With the increasing security concerns, you are asked to change your password periodically. Sadly, this process can get tiring, and you may lose track of all the passwords.
But what to do if you forget your Windows account password? Microsoft is easy; just follow the steps given by them. However, in the case of a local account, it gets tricky, and this is where your security questions help. So how to manage the security questions of your local Windows account? Read on to find out!
Security questions on Windows
It’s essential to include security questions as a second layer of protection. Windows provide you with a set of questions, out of which you need to select three. What makes these questions unique is that the answers to these questions are known only to you. Here are some of the questions presented to you and relevant to Windows local accounts:
- What’s the name of the city where your parents met?
- What’s the name of the town where you were born?
- What was your first pet’s name?
- What’s the name of the first school you attended?
- What was your childhood nickname?
- What’s the first name of your oldest cousin?
Now that you know the questions, the following section will discuss its management.
Different ways to change your security questions on Windows
Here are two different scenarios in which you can set your security questions:
Going from Microsoft to Local Account
It is the most common scenario where you already have a Microsoft account, and now you want to switch. In such cases, initially, you don’t get an option to choose your security questions. But don’t worry, there is a way around it. Follow these steps:
Making the switch:
- Go to your Microsoft account settings.
- Click on Accounts and then on Your Info.
- Choose Sign in with a local account and click on Next.
- Now you need to enter the Microsoft PIN.
- After confirmation, create the local account credentials and sign out. Your local account is ready to Sign in.
Setting up the security questions:
You must manually go to the local account to set your security questions.
For Windows 11
As per the new update, Windows 11 has not included the security question change option. It means you will not find anything in the Account settings. Don’t worry; there is something else you can do. Additionally, there are other Windows 11 settings worth a look and some modifications.
- You need to launch the Run dialogue box. Press and hold down the Windows key and then press R.
- Enter the following string in the Open field: ms-cxh://setsqsalocalonly.
- The password for your local account is then requested. You can now change each of the three security questions and answers as well. In the end, Type Finish.
For Windows 10
- Open your Settings and click on Accounts.
- Select the Sign-in option and then the Password option.
- Click on Update your security questions options.
- A pop-up will appear asking for your local account password; enter and then click OK to proceed.
- Now you can reset the security questions and answers as per your liking.
Opening a new local account
If you are starting with a new device, it is easy to manage your security questions. Here is a detailed guide to help you set up your new local account:
- When you switch on your device, you will get a question on the screen “How would you like to set up Windows?” Select the option Set up for personal use.
- Now you are directed toward the local account screen.
- Windows 11: Click on Sign-in Options > Offline account > Skip for now.
- Windows 10: Directly select Offline account > Limited experience.
- Next, type in the name of your local account.
- Make a strong password and click on Confirm.
- Choose your security questions and answers
Setting up security questions
- Select your first security question and then write a response.
- Repeat the above steps for questions number 2 and 3.
- After resetting the setup, you’ll be logged into Windows with your local account.
Log in using the security questions
Let’s say you lose your Windows 10 or 11 local account password. You can try remembering the password and give it a shot a few times till you get the right one. Or you can log in to your local account using the security questions you set up earlier.
Here’s how you do it:
- On the Login screen, you will find a Reset Password link just below the Password box. Click on that link.
- You will now get a pop-up of security questions.
- You need to answer all three questions to proceed.
- Once done, select the Right arrow near the last answer.
- Now you need to set a new password and retype to confirm it.
- Click on the Right arrow, and voila, you’re done!
Protect your Windows device further
You must choose an answer that is unknown to many, or else it will be easier for anyone to break in. Also, to increase your security further, you can use other security tools. For instance, password managers are a great addition. You can install them as browser extensions or applications on your device. Additionally, a VPN for PC is a powerful tool to safeguard your internet connection. After all, most of your computer activities will be online. Therefore, you should consider a Virtual Private Network to ensure that all internet traffic safely reaches its destinations.