Desktop Management Guide
Desktop Management Guide www.hp.com 27
Desktop Management Guide
Establishing a Power-On Password Using  
Computer Setup
Establishing a power-on password through Computer Setup prevents 
access to the computer when power is turned on, unless the password 
is entered. When a power-on password is set, Computer Setup 
presents Password Options under the Security menu. Password 
options include Password Prompt on Warm Boot. When Password 
Prompt on Warm Boot is enabled, the password must also be entered 
each time the computer is rebooted. 
1. Turn on or restart the computer. If you are in Windows, click 
Start > Shut Down > Restart.
2. As soon as the computer is turned on, press and hold the 
F10 key 
until you enter Computer Setup. Press 
Enter to bypass the title 
screen, if necessary.
✎
If you do not press the F10 key at the appropriate time, you must 
restart the computer and press and hold the 
F10 key again to access 
the utility. 
If you are using a PS/2 keyboard, you may see a Keyboard Error 
message—disregard it.
3. Select Security, then Power-On Password and follow the 
instructions on the screen.
4. Before exiting, click File > Save Changes and Exit.
Entering a Power-On Password
To enter a power-on password, complete the following steps:
1. Turn on or restart the computer. If you are in Windows, click 
Start > Shut Down > Restart the Computer. 
2. When the key icon appears on the monitor, type the current 
password, then press 
Enter.
✎
Type carefully; for security reasons, the characters you type do not 
appear on the screen.










