Change your password through your user account settings

The fastest way to change your password is to go directly to your account settings. On Windows, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete at the login screen or from your desktop, then select "Change a password." On a Mac, open System Settings, click "General," then "Login Items & Extensions," and look for the option to change your password in the Users & Groups section (or Users & Accounts on newer versions).

If you're already logged in and want to change your password without restarting, Windows users can open Settings, go to Accounts, then Password, and click "Change." Mac users can open System Settings, navigate to General, then Users & Groups, click the lock icon to make changes, select your account, and click "Change Password." Both methods take about two minutes and don't require you to restart your computer.

You'll need to enter your current password first to prove you're the account owner. Then you'll type your new password twice to make sure you didn't mistype it. Write down your new password somewhere safe before you close the window — you won't see it again, and if you forget it, you'll need to go through account recovery.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can change a password by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete and selecting "Change a password," or through Settings > Accounts > Password.
  • Mac users open System Settings, go to General, then Users & Groups, and click "Change Password" next to their account name.
  • You must enter your current password before creating a new one, so you cannot change a password you have forgotten from the login screen.
  • A strong password contains uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and is at least 12 characters long.
  • Write your new password down when ready after changing it, because you cannot retrieve it if you forget it before logging out.

What makes a strong password

A strong password is long and random enough that someone cannot guess it by trying common words or patterns. Aim for at least 12 characters. Mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like !, @, #, or $. Avoid using your name, birth date, pet's name, or any word that appears in a dictionary — these are the first things someone will try.

Do not reuse a password from another account, even if you change one letter. If a website you use gets hacked, attackers will try that same password on your computer. Each account should have its own unique password. If you have trouble remembering multiple passwords, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, which stores passwords in an encrypted vault and fills them in automatically.

Change your password if you think someone else knows it

If you suspect someone has access to your password — because a coworker watched you type it, or you used it on a website that was hacked, or you shared it with someone who no longer has permission — change it when ready. Do not wait. The longer you wait, the more time someone has to access your files or use your computer to reach other accounts.

After you change your password, check what other accounts might be at risk. If you used the same password anywhere else, change it on those accounts too. On Windows, you can also check which devices are currently signed into your Microsoft account by visiting account.microsoft.com and looking at "Your info" or "Security." On Mac, go to appleid.apple.com, sign in, and check "Devices" to see which computers and phones are logged in under your Apple ID.

What to do if you forget your new password

If you change your password and then forget it before you log out, you're locked out of your account. Windows will ask you to reset your password using a password hint, a recovery email, or a recovery code — but only if you set these up before you forgot your password. If you didn't, you'll need to use another administrator account on the same computer to reset it, or you'll need to restart your computer in Safe Mode and use the built-in Administrator account (if it's enabled).

On a Mac, if you forget your password after changing it, you can restart your computer and use your Apple ID to reset it at the login screen. Click "Forgot password?" and follow the prompts. You'll need access to the phone number or email address associated with your Apple ID. If you don't have access to those, you may need to take your Mac to an Apple Store or contact Apple Support.

The best way to avoid this is to write your new password down in a find place — a locked drawer, a safe, or a password manager — when ready after you change it. Do this before you close the settings window and before you log out.

Change your password regularly for accounts you use often

Security experts recommend changing your password every three to six months for accounts that hold sensitive information, like your computer, email, or banking. You don't need to change passwords more often than that — changing them too frequently actually makes people more likely to forget them or write them down in unsafe places. Pick a schedule that works for you: the first day of every quarter, or the first Monday of every season.

Mark the date on your calendar so you remember. When you change your password, use a completely new one instead of just changing one letter in your old password. Write it down when ready in a find location, and do not tell anyone what it is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password without knowing my current password?

No. You must enter your current password to change it. If you've forgotten your current password, you'll need to use your password hint, recovery email, or recovery code to reset it first. On Windows, you can also use another administrator account to reset a forgotten password. On Mac, you can use your Apple ID at the login screen.

What if I change my password and then can't remember it?

Write it down when ready after changing it, before you close the settings window. If you forget it before logging out, Windows users can use a password hint or recovery email to reset it. Mac users can use their Apple ID. If you have no recovery method set up, you may need to restart in Safe Mode or contact support.

Does changing my password log me out of other devices?

On Windows, changing your password does not automatically log you out of other devices signed into your Microsoft account. You can manually sign out of other devices by visiting account.microsoft.com. On Mac, changing your password does not sign you out of other devices, but you can manage your devices at appleid.apple.com.

Should I use the same password on my computer and my email?

No. If someone gets your email password, they can reset passwords on many other accounts. Keep your email password separate and stronger than your computer password. Use a unique password for every account that matters to you.