password. In any case, if your computer is almost always with you, then this method will suit you.

Setting a Windows 7 password

To get started, go to "Control Panel", switch to icons view and open the option.

Now click on “Creating a password for your account” and come up with good password. You can provide a password hint. In case you forget it, she will remind you of it.

That's all, as you can see everything is simple. When you turn on your computer, you will be asked to enter a password. By the way, you can press the combination Win+L to lock the laptop again. This is done before entering the password.

Setting a Windows 8/8.1 password

IN operating system Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 password is set a little differently.

Let's go to "Control Panel" and click on again "User accounts". We do everything the same.

Or you can open "Computer Settings" on the right side of the screen, then "Settings changes", then go to point "Accounts".

Going to the tab "Login Options" in the right part of the window you can set a password, not only a text one, but also a graphic or PIN code.

After you have set the password yourself, save the settings and after each start of the computer you will be prompted to enter the password.

How to set a password in BIOS

This method is for regular user although more complicated, it is very effective, since in order to reset the password set through the BIOS, a person needs to remove the battery from motherboard. In the case of a laptop this will be problematic. Therefore, if your computer is not supervised, then this method will suit you.

You can read how to enter the BIOS. So, we go into it, usually using the F2 or F8 keys, depending on the model of your motherboard. Usually, the key to enter the BIOS is displayed at the very bottom when the computer boots, look carefully.

Now we need to find a section where we can set a password. Look for something like BIOS Password or User Password. Usually it is enough to set a user password (User Password), then the password will be asked both when you turn on the computer and when entering the BIOS.

After setting the password through the BIOS, go to last tab Exit and select the item there "Save and Exit Setup", that is, save and exit.

Additional protection methods

Of course, the methods described above will not protect important data from an experienced user. This person could take out your hard drive and use your information. If you also want to save data, you can use special utilities, for example, the TrueCrypt utility, Windows Bitlocker. Similar programs there are a lot, but the most effective ones will be described by me and you can see them on this site. So, stay tuned for more news.

IN modern world Data protection is one of the main factors of cybersecurity. Fortunately, Windows provides this option without installing additional software. The password will ensure the safety of your data from strangers and intruders. The secret combination becomes especially relevant in laptops, which are most often subject to theft and loss.

The article will discuss the main ways to add a password to a computer. They are all unique and allow you to sign in even with your Microsoft account password, but this protection does not guarantee 100% security against penetration by unauthorized persons.

Method 1: Adding a password in the Control Panel

The password protection method through the “Control Panel” is one of the simplest and most frequently used. Perfect for beginners and inexperienced users, it does not require memorizing commands or creating additional profiles.

1. Press "Start Menu" and click "Control Panel".



2. Select a tab "User Accounts and Family Safety".



3. Click on "Change Windows password» In chapter "User accounts".



4. From the list of profile actions, select "Create a password".



5. In the new window there are 3 forms for entering basic data that are necessary to create a password.



6. Form "New Password" is intended for a code word or expression that will be requested when the computer starts, pay attention to the mode « Caps Lock» and the keyboard layout when filling it out. Don't create too much simple passwords like "12345", "qwerty", "ytsuken". Follow Microsoft's recommendations for choosing a private key:
   • The secret expression cannot contain the user account login or any of its components;
   • The password must consist of more than 6 characters;
   • It is advisable to use capital letters and capital letters alphabet;
   • It is recommended to use decimal digits and non-alphabetic characters in the password.



7. "Password confirmation"— a field in which you need to enter a previously invented code word in order to eliminate errors and accidental clicks, since the entered characters are hidden.



8. Form "Enter a password hint" designed to remind you of your password if you can’t remember it. Use data known only to you in the hint. This field is optional, but we recommend filling it out, otherwise there is a risk of losing your account and access to your PC.



9. When you have filled in the required information, click "Create a password".



10. At this stage, the password setting procedure is completed. You can view the status of your protection in the account changes window. After reboot, Windows will require a secret expression to log in. If you have only one profile with administrator privileges, then without knowing the password, it will be impossible to gain access to Windows.

Method 2: Microsoft Account

This method will allow you to access your computer using a password from Microsoft profile. The code expression can be changed using email address or phone numbers.

1. Find "Computer Settings" in standard Windows applications "Start Menu"(this is how it looks on 8, in Windows 10 you can access "Parameters" can be done by pressing the corresponding button in the menu "Start" or by using a keyboard shortcut Win+I).



2. From the list of options, select a section "Accounts".



3. IN side menu click on "Your Account", Further "Connect to a Microsoft account".



4. If you already have a Microsoft account, enter your email, phone number, or username and password.



5. Otherwise, create a new account by entering the requested information.



6. Confirmation will be required after logging in. unique code from SMS.



7. After all the manipulations, Windows will ask you for your Microsoft account password to log in.

Method 3: Command Line

This method is suitable for more advanced users, as it requires knowledge console commands, however, he can boast of the speed of his execution.

Conclusion

Creating a password does not require special training or special skills. The main difficulty is coming up with the most secret combination, not installation. However, you should not rely on this method as a panacea in the field of data protection.