The fastest way depends on whether you use Windows or Mac

On a Windows computer, you change your password by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete, then selecting "Change a password" from the menu that appears. On a Mac, you go to System Settings, click "General," then "Login Items & Extensions," find "Password," and click the lock icon to make changes. Both take about two minutes once you're in the right place. The steps below walk you through each system in order.

You'll need to know your current password to start the change — the system asks you to type it first to confirm you're the account owner. If you've forgotten your current password, the process is different and covered in the FAQ section below.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select "Change a password" from the blue menu.
  • Mac users open System Settings, go to General, then find the password option and click the lock icon to unlock changes.
  • Both systems require you to enter your current password before creating a new one.
  • Your new password should be at least 8 characters and include a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols for security.
  • After you change your password, you'll use the new one the next time you log in or wake your computer from sleep.

Changing your password on Windows 10 or Windows 11

Start by holding down Ctrl and Alt together, then press Delete while still holding both. Your screen will go dark or show a blue menu with several options. Look for the option that says "Change a password" — it's usually the third or fourth choice on the list. Click it.

A window will open asking you to enter your current password first. Type it exactly as you normally would when logging in, then press Enter or click "Next." The system is confirming that you own this account before letting you change anything.

Next, you'll see two blank fields: one for your new password and one to confirm it. Type your new password in the first field. 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 both fields match, click the arrow or "Next" button to finish.

Windows will show a message saying your password has been changed. You can close this window. The next time you log in or wake your computer from sleep, use your new password instead of the old one.

Changing your password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, then select "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" on older Macs). A window will open showing different categories on the left side.

Look for "General" in the left menu and click it. Then look for a section called "Login Items & Extensions" or just "Login" — the exact name varies depending on your Mac's age. Within that section, find the option labeled "Password" and click the lock icon next to it. Your Mac will ask you to enter your current password to unlock this setting.

Type your current password and press Enter. Now you'll see fields for your old password, your new password, and a confirmation of your new password. Enter your current password in the first field, then type your new password in the second field. Type the same new password again in the third field to confirm it matches. Click "Change Password" when you're done.

Your Mac will confirm the change. Close the System Settings window. The next time you log in or your Mac asks for a password, use the new one.

Creating a strong password you'll actually remember

A strong password is harder for someone else to guess or crack. Aim for at least 8 characters, and mix in uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or @. For example, "BlueSky#2024" is stronger than "password" or "12345678."

The hardest part is remembering it. One method is to take a phrase you know well — like the name of your first pet and the year you got it — and turn it into a password. "Fluffy2015!" is easier to remember than a random string and still reasonably strong. Write it down on paper and store that paper somewhere safe at home, not on your computer or in an email.

Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts. If someone figures out your computer password, you don't want them to also have access to your email or bank account. If you have trouble keeping track of different passwords, consider using a password manager — a program that stores passwords securely and fills them in for you.

What to do if you're locked out of your account

If you can't remember your current password and can't log in, you'll need to reset it rather than change it. On Windows, restart your computer and look for a "Reset password" link on the login screen — you may need to answer security questions you set up when you created the account. On a Mac, restart and hold Command + Q at the login screen, then select "Forgot password?" and answer your security questions.

If you didn't set up security questions when you created the account, the process is more complicated and may require you to contact the person who set up the computer or, for a work computer, your IT department. Keep this in mind for the future — setting up security questions when you first create an account makes password recovery much faster.

Changing your password on a work or school computer

If your computer is managed by an employer or school, the password change process may be different. Some organizations require you to change your password through a separate website or portal rather than through the computer itself. Check with your IT department or help desk before trying the steps above — they may have specific instructions for your network.

Work and school computers often have password rules you must follow, such as requiring a certain length or forbidding passwords you've used before. Your IT department can tell you what those rules are. If you change your password on a work computer, remember that you may also need to update it on your phone or other devices that connect to your work email or network.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I see an error message saying my passwords don't match?

This means the new password you typed in the first field doesn't exactly match what you typed in the confirmation field. Passwords are case-sensitive, so "BlueSky2024" is different from "bluesky2024." Go back and retype both fields carefully, making sure the capitalization, numbers, and symbols are identical in both places.

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

No. Your new password takes effect when ready. The next time your computer asks for a password — when you log in, wake it from sleep, or lock the screen — use the new one. You don't need to restart unless you want to.

Can I change my password if I'm not the main account owner?

If you have a standard user account (not an administrator account), you can change your own password using the steps above. You cannot change anyone else's password. If you need to change someone else's password, that person must do it themselves, or an administrator must reset it for them.

What happens to my files if I change my password?

Your files stay exactly where they are. Changing your password only affects how you log in — it doesn't touch your documents, photos, or any other data on the computer. You'll still see all your files after you log in with your new password.

How often should I change my password?

For a personal computer at home, changing your password once a year is reasonable. For a work computer or one that stores sensitive information, your organization may require more frequent changes — ask your IT department what their policy is. If you think someone else knows your password, change it right away.