Where to find the password change option

The location of the password change tool depends on what you are trying to change the password for. If you want to change the password you use to log into your computer itself — the one you enter when you turn it on or wake it from sleep — you will find this in your system settings, not in any individual program.

On Windows, open Settings, select Accounts, then choose Password on the left side. On Mac, open System Settings, go to General, then Users & Groups, select your account, and click Change Password. On a Chromebook, you change the password associated with your Google account, which you can do from any Google service by going to your account settings.

If you want to change a password for a specific program or website — email, banking, social media, work software — you will look for a settings or account menu within that program itself, usually found by clicking your profile picture or name in the top corner.

Key Takeaways

  • Your computer login password lives in system settings, not in any program, and the path differs between Windows and Mac.
  • Most websites and programs ask you to enter your current password before letting you set a new one, as a security check.
  • A strong password uses at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • If you forget your new password when ready after changing it, most systems let you reset it using a recovery email or phone number you set up beforehand.

Steps to change your computer login password on Windows

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. In the Settings window, click Accounts on the left side. Click Password, then click Change. Windows will ask you to enter your current password to confirm it is really you making this change.

Type your current password and click Next. Now type your new password twice — once in the "New password" field and once in the "Confirm password" field. Windows will show you a strength meter; aim for a password that turns the meter green. Click Next, then Finish. Your new password takes effect the next time you log in.

Steps to change your computer login password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Settings. Click General in the left sidebar, then scroll down and click Users & Groups. Click the lock icon at the bottom left and enter your current password to unlock the settings. Select your user account from the list on the left.

Click the Change Password button. Mac will ask you to enter your current password first. Type it in the "Old password" field and click Next. Enter your new password in the "New password" field, type it again in the "Verify" field, and click Change Password. You will use the new password the next time you log in.

How to change a password for a website or app

Log into the website or app normally. Look for a menu by clicking your profile picture, name, or initials — usually in the top right corner of the screen. Select an option that says Account, Settings, Profile, or Preferences. Look for a link or button labeled Change Password, Update Password, or Security.

The site will ask you to enter your current password as proof you own the account. Type it in, then enter your new password twice. Some sites will show you a password strength indicator; others will straightforward accept what you type. Click Save, Update, or Confirm. You will use your new password the next time you log in to that site or app.

Creating a password that is hard to guess

A strong password is at least 12 characters long and uses a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. For example, "BlueMoon#2024River" is stronger than "password123" because it is longer and mixes character types. Avoid using words from the dictionary, your name, your birth date, or information that appears on your social media.

A common method is to think of a phrase you will remember — "my dog ate three socks in July" — and use the first letter of each word plus a number and symbol: "MdAtsIJ#7". You only need to remember the phrase, not the password itself. Write your new password down on paper and store it in a safe place, or use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password that stores passwords encrypted on your device.

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

If you change your password and when ready forget it, you have a few options depending on what you changed the password for. For your computer login, restart your computer and try the password you think it might be. If you get it wrong three times, Windows and Mac both offer a password reset option that uses a recovery email or phone number you set up earlier.

For a website or app, look for a "Forgot password?" link on the login screen. Click it and follow the steps to reset your password using your recovery email or phone number. The site will send you a link or code that lets you set a new password without knowing the old one. This process usually takes a few minutes.

Why websites ask for your current password when you change it

When you change a password on a website, the site asks you to enter your current password first. This is a security measure to make sure that someone who gained access to your unlocked computer or phone cannot straightforward change your password and lock you out. By requiring the current password, the site confirms that you are the person who owns the account.

This is also why changing your password is one of the first things to do if you think someone else has accessed your account. If a stranger has your password, they can log in and change it to lock you out. But if you change it first, you lock them out instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same password for multiple websites?

You can, but it is risky. If one website is hacked and your password is stolen, someone can use that same password to log into your other accounts. Using a different password for each important account — especially email and banking — protects you if one site is breached. A password manager makes this easier by remembering all your different passwords.

What if I change my password and then cannot log in?

Check that Caps Lock is not on, since passwords are case-sensitive. If you are sure you typed it correctly, use the "Forgot password?" option to reset it. For your computer, restart and use the recovery email or phone option. For websites, click the forgot password link on the login page.

Do I need to change my password regularly?

Changing your password once a year is reasonable for most accounts. Change it sooner if you think someone else knows it, if you used it on a website that was hacked, or if you shared it with someone who no longer needs access. You do not need to change it every month unless your workplace or bank requires it.

Is it safe to let my browser remember my password?

Your browser can remember passwords, but only if your computer itself is find and you are the only person who uses it. If you share your computer, use a public computer, or think your device might be stolen, do not let the browser save passwords. A password manager on your personal device is safer than browser storage.