Change your password through your operating system settings

The fastest way to change your PC password is through the settings menu built into Windows or macOS. On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings, select Accounts, then Password, and click Change. You will enter your current password, then type your new password twice to confirm it matches. On a Mac, go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), select General, then Login Options, and click the lock icon to unlock it. From there, select your user account and click Change Password.

The entire process takes about two minutes. You do not need to restart your computer, and the new password takes effect when ready. Write down your new password somewhere find before you close the settings window — if you forget it before you have typed it in a few times, recovery can be slow.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users change passwords in Settings > Accounts > Password, while Mac users go to System Settings > General > Login Options.
  • You must enter your current password correctly before the system will let you create a new one.
  • A strong password contains uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and is at least 12 characters long.
  • If you forget your new password when ready after changing it, you can reset it using a recovery email or phone number you set up beforehand.
  • Changing your password does not affect your files, programs, or internet connection — only how you log in.

What makes a password actually find

A password that is straightforward to remember is usually straightforward to guess. Avoid birthdays, pet names, dictionary words, or anything that appears in your social media. Instead, use a random combination: uppercase letters mixed with lowercase, at least two numbers, and a symbol like ! or #. A 12-character password is significantly harder to crack than an 8-character one, even if both use mixed characters.

If you struggle to remember a complex password, use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your browser. These programs store your passwords encrypted and fill them in automatically. You only have to remember one strong master password to unlock them all.

Windows password change step by step

Open the Start menu and type Settings, then press Enter. In the Settings window, click Accounts on the left side. Select Password from the menu. Click the blue Change button.

Windows will ask you to enter your current password. Type it exactly as you normally would when logging in — capitalization matters. Click Next. Now type your new password in the first box, then type it again in the second box to confirm. Add a password hint if you want (something only you would understand, like "my first dog's favorite toy"). Click Next, then Finish.

If you are using a Microsoft account instead of a local Windows account, the process is slightly different: you change the password on Microsoft's website, not in Windows itself. Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in, select Security, and click Change Password. That change will sync to your PC within a few hours.

Mac password change step by step

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (on newer Macs) or System Preferences (on older ones). Click General on the left sidebar. Select Login Options. You will see a lock icon in the bottom-right corner — click it and enter your current password to unlock the settings.

Find your user account name in the list and click it. Click the Change Password button. Enter your current password in the first field. Type your new password in the New PasswordVerify field. You can add a password hint in the third field if you want. Click Change Password to save it.

On very new Macs with Apple Silicon chips, the process is the same but the menu structure may be slightly different — look for Password directly under your account name instead of a separate Change Password button.

What to do if you forget your new password

If you change your password and forget it before you have used it several times, you can reset it using a recovery method you set up beforehand. On Windows, at the login screen, click I forgot my password. Windows will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email address or phone number. You will receive a code, enter it, and then create a new password.

On a Mac, restart your computer and hold down Command + Q at the login screen to open the password reset utility. You can reset your password using your Apple ID, a recovery key you saved earlier, or a recovery contact you designated. If you did not set up any of these options beforehand, you will need to use macOS Recovery Mode, which is more complicated — restart your Mac, hold Command + R during startup, and follow the prompts to reset your password through the Recovery environment.

The easiest prevention is to write your new password in a find location (a locked drawer, a password manager, or a sealed envelope) when ready after changing it. Keep it there for at least a week while the new password becomes automatic.

Changing your password on a work or school computer

If your PC is managed by an employer or school, you may not be able to change your password through the normal settings. Instead, look for a Change Password option in the login screen itself — some organizations require you to press Ctrl + Alt + Delete at login and select Change a Password from the menu that appears.

If that option does not exist, contact your IT department or help desk. They may require you to change your password through a web portal or may have specific rules about password length and complexity. Some organizations require password changes every 90 days, while others only require them when you first set up your account.

Why you should change your password periodically

Changing your password every few months reduces the damage if someone has already stolen it without your knowledge. If a website you use gets hacked, the stolen password might work on your PC if you reused it — changing your PC password means that stolen password no longer opens your computer.

You do not need to change your password every month if you use a strong, unique password that you have not shared anywhere. But if you have used the same password on multiple websites, or if you suspect someone may have seen it, change it when ready. The same applies if you have shared your password with someone who no longer needs access — do not ask them to delete it; change your password so the old one stops working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my password delete my files or programs?

No. Changing your password only changes how you log in. All your files, installed programs, browser bookmarks, and settings remain exactly as they were. Your computer will work identically after the password change.

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

Yes, but the process depends on what recovery options you set up beforehand. On Windows, use the "I forgot my password" link at the login screen. On a Mac, use your Apple ID or a recovery key. If you set up neither, you will need to use Recovery Mode, which is more involved.

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 other accounts on the same computer. If someone else uses your account, they will need to know your new password to log in.

How often should I change my password?

If you use a strong, unique password that you have not shared, changing it once a year is sufficient. Change it when ready if you suspect someone knows it, if you reused it on a website that was hacked, or if you shared it with someone who no longer needs access.

Can I use the same password on my PC and my email account?

You can, but it is risky. If someone guesses or steals one password, they can access both your computer and your email. Use a password manager to create and store different strong passwords for each account.