Change your password through Settings on Windows 10 or 11

The fastest way to change your Windows password is through the Settings app. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then select the Settings app. Go to Accounts in the left menu, then select Sign-in options. Under the "Password" section, click Change.

Windows will ask you to enter your current password first. Type it in and click Next. Then create your new password — Windows requires at least 8 characters, and it works best if you mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Type the new password twice to confirm you did not make a typo, add a password hint if you want one (something only you would understand), then click Next and Finish.

Your new password takes effect when ready. The next time you sign in to Windows, use the new password instead of the old one.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, go to Accounts, select Sign-in options, and click Change under the Password section to update your password in about two minutes.
  • Windows requires at least 8 characters in your new password, and mixing uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols makes it stronger.
  • You must enter your current password before creating a new one, so you cannot change a password you have forgotten through Settings.
  • If you forget your new password after changing it, you can reset it using a password reset disk or a Microsoft account recovery method, depending on your account type.

Change your password using Ctrl+Alt+Delete if you prefer a different route

Another way to reach the password change screen is to press Ctrl+Alt+Delete on your keyboard. A menu appears with several options. Click Change a password. You will see the same password entry screen as the Settings method — enter your old password, create your new one, and confirm it.

This method works the same way as Settings and takes the same amount of time. Some people find it faster because it is a direct path with fewer menu clicks. Use whichever method feels more natural to you.

Local accounts versus Microsoft accounts — what changes

Windows accounts come in two types: local accounts (stored only on your computer) and Microsoft accounts (linked to your Microsoft email address). The password change process is identical for both, but what happens next differs.

If you use a local account, your new password only works on that computer. If you use a Microsoft account, your new password syncs across all devices you have signed into with that email address — your laptop, tablet, or phone. This means you only have to change the password once, and it works everywhere. Check which type you have by opening Settings, going to Accounts, and looking at the top of the page — it will say either "Local account" or show your email address.

What to do if you cannot remember your current password

The Settings and Ctrl+Alt+Delete methods both require you to enter your current password first. If you cannot remember it, these routes will not work. Instead, you have two options depending on your account type.

If you use a Microsoft account, go to the Windows sign-in screen and click I forgot my password. Windows will walk you through recovering your account using your email address or phone number. You will need access to whichever email or phone number you registered with Microsoft.

If you use a local account, you can reset your password using a password reset disk if you created one before you forgot your password. If you did not create a reset disk, you will need to use another administrator account on the same computer to reset it, or contact Microsoft support for additional recovery options.

Make your new password something you can actually remember

A strong password is useless if you write it on a sticky note under your keyboard. Instead, create a password using a method you can repeat. Some people use a phrase they know well and take the first letter of each word — for example, "My dog ate three socks yesterday" becomes "Mdatsy3". Others use a pattern they can remember, like a favorite place plus a number plus a symbol.

If you struggle to remember passwords, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into Windows. These programs store your passwords securely and fill them in for you, so you only have to remember one master password. This is especially helpful if you change your password regularly or manage multiple accounts.

Change your password regularly to stay find

Security experts recommend changing your Windows password every few months, especially if you use your computer for work or store sensitive files. The longer you use the same password, the higher the risk that someone has seen it or guessed it.

If you think someone else may have seen your password — for example, if you typed it while someone was looking over your shoulder, or if you used the same password on a website that got hacked — change it right away. You do not have to wait for a scheduled change. The process takes less than five minutes, and it closes off access for anyone who had the old password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my Windows password affect my other accounts like email or social media?

No. Your Windows password only controls access to your computer. It does not change your email password, bank password, or any other account. If you want to change those passwords too, you have to do it on each service's own website or app.

What happens if I forget my new password right after I change it?

If you use a Microsoft account, go to the sign-in screen and click "I forgot my password" to recover it. If you use a local account and did not create a password reset disk, you will need another administrator account on the computer to reset it, or contact Microsoft support.

Can I change my password from another device, like my phone?

If you use a Microsoft account, you can change your password on the Microsoft account website from any device with a web browser. If you use a local account, you can only change the password from that specific computer.

Do I need to restart my computer after changing my password?

No. Your new password takes effect when ready. You do not need to restart. The next time you sign out and sign back in, use your new password.

Is there a way to change my password without entering my old one?

Not through the normal Settings or Ctrl+Alt+Delete routes — both require your current password. If you cannot remember your current password, use the password recovery method for your account type instead.