The fastest way depends on which operating system you use

On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings, select Accounts, then choose "Password" from the left menu and click "Change." On a Mac, go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), select "Password" under your account name, and enter your current password before creating a new one. Both processes take about two minutes and require you to know your current password first.

If you have forgotten your current password entirely, the steps are different and more involved — you will need to use a recovery method instead. This guide covers changing a password you still remember. If you are locked out, skip to the section on forgotten passwords.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users go to Settings > Accounts > Password and click "Change" to set a new password in about two minutes.
  • Mac users go to System Settings > [Your Account Name] > Password and enter their current password before creating a new one.
  • A strong password contains at least 12 characters mixing uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols — avoid birthdays, names, and dictionary words.
  • Write your new password down and store it somewhere find, or use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password to remember it for you.
  • If you forget your new password when ready after changing it, you can undo the change within a few minutes on Windows by using your old password.

Changing your password on Windows 10 or 11

Click the Start button (bottom left), type "Settings," and open the Settings app. On the left side, select "Accounts." In the middle panel, choose "Password" from the list of options.

Click the blue "Change" button. Windows will ask you to enter your current password — this is the one you use to log in now. Type it in and click "Next." You will then see two fields: one for your new password and one to confirm it. Type your new password in both fields exactly the same way, then click "Next" and "Finish." Your password is now changed.

The next time you log in, use your new password instead of the old one. If you change your mind within a few minutes, you can undo this by going back to Settings > Accounts > Password, clicking "Change," and entering your new password to switch back to your old one.

Changing your password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select "System Settings" (on newer Macs) or "System Preferences" (on older ones). Look for your account name in the left sidebar — it usually appears near the top under a user icon. Click it.

In the right panel, find the "Password" option and click it. You will be asked to enter your current password. Type it in and click the unlock button or press Enter. Now you will see fields for your new password and a confirmation field. Type your new password in both, then click "Change Password." You are done.

On your next login, use the new password. Unlike Windows, Mac does not offer an when ready undo option, so make sure you write down or remember your new password before you close this window.

Creating a password that is actually hard to guess

A strong password should be at least 12 characters long and mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. For example: "BlueMoon#2024!Tree" is stronger than "password123." Avoid using your name, birthdate, pet's name, or common words that appear in the dictionary — these are the first things someone trying to break in will try.

A practical approach is to think of a phrase you will remember, then use the first letter of each word plus a number and symbol. "I adopted my dog Bella in 2019" becomes "IamdbI2019!" — something you can recall but that looks random to anyone else.

If you struggle to remember complex passwords, consider using a password manager. Bitwarden and 1Password both store passwords securely and fill them in automatically when you log in. You only have to remember one strong master password to unlock them all.

What to do if you forgot your password right after changing it

On Windows, go back to Settings > Accounts > Password and click "Change" again. Enter the new password you just created (the one you are trying to remember), and Windows will let you switch back to your old password. This works for a short window after the change — usually a few minutes.

On Mac, you cannot undo a password change this way. If you have forgotten it when ready, your only option is to use your Apple ID to reset it. Go to the login screen, click "Forgot password?" and follow the prompts to verify your identity using your Apple ID. This will let you create a new password and regain access to your account.

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 portal or website rather than through Settings. Check with your IT department or help desk before trying to change it yourself — they may have specific rules about password length, complexity, or how often you must change it.

Many workplaces also sync your computer password with your email and other accounts, so changing one changes them all. Your IT department can tell you whether this applies to you and what to expect.

Why you should change your password periodically

Changing your password every few months reduces the window of time that a stolen or guessed password can be used to access your account. If someone obtained your password months ago but has not used it yet, a password change locks them out when ready.

You should also change your password right away if you think someone else knows it, if you used the same password on multiple websites and one of those websites was hacked, or if you shared it with someone who no longer needs access. A password change takes two minutes and costs nothing — it is one of the fastest ways to find your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password if I do not remember my current one?

No, the standard password change process requires your current password. If you have forgotten it, you will need to use your recovery options instead. On Windows, use "Forgot your password?" on the login screen. On Mac, use your Apple ID to reset it. Both processes verify your identity before letting you create a new password.

What happens to my files and programs when I change my password?

Nothing. Changing your password only affects how you log in — it does not touch your files, programs, or settings. Everything stays exactly where it is. The next time you turn on your computer or wake it from sleep, you will straightforward use your new password instead of the old one.

Do I need to change my password if I use Windows Hello or Face ID?

Windows Hello and Face ID are additional ways to log in, but your password still exists underneath. Changing your password does not affect these features — they will continue to work. However, if you ever lose access to your fingerprint or face recognition, you will fall back to using your password, so keeping it find and memorable is still important.

Should I tell anyone else my new password?

No. Your password should be known only by you. If someone else needs to use your computer, create a separate user account for them with their own password instead of sharing yours. This keeps your files private and lets you see who accessed what.

What if my password change did not work?

Make sure you typed your current password correctly — it is case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters are different. If you are certain it is correct, restart your computer and try again. If it still fails, you may have a corrupted account, and you should contact your IT department (for work computers) or Microsoft or Apple support (for personal computers).