Microsoft Disables Picture Password for New Users in July 2026 Update
Microsoft's July 2026 cumulative update KB5101650 disables picture password sign-in for new users on Windows 10 and Windows 11. The feature, introduced in 2012 with Windows 8, is retired due to security risks from AI image technology. Existing users with a configured picture password can keep using it, but those who remove or never set it up cannot re-enable it. Microsoft recommends Windows Hello alternatives.
Microsoft has released a cumulative update that formally disables the picture password sign-in option for new users, ending a feature that has been available since the Windows 8 era. According to the update logs for Windows 11 and Windows 10 builds 26100.8875 (24H2) and 26200.8875 (25H2), the change took effect with the July 2026 cumulative update KB5101650 across both operating systems. Picture password, introduced in 2012 with Windows 8, allowed users to select a personal photo and draw a specific set of gestures on it as an unlock credential instead of a traditional character password. With rapid advances in AI image technology, using static images for authentication has become increasingly risky, prompting Microsoft to retire the feature. Microsoft's release notes state that picture password is no longer available for new users to set up. Existing users who have already configured a picture password can continue using it to sign in, but if it is removed, disabled, or was never configured, the option cannot be re-enabled later. Microsoft points to Windows Hello as an alternative, including PIN, facial recognition, or fingerprint authentication, to improve system security. The change took effect with the July 2026 cumulative update, covering both Windows 10 and Windows 11.