Why Does Windows Not Ask for Password When Screensaver Is On?

Your screensaver is not password-protected by default; most casual users don't need to enable the password for their computer. However, you can enable your screensaver password with minimal effort.

Enabling Screen Saver Password

• From the Windows Control Panel select "Appearance and Personalization" and then "Personalization" and "Screen Saver." Select the box beside the option "On Resume, Require Logon." This will require you to log on using your default Windows password but it will only work if you have a password on your Windows account. Choose an idle time that is not so short that it is inconvenient for normal usage but not so long that your computer is left unprotected.

Benefits of Screen Saver Passwords

• Requiring a password to log in to an idle computer is good for office environments, where many people can access your computer when you're not at your desk. It can also be used as a way to keep friends or children off of your home computer when it's left idle.

Password Security

• Make sure that your password is strong enough so that it can't be guessed; your birthday, anniversary, or significant other's name are all bad ideas for passwords. At the same time, though, your password must be easy for you to remember. Make sure the password hint that you set is sufficient to trigger your memory but at the same time is not too obvious.