How to Sign In to a Windows 11 Computer

What you need: A Windows 11 computer that is turned on and showing either the lock screen (a large clock and a picture) or the sign-in screen (your name with a box for your PIN or password), and the PIN or password you use to sign in.

1. Look at the screen. If you see a large clock and a picture, click anywhere on the screen. The sign-in screen appears, showing your name with a box for your PIN or password.
2. If more than one name is listed in the lower-left corner of the screen, click your own name.
3. Type your PIN or password into the box. The characters appear as dots, which is normal. Capital and lowercase letters count, so type each letter exactly as you created it.
4. Press the Enter key. If Windows signs you in as soon as you finish typing a PIN, you do not need to press Enter.
5. If a message says your PIN or password is incorrect, click OK, check that you are not typing capital letters by mistake, and type it again slowly. If the message appears again and an I forgot my PIN or I forgot my password link is shown under the box, click it and follow the instructions on the screen.
6. Wait while Windows opens. A short Welcome message or spinning dots may appear first.

Expected result: The sign-in box is gone and you can see the Windows desktop, with the taskbar along the bottom of the screen.