Quick "Windows Password" Question

[jyl]

I feel stupid for asking this, but what is new.

I enter a five-digit PIN when I restart the PC, or to unlock it.

Is that PIN my "Windows password"? Or is there a different password - if there is, I'm alarmed because I have no idea what it is.

(I'm trying to schedule an automatic task that requires my windows logon id and password - I entered the PIN and the application reports that's not correct. Urp.)

[stevej37]

Doesn't it offer the choice of 'forgot password?' on the Windows password?

[stomachmonkey]

Start Menu->Settings->Account->Sign In Options

Review "Related Settings" on the right for reset options

[cstreit]

Generally it is not. Your windows password is a password and the PIN is an alternate signin. If you have a Microsoft account it will then also sign you in using your password once you enter the pin (for services like Office 365, OneDrive, etc..)

[jyl]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Start Menu->Settings->Account->Sign In Options

Review "Related Settings" on the right for reset options

Under "Related Settings" I only see "Lock Screen".

Okay, I get it. I went into Password, and entered my Microsoft log in, and that was what it wanted.

I didn't realize the "Windows password" just meant what I use for Microsoft generally - I thought there was a password for the OS instance just on this PC.

Duh.