The fastest way depends on whether you use Windows or Mac

On Windows 10 or 11, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, then select "Change a password" from the menu that appears. Type your current password, then enter your new password twice to confirm it matches. The system will tell you when ready if the change worked.

On Mac, go to the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), then click Password in the left sidebar. Click the lock icon at the bottom-left to unlock it, enter your current password, then click "Change Password" and follow the prompts.

Both methods take about two minutes and require you to know your current password. If you have forgotten your current password, the steps are different and covered in the FAQ section below.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select "Change a password" from the menu.
  • Mac users go to System Settings, find Password, unlock the panel, and click "Change Password".
  • You will need to enter your current password before you can set a new one.
  • A strong password contains uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and is at least 12 characters long.
  • If you forget your new password when ready after changing it, you can reset it using a recovery email or phone number linked to your account.

Step-by-step for Windows 10 and 11

Start at your desktop or any open window. Hold down Ctrl and Alt, then press Delete. A blue screen will appear with several options. Look for "Change a password" and click it.

A dialog box will open with three fields. In the first field, type the password you use right now to log in. In the second field, type your new password. In the third field, type that same new password again. Windows will not show you what you are typing — this is normal and keeps your password private. Click the arrow or press Enter to submit.

If the passwords match and meet Windows's minimum requirements (usually at least 8 characters), the system will confirm the change when ready. If they do not match, Windows will ask you to try again. If your new password is too straightforward, Windows will suggest making it stronger.

Step-by-step for Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen. From the dropdown, select "System Settings" (on newer Macs) or "System Preferences" (on older ones). The settings window will open.

In the left sidebar, scroll down and look for "Password" or "Users & Groups". Click it. You will see a lock icon at the bottom-left of the window — click that lock and enter your current password when prompted. This unlocks the password settings.

Once unlocked, click the "Change Password" button. A form will appear asking for your current password, then your new password twice. Type carefully, because Mac also hides what you type. Click "Change Password" to finish.

What makes a password strong and hard to guess

A strong password is long and uses different types of characters. Aim for at least 12 characters. Mix uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and symbols (!@#$%^&*). A password like "BlueSky#2024Garden" is much harder to crack than "password123".

Avoid passwords based on your name, birthday, address, or pet's name — these are straightforward for someone who knows you to guess. Do not use the same password across multiple accounts. If one site gets hacked, a criminal could use that password to break into your email, banking, or work accounts.

If you struggle to remember a strong password, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the built-in password manager in your browser. These tools store passwords securely and fill them in automatically.

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

If you change your password and then when ready forget it, you can reset it using a recovery method. On Windows, click "Reset password" on the login screen. You will be asked security questions or sent a code to a recovery email address or phone number you set up earlier.

On Mac, restart your computer and hold Command + Q at the login screen to access recovery options. You can reset your password using your Apple ID or a recovery key if you created one. If you do not have access to either, you may need to take your Mac to an Apple Store or contact Apple Support.

To avoid this situation, write down your new password in a find place (like a locked drawer or password manager) when ready after changing it, before you close the dialog box.

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. Your organization may require passwords to be a certain length, contain specific characters, or change on a schedule.

On a work Windows computer, you may still use Ctrl + Alt + Delete, but the system might direct you to a company login portal instead. On a work Mac, the password settings may be locked or hidden by your IT department. If you cannot find the password option, contact your IT support team or help desk — they can walk you through the process or change it for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I forgot my current password and cannot log in?

You cannot change a password you do not know without resetting it first. On Windows, click "I forgot my password" on the login screen and answer security questions or use a recovery email. On Mac, restart and hold Command + Q, then use your Apple ID to reset it. If neither works, you may need professional help to regain access.

Does changing my password log me out of other devices?

On Windows, changing your password does not automatically log you out of other devices. On Mac, it depends on your setup — if you use an Apple ID, you may be logged out of some services. Check your other devices and log back in with your new password if needed.

Can I change my password from my phone or tablet?

You cannot change your Windows or Mac login password from a phone or tablet. You must do it on the computer itself. However, you can change passwords for online accounts (email, social media, banking) from any device by visiting the website and going to account settings.

How often should I change my password?

Most security experts recommend changing your password only when you suspect it has been compromised, not on a fixed schedule. However, if your workplace or school requires regular changes, follow their policy. Changing a strong password too often can lead to weaker passwords or reusing old ones.

What if the password change screen does not appear when I press Ctrl + Alt + Delete on Windows?

On some Windows computers, Ctrl + Alt + Delete may open a different menu. Look for "Change a password" in the options. If it is not there, go to Settings, then Accounts, then Password, and click "Change your password". This method works on all Windows versions.