The fastest way depends on your operating system

Changing your password takes three to five minutes and works the same way whether you're on Windows, Mac, or Chromebook — you go into your account settings, find the password field, and replace the old one with a new one. The exact steps differ slightly by system, but the principle is identical: you prove you know the current password, then type the new one twice to make sure you didn't mistype it.

The reason you type it twice is that passwords are hidden as you type (shown as dots or asterisks), so the system needs you to confirm you meant what you entered. If the two don't match, it will ask you to try again.

Before you start, decide on a new password. A strong password is at least 12 characters long, mixes uppercase and lowercase letters, includes numbers, and uses at least one symbol like ! or #. Avoid using your name, birthdate, or common words — these are the first things someone trying to guess your password will try.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 10 or 11, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info > Password, then click Change.
  • On Mac, open System Settings > General > Password, enter your current password, then create a new one.
  • On Chromebook, click your profile picture in the bottom right, select Settings > You and your Google Account > Security, then change your Google password.
  • You will need to enter your current password before creating a new one, so have it ready.
  • Write down your new password somewhere safe, or use a password manager to store it, so you do not forget it later.

Changing your password on Windows 10 or 11

Click the Start button (the Windows logo in the bottom left corner), then type "Settings" and press Enter. When the Settings window opens, click "Accounts" on the left side of the screen.

In the Accounts menu, click "Your info" at the top of the list. You will see your account name and picture. Below that, look for a button that says "Password" — click it. Windows will ask you to enter your current password to confirm it's really you making this change. Type it in and click "Next."

Now you'll see two blank fields: one for your new password and one to confirm it. Type your new password in the first field. It will appear as dots as you type. Type the exact same password in the second field. If the two don't match, Windows will tell you and ask you to try again. Once they match, click "Next," then "Finish." Your password is now changed.

Changing your password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" if you have an older Mac). In the left sidebar, click "General." Look for a section called "Password" — it may be near the bottom of the list.

Click the lock icon next to "Password" if it appears locked. Your Mac will ask you to enter the password you use to log in to your computer. Type it and click "Unlock." Now you can click "Change Password." Your Mac will show you three fields: one for your current password, one for your new password, and one to confirm the new password.

Enter your current password in the first field, then type your new password in the second field. Type it again in the third field to confirm. Click "Change Password" when both new passwords match. Your Mac will confirm the change was successful.

Changing your password on Chromebook

Chromebooks don't store passwords the way Windows and Mac do — they use your Google Account password instead. When you change your Google password, you automatically change the password for your Chromebook.

Click your profile picture in the bottom right corner of the screen. Select "Settings." In the left sidebar, click "You and your Google Account," then click "Security." You will see a section labeled "How you sign in to Google" — click "Password" under that heading.

Google will ask you to enter your current password. Type it and click "Next." Now you'll see fields for your new password and a confirmation. Type your new password in the first field, then type it again in the second field. Click "Change Password." Google will confirm the change, and your Chromebook password is now updated.

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

If you change your password and when ready realize you mistyped it, you can reset it using your recovery email or phone number. On Windows, click "I forgot my password" on the login screen and follow the prompts to verify your identity. On Mac, restart your computer and hold Command + Q at the login screen to access recovery options. On Chromebook, click "Forgot password?" at the login screen and follow Google's recovery process.

This is why writing down your new password in a safe place — or using a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password — is worth doing before you close the settings window. A password manager stores passwords encrypted and fills them in automatically, so you never have to remember them.

Why you might want to change your password regularly

Changing your password every few months is a good habit, especially if you use the same password on multiple websites or if you've shared your computer with someone else. If you suspect someone knows your password, change it when ready.

You should also change your password if you receive an email from your computer manufacturer or Google saying there was suspicious activity on your account. These emails are usually legitimate warnings, and changing your password will lock out anyone who may have gained access.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The change takes effect when ready on Windows and Mac. On Chromebook, you may need to sign out and sign back in, but a restart is not required. You can continue using your computer right away.

What if I get an error message saying the passwords don't match?

This means the two passwords you typed were different. Passwords are hidden as you type, so it's straightforward to make a small mistake. Click the field again and retype both passwords carefully. If you're still getting an error, try typing your new password in a text editor first to make sure it's what you want, then copy and paste it into both fields.

Can I use the same password I used before?

Technically yes, but it defeats the purpose of changing your password. If you're changing it because you think someone knows it, using the old password again leaves you vulnerable. Pick something completely new.

Will changing my password log me out of other devices?

On Windows and Mac, no — changing your computer password only affects that computer. On Chromebook and Google accounts, changing your Google password will log you out of Gmail, Google Drive, and other Google services on all devices, and you'll need to sign back in with your new password.

What if I change my password but still can't log in?

Make sure you're typing the new password, not the old one. Passwords are case-sensitive, meaning uppercase and lowercase letters are different — if you typed a capital letter when you created the password, you must type it as a capital letter when logging in. If you're still stuck, use your recovery email or phone number to reset your password.