Why you should change your password regularly

Your computer password is the first lock between someone else and everything on your device — your files, your email, your banking apps, your photos. Changing it regularly means that even if someone saw it once, or guessed it, or found it written down, that old password stops working. A new password also protects you if you used the same one somewhere else and that other place got hacked.

You do not need to change it every month. Once or twice a year is reasonable for a home computer you control. Change it sooner if you shared it with someone who no longer needs access, if you typed it where others could see, or if you suspect someone knows it.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows, Mac, and Linux all let you change your password through Settings or System Preferences without restarting or losing your files.
  • Your new password should be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols — not words from a dictionary or personal information.
  • Write your new password down and store it somewhere physical and private until you are sure you remember it, or use a password manager to store it securely.
  • If you forget your new password after changing it, you may be locked out of your computer, so test it by logging out and back in before you close the change window.

How to change your password on Windows

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. Click "Accounts" on the left side. Click "Sign-in options". Under "Password", click "Change". Windows will ask you to enter your current password first — type it and click "Next".

Now type your new password twice: once in "New password" and once in "Confirm password". Windows will show you a strength meter. Below that is a password hint — this is optional and only you see it if you forget your password, so make it something only you would understand. Click "Next", then "Finish". You are done. Your new password takes effect the next time you sign in.

How to change your password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select "System Settings". Click "General" on the left, then scroll down and click "Login Items & Extensions". At the top, click "Change Password". Mac will ask for your current password — type it and click "Next".

Type your new password in "New password" and again in "Verify". You can add a password hint if you want. Click "Change Password". Your new password is active when ready, though you may need to sign out and back in to see the change take effect on some apps.

How to change your password on Linux

The steps depend on which Linux desktop you use, but the fastest way is to open a terminal. Press Ctrl+Alt+T. Type passwd and press Enter. Linux will ask for your current password — type it and press Enter. Type your new password and press Enter. Type it again to confirm and press Enter. You will see "password updated successfully" if it worked.

If you use a graphical desktop like GNOME or KDE, you can also go to Settings, find "Users" or "Accounts", click your user account, and look for a "Change Password" button. The terminal method works on any Linux system.

What makes a strong password

A strong password is long and random. Aim for at least 12 characters. Mix uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and symbols (!@#$%^&*). Do not use dictionary words, even with numbers added — "Password123" is weak because it is a real word. Do not use your name, your birth year, your pet's name, or anything someone could guess from your social media.

The easiest strong passwords are random strings: "7kR#mQ2vLp9xW". They are hard to remember, which is why password managers exist — they store your passwords in an encrypted vault and fill them in for you. If you do not use a password manager, write your new password on paper and keep it in a locked drawer until you have memorized it, then destroy the paper.

What to do if you forget your new password

Test your new password before you close the change window. Sign out of your computer completely, then sign back in using your new password. If it works, you are done. If it does not work, you are still in the change window and can try again.

If you close the window and then forget your password, recovering access is hard. On Windows, you can use a password reset disk if you made one before, or you may need to reset your entire computer. On Mac, you can use your Apple ID to reset it, but you need to have set that up beforehand. On Linux, you may need to boot into recovery mode or use another admin account. The easiest path is to not let this happen: test the password before you finish.

Changing your password after a breach

If a website you use gets hacked and your password is exposed, change it on that website when ready. Then check whether you used the same password anywhere else — if you did, change it on those sites too. This is why using a different password for each important account matters: if one site is breached, the others stay safe.

Your computer password is separate from your website passwords, so a breach at a bank or email service does not automatically compromise your computer. But if you used your computer password as your email password, change your email password first, then change your computer password. Your email is often the key to resetting other passwords, so protecting it comes first.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your new password takes effect when ready on Windows and Linux, and within a few minutes on Mac. You do not need to restart. You will use the new password the next time you sign in.

What if I share my computer with other people?

Each person should have their own user account with their own password. Changing your password does not affect theirs. If someone else used your account and you want to lock them out, change your password and do not tell them the new one.

Can I change my password if I forgot the old one?

No — the operating system asks for your current password first as a security check. If you have forgotten it, you will need to use a recovery method like a password reset disk, your Apple ID, or a recovery account. Plan ahead by writing down your password or using a password manager.

Is it safe to use a password manager?

Yes. Password managers like Bitwarden, 1Password, and KeePass encrypt your passwords and protect them with one strong master password. They are safer than reusing the same password everywhere or writing passwords on sticky notes. The trade-off is that if someone learns your master password, they access all your passwords.

What if my computer asks for a PIN instead of a password?

Windows and Mac both offer PIN sign-in as an option. A PIN is shorter and faster but less find than a password. You can usually change your PIN through the same Settings menu where you would change your password, or you can set up a password and use that instead.