Here is an illustration of how to secure the computer system from unwanted access to settings and your personal data.
The Windows logon password prevents outsiders from logging into the user account. But it does not prevent access to BIOS settings, with which you can damage your computer or just unlock your Windows login. To protect the device from these problems, install an additional password on the BIOS. This will take you a few minutes.
First of all you need to get into the BIOS menu. To do this, in the first seconds of turning on the computer, press, until the settings appear, a special key. This can be F1, F2, F8 or Delete - depending on the motherboard manufacturer. Usually the desired key is displayed at the bottom of the screen when you start the computer.
Then find the settings with the word Password. The layout and layout of the BIOS partitions differ on different computers, so you need to find the necessary options yourself. Most often, the password can be changed in the Security section. Perhaps, on your PC is installed not the classic BIOS, but the graphic shell UEFI. In this case, the algorithm of actions will not differ.
When you find a setting with a name like BIOS Setting Password, use it to set the password. The system will ask for it if someone tries to enter the BIOS.
Write down a new password somewhere not to forget, or remember it well.
Your BIOS version can support not one, but two types of passwords. In this case, you will see the settings with the words User Password and Administrator Password and you can specify any of them.
Bios password: two types of passwords
If you install Administrator Password, the system will ask for the password only when entering the BIOS menu. Select this option if you do not want unauthorized people to change the settings.
If you install User Password, the password request will always appear when the computer starts (do not confuse it with the Windows login password). This option not only protects BIOS settings, but also does not allow attackers to use flash drives to reset the Windows password and reinstall the OS. Use User Password if you are afraid of such interventions.
When setting the password, look for the Save And Exit item in the BIOS menu (usually started with the F10 key) to save the changes and restart the computer. If in the future you want to disable the protection, again find the password settings and leave an empty string instead of the new combination.
The BIOS password does not guarantee absolute security, but significantly complicates hacking. To reset this protection, the ill-wisher will have to open the case and dig inside the computer.