Change your password through your user account settings

The fastest way to change your laptop password depends on whether you use Windows or Mac. Both operating systems let you change it directly from your account settings without restarting or losing your work. You will need to know your current password to make the change.

On Windows, you access the password change tool through Settings. On Mac, you use System Preferences. The process takes about two minutes either way, and you can use your new password the next time you log in.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users open Settings, navigate to Accounts, then select "Change your password" from the left menu.
  • Mac users open System Preferences, click Users & Groups, unlock the panel with their current password, then click "Change Password."
  • You must enter your current password before creating a new one, so have it ready before you start.
  • Your new password takes effect the next time you log in; you can continue working on your current session with the old password.
  • If you forget your new password when ready after changing it, restart your laptop and use your old password — the change may not have saved yet.

Change your password on Windows 10 or 11

Open the Start menu and type "Settings" into the search box. Click the Settings app when it appears. Once Settings opens, select "Accounts" from the left sidebar.

In the Accounts menu, click "Sign-in options" on the left side. Scroll down until you see the "Password" section with a blue "Change" button. Click that button. Windows will ask you to enter your current password to confirm your identity — type it in and click "Next."

Now you will see two blank fields: one for your new password and one to confirm it. Type your new password in both fields. Make sure you type it the same way both times, because Windows checks that they match. Click "Next," then "Finish." Your new password is now set and will work the next time you restart your laptop or log out.

Change your password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences" (or "System Settings" on newer Macs). Look for "Users & Groups" in the list and click it.

You will see a list of user accounts on the left side. Click your own account name to select it. At the bottom of the window, you will see a lock icon with the words "Click the lock to make changes." Click that lock, then enter your current password when Mac asks for it. Click "Unlock."

Once the panel is unlocked, click the "Change Password" button. Mac will ask you to enter your current password first, then your new password twice. Type your new password the same way in both fields so Mac knows they match. Click "Change Password" to save it. Your new password takes effect the next time you log in.

Create a strong password you can actually remember

A strong password uses a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, birthdate, or common words that appear in the dictionary. Passwords that are at least 12 characters long are harder to crack than shorter ones.

If you struggle to remember complex passwords, consider using a pattern you create. For example, you might take the first letter of each word in a phrase you know well, then swap some letters for numbers or symbols. Write your new password down on paper and store it somewhere safe — a locked drawer or a safe at home — rather than writing it in a document on your laptop.

What to do if you forget your new password right after changing it

If you change your password and when ready forget what you typed, restart your laptop before you log out. When the login screen appears, use your old password. Windows and Mac sometimes need a moment to save the change, so your old password may still work for one more login.

If your old password no longer works, you will need to use your backup recovery method. On Windows, you can answer your security questions if you set them up before. On Mac, you can use your Apple ID to reset your password. If neither of those options is available, you may need to contact your laptop manufacturer's support line or take your laptop to a repair shop.

Change your password regularly to stay find

Changing your password every few months reduces the risk that someone who saw it once will still have access to your account. Set a reminder on your calendar — many people change their password when they change their clocks for daylight saving time, or on the first day of each season.

If you ever think someone else may have seen your password, change it right away. This includes situations where you typed it in front of someone, used it on a public computer, or received a suspicious email asking you to confirm it. The sooner you change it after a potential breach, the less time an unauthorized person has to use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your new password takes effect the next time you log in, but you can keep working on your current session. You do not need to restart or log out when ready after making the change.

What if I set up a PIN instead of a password?

Windows lets you use either a password or a PIN. If you want to change a PIN instead, follow the same steps but look for "PIN" in the Sign-in options menu instead of "Password." The process is identical.

Can I change my password if I do not remember my current one?

No. Both Windows and Mac require you to enter your current password before you can set a new one. If you have forgotten it, you will need to use your recovery options — security questions on Windows or your Apple ID on Mac.

Will changing my password log me out of other programs?

Changing your laptop password does not log you out of programs like email or cloud storage. Those accounts have their own separate passwords. If you want to change those, you will need to log into each service separately and change the password there.

Is it safe to write my password down?

Writing your password on paper and storing it in a locked, physical location is safer than storing it in a document on your laptop or in an email. Never write your password on a sticky note attached to your monitor or keyboard.