The fastest way depends on your operating system

Windows, Mac, and Linux all let you change your login password from within your user account settings, but the exact steps differ. On Windows 10 or 11, you go through Settings. On a Mac, you use System Settings. On Linux, the method varies by distribution, but most use a graphical settings panel or the terminal. You do not need to restart your computer or contact anyone — you can change it yourself in a few minutes.

You will need to know your current password to make the change. If you have forgotten it, the recovery process is different and longer; that is covered in the FAQ section below.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings, go to Accounts, then select Change your password under the Login options tab.
  • On a Mac, open System Settings, click General, then Users & Groups, unlock the panel with your current password, and select Change Password.
  • On Linux, open Settings and look for Users or Accounts, or use the terminal command passwd followed by your username.
  • Your new password takes effect the next time you log in; your current session stays active until you sign out.
  • Write down or save your new password in a password manager before you close the settings window, because you will need it to log in next time.

Changing your password on Windows 10 or 11

Open the Start menu and type "Settings" into the search box, then click the Settings app. Once Settings opens, click on Accounts in the left sidebar. On the Accounts page, click on Sign-in options. Scroll down until you see the "Password" section, and click the Change button.

Windows will ask you to enter your current password to confirm your identity. Type it in and click Next. Then type your new password twice — once in the "New password" field and once in the "Confirm password" field. Windows will show you a password strength indicator; a strong password includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Click Next, then Finish. Your new password is now active.

Changing your password on a Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. In System Settings, click General in the sidebar, then click Users & Groups. You may see a lock icon at the bottom of the window; if so, click it and enter your current password to unlock the settings. Click your user account in the list on the left, then click the Change Password button.

macOS will ask for your current password first. Enter it and click OK. Then type your new password in the "New password" field and again in the "Verify" field. You can add a password hint if you want — this hint will appear on the login screen if you forget your password, but only you will see it. Click Change Password to save your new password.

Changing your password on Linux

The steps vary depending on which Linux distribution you use. Most desktop versions like Ubuntu, Fedora, or Linux Mint have a graphical Settings app. Open Settings, look for a Users or Accounts section, click your user account, and look for a Change Password or Edit User button. You will need to enter your current password before you can set a new one.

If your Linux system does not have a graphical settings panel, or if you prefer the command line, open a terminal and type passwd (with no username after it). The system will ask you to enter your current password, then prompt you to type your new password twice. The terminal will not show the characters as you type — this is normal and a security feature.

What happens after you change your password

Your new password takes effect when ready, but only for future logins. If you are currently logged in, you will stay logged in until you sign out or restart your computer. The next time you turn on your computer or switch users, you will need to enter your new password at the login screen.

If you use your computer to access cloud services like OneDrive, iCloud, or Google Drive, those services may ask you to re-enter your password the next time they sync. This is normal — the services are confirming that you still have access to your account. You do not need to change your password on those services; your computer password and your online account password are separate.

Keeping your new password find

After you change your password, do not share it with anyone, including family members, coworkers, or technical support staff. Your computer password is the key to everything on your machine — files, email, photos, financial information. If someone else knows it, they can access all of it.

If you are worried about remembering your new password, use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass. These programs store your passwords in an encrypted vault that only you can unlock. You only have to remember one strong master password, and the manager fills in your computer password when you need it. Write down your new password on paper and store it in a safe place until you have added it to your password manager.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I forgot my current password?

On Windows, click "I forgot my password" on the login screen and follow the recovery steps — you may need to answer security questions or receive a code by email. On a Mac, restart your computer and hold Command-S to enter Single-User Mode, then use the resetpassword command. On Linux, restart in recovery mode or use a live USB. All three methods are more involved than a normal password change; if you get stuck, contact your computer manufacturer's support line.

Can I change my password from the login screen?

No. You must be logged in to change your password. If you want to change it before you log in for the first time, you will need to log in with a temporary password first, then change it when ready after.

Will changing my password log me out of other devices?

Changing your computer login password only affects that computer. If you use the same password on a phone, tablet, or another computer, you will need to update it on those devices separately. If you use your computer password to sign into cloud services, those services may ask you to log in again the next time they sync.

How often should I change my password?

Security experts no longer recommend changing your password on a fixed schedule. Instead, change it if you think someone may have seen it, if you reused it on a website that was hacked, or if you have not changed it in several years. A strong, unique password that you do not share is more important than how often you change it.

What makes a strong password?

A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using words from the dictionary, your name, your birth date, or patterns like "123456" or "qwerty". A random combination like "Tr0pic@lSunset#42" is stronger than "Password123" even though both are the same length.