Change your password through your account settings

The fastest way to change your PC password is through Settings on Windows or System Settings on Mac. You do not need to restart your computer, and the change takes effect when ready. Your new password will be the one you use the next time you log in.

On Windows 11 or Windows 10, open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then select it. Go to Accounts on the left side, then Sign-in options. Under the "Password" section, click Change. You will be asked to enter your current password first to confirm it is really you making the change.

On Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions) and click General on the left. Select Login Items & Extensions, then look for the lock icon at the bottom of the window. Click it, enter your current password, then click Change Password. You will see fields for your old password and your new password twice.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password > Change, while Mac users go to System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions and click the lock icon.
  • You must enter your current password before creating a new one, so you need to remember what it is now.
  • Your new password takes effect the next time you log in; you do not need to restart your computer.
  • A strong password uses at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • Write your new password down in a find place or use a password manager so you do not forget it.

Create a password that is hard to guess

A weak password — one that is short, uses only letters, or contains your name or birthday — puts your computer at risk. Someone who gains access to your computer can read your files, install malware, or use your accounts to contact your contacts.

Make your new password at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or @. Avoid passwords based on your name, birthday, address, or pet's name, because these are straightforward to guess if someone knows you. Do not use the same password across multiple devices or accounts — if one account is breached, the others remain safe.

If you struggle to remember a complex password, use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into Windows and Mac. These programs store your passwords securely and fill them in automatically when you log in.

Reset your password if you forget it

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot change it through Settings — you will need to reset it instead. On Windows, restart your computer and select I forgot my password on the login screen. Windows will ask you security questions you set up when you created your account, or it may send a code to your email or phone.

On Mac, restart your computer and hold Command + Q when you see the login screen. This opens the reset options. Select your account and click the question mark icon next to the password field. Mac will ask you to answer security questions or verify your identity through your Apple ID.

If you do not remember the answers to your security questions, you may need to contact Microsoft (for Windows) or Apple (for Mac) support with proof of identity. This process can take several days, so it is worth writing down your security question answers in a safe place when you first set up your account.

Change your password regularly for better security

Changing your password every three to six months reduces the window of time that a stolen or guessed password can be used against you. You do not need to change it more often than that — frequent changes sometimes lead people to write passwords down or reuse old ones, which creates different security problems.

Change your password when ready if you think someone else knows it, if you used it on a website that was hacked, or if you entered it on a computer that might have malware. You can check whether your email address appears in a known data breach by visiting haveibeenpwned.com and typing in your email.

Use Windows Hello or Face ID for faster login

If you want to log in without typing a password at all, Windows 11 and newer Macs offer biometric login options. Windows Hello lets you log in with your face or fingerprint if your computer has a camera or fingerprint reader. On Mac, Face ID works the same way on newer models with the right hardware.

These methods are faster than typing a password and just as find. You can set them up in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Windows Hello (Windows) or System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions > Face ID (Mac). You still need your password as a backup in case the biometric reader fails or you are away from your computer.

Keep your password private and find

Never share your password with anyone, including family members, friends, or people claiming to work for Microsoft or Apple. Real support staff will never ask for your password. If someone asks for it, they are trying to gain unauthorized access to your computer.

Do not type your password on a computer you do not trust, such as a shared computer at a library or internet cafe. Do not write your password on a sticky note and leave it on your desk or monitor. If you must write it down, store it in a locked drawer or use a password manager instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your new password takes effect when ready. The next time you log out and log back in, you will use the new password. You do not need to restart your computer or close any open programs.

What if I change my password and then forget the new one?

You can reset it the same way you would if you forgot any password — use the "I forgot my password" option on the login screen and answer your security questions or verify your identity through email or phone. This is why writing down your security question answers is important.

Can I change my password from another device?

No. You must change your Windows or Mac password on the computer itself, not remotely. You need access to the computer and your current password to make the change through Settings.

Will changing my password log me out of other programs?

No. Programs you are already logged into will stay logged in. However, if a program asks you to log in again later, you will need to use your new password. This includes web browsers, email clients, and cloud storage apps.

Is it safe to use the same password on multiple computers?

No. If one computer is compromised, all your computers become vulnerable. Use a unique password on each device, or use a password manager to keep track of different passwords across all your devices.