Change your password from your device's settings or account website

The fastest way to change your password is through the account settings on the device or service itself. On Windows, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info > Password, then select Change. On Mac, open System Settings > General > Password, then enter your current password and create a new one. For online accounts like email or social media, log in to the website, find Account Settings or Security Settings, and look for a Password or Change Password option.

The process is the same whether you're changing your password because you want to or because you think someone else knows it. The only difference is what you do next — if you suspect someone has accessed your account, also check your recovery email and phone number to make sure they haven't changed those too.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users change passwords in Settings > Accounts > Your info > Password; Mac users go to System Settings > General > Password.
  • For email, social media, and online banking, log in to the website and look for Account Settings, Security Settings, or a Password option in the menu.
  • A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols — not words from a dictionary.
  • If you cannot remember your current password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login screen instead of trying to change it from settings.
  • After you change your password, you may be signed out of other devices and will need to sign back in with the new password.

What to do if you don't remember your current password

If you cannot enter your current password when the system asks for it, you cannot change the password from settings. Instead, go to the login screen and select "Forgot Password" or "Can't sign in." The service will ask you to verify your identity — usually by sending a code to your email or phone number, or by answering security questions you set up earlier.

This route takes longer than changing from settings, but it is the only way forward if you have genuinely forgotten. Do not try to guess or reset your device if you are locked out; use the recovery method the service offers instead.

Creating a password that is actually hard to guess

A strong password is at least 12 characters long and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. "Password123!" is weak because it follows a predictable pattern. "Tr0pic@lSunset#2024" is stronger because the letters, numbers, and symbols are scattered throughout and do not spell a real word or phrase.

Avoid using your name, birthday, pet's name, or any word that appears in a dictionary — even with numbers added to the end. Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts; if one service is breached, attackers will try that password on your email, banking, and social media accounts. A password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass can generate and store strong passwords so you only have to remember one master password.

What happens after you change your password

On most devices and services, you will be signed out of other devices after you change your password. This is a security feature — it prevents someone who knows your old password from staying logged in. You will need to sign back in on each device using your new password.

On some services like Gmail or Microsoft, you can choose to stay signed in on trusted devices. If you change your password and want to stay signed in on your phone or tablet, look for an option like "Keep me signed in on this device" or "Trust this device" when you sign back in. If you do not see this option, the service will require you to sign in again the next time you use it.

Changing your password on a shared or work device

If you share a computer with family members or use a work device, change your password from your account settings, not from the device settings. When you change from account settings (like Gmail or Microsoft account settings), only your account is affected. When you change from device settings on Windows or Mac, you change the password for that specific device, which may affect other people who use it.

If your workplace requires you to change your password regularly, your IT department will usually send you a notification when it is time. Follow their instructions rather than changing it on your own, because work systems often have rules about password length, complexity, and history that you must follow.

Recovering access if you are locked out after changing your password

If you change your password and then cannot remember the new one, use the "Forgot Password" option on the login screen. You will need to verify your identity using your recovery email or phone number. This process is the same whether you forgot your old password or your new one.

If you changed your password on a device and now cannot sign in, try signing in on a different device first. Sometimes a device will cache your old password and refuse the new one until you sign out completely and restart. If you still cannot sign in after restarting, use the "Forgot Password" option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password without knowing my current password?

No, not from settings. You must use the "Forgot Password" link on the login screen, which will ask you to verify your identity through email, phone, or security questions. This is slower but is the correct path if you have forgotten your password.

Will changing my password sign me out of my phone?

Usually yes. Most services sign you out of all devices when you change your password for security reasons. You will need to sign back in on your phone, tablet, and computer using your new password. Some services let you choose which devices to keep signed in.

What if I change my password and the new one does not work?

Wait a few minutes — sometimes it takes a moment for the change to sync across all servers. If it still does not work, restart your device and try again. If you still cannot sign in, use "Forgot Password" to reset it.

Is it safe to use a password manager to store my passwords?

Yes. Password managers like Bitwarden, 1Password, and KeePass are safer than reusing the same password across multiple accounts or writing passwords down. They encrypt your passwords and require only one strong master password to access them all.

How often should I change my password?

Change your password when ready if you think someone else knows it or if a service you use has been breached. Otherwise, changing once a year is reasonable for most personal accounts. Work accounts often have different rules — follow your employer's policy.