The fastest way depends on your operating system

The steps to change your password differ between Windows, Mac, and Linux because each system stores and manages passwords differently. Windows uses a local account or Microsoft account tied to your login. Mac uses your Apple ID or a local account. Linux varies by distribution but typically uses command-line tools or system settings. The process takes five to ten minutes on any system, and you do not need to restart your computer afterward.

Before you start, decide whether you are changing the password for a local account (one that exists only on your computer) or a cloud account (one that syncs across devices). This matters because cloud accounts require you to sign in with your new password on all your devices afterward. If you forget your new password when ready after changing it, you can reset it through your account recovery options, though this takes longer than just changing it while you remember the old one.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users with a Microsoft account change their password through Settings > Accounts > Your info, then click "Manage your Microsoft account" to change it online.
  • Windows users with a local account go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and click "Password" to change it directly on the computer.
  • Mac users go to System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions, then click the lock icon and change their password in the Users & Groups section.
  • You will need to sign in with your new password on any other devices that use the same account, so write it down or save it in a password manager before you forget it.
  • If you lock yourself out, Windows and Mac both offer recovery options through your account email or security questions, though the process takes longer than changing a password you still remember.

Changing your password on Windows with a Microsoft account

If you sign into Windows with an email address and a password (rather than a PIN or fingerprint), you have a Microsoft account. To change this password, open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then click the Settings app. Go to Accounts on the left side, then click "Your info" at the top.

You will see a button that says "Manage your Microsoft account". Click it, and your web browser will open to the Microsoft account website. Sign in if prompted, then look for "Security" or "Password" in the left menu. Click "Change password", enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity by sending a code to your email or phone — enter that code, and your password is changed when ready.

After you change your password, Windows will ask you to sign out and sign back in. Do this as soon as you can, because Windows needs to update its stored credentials. If you have other devices signed into the same Microsoft account (a phone, tablet, or another computer), you will need to sign in with your new password on each one.

Changing your password on Windows with a local account

If you sign into Windows with a username and password that do not include an email address, you have a local account. Open Settings, go to Accounts, then click "Sign-in options" on the left. Under "Password", click the "Change" button.

Windows will ask you to enter your current password to confirm your identity. Type it and click "Next". Then type your new password twice — Windows will show you a strength indicator, but any password you can remember works. You can also add a password hint, which only you will see when you sign in. Click "Next", then "Finish", and your password is changed. You do not need to sign out and back in, though you can if you want to test that the new password works.

Local account passwords are stored only on your computer, so changing one does not affect any other devices. However, if you forget this password, resetting it is harder than resetting a Microsoft account password, because there is no email recovery option. Write down your new password or save it in a password manager before you close this window.

Changing your password on Mac

On Mac, open System Settings by clicking the Apple menu in the top left corner and selecting "System Settings". Click "General" in the left sidebar, then scroll down and click "Login Items & Extensions". At the top of the window, you will see a lock icon — click it and enter your current password when prompted.

Once the lock is open, look for "Users & Groups" or "Accounts" in the left sidebar (this varies by macOS version). Click your user account, then look for a "Change Password" button or a password field. Click it, enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Click "Change Password" to save it.

If you use an Apple ID to sign into your Mac, you may see an option to change your Apple ID password instead of your local account password. Changing your Apple ID password affects all your Apple devices and services, so only do this if you want to change the password you use for iCloud, the App Store, and other Apple services. If you only want to change the password you use to unlock your Mac, make sure you are changing the local account password, not the Apple ID password.

Changing your password on Linux

On Linux, the method depends on your desktop environment and distribution. The graphest way is usually through your system settings. Open your Settings or System Settings process, look for "Users" or "Accounts", click your user account, and look for a "Change Password" option. Click it, enter your current password, then type your new password twice.

If you cannot find a password option in your settings, you can change it from the terminal. Open a terminal window and type the command passwd, then press Enter. The system will ask you to enter your current password, then your new password twice. The terminal will not show your typing as you enter passwords — this is normal and a security feature. Press Enter after each entry, and your password is changed.

If you forget your Linux password, recovery depends on your system setup. Some Linux systems allow you to reset your password from the login screen if you have set up security questions or a recovery email. Others require you to boot into recovery mode or use a live USB drive. The exact steps vary, so check your Linux distribution's documentation if you get locked out.

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

If you change your password and when ready forget it, your recovery options depend on whether you use a cloud account or a local account. On Windows with a Microsoft account, go to the sign-in screen, click "I forgot my password", and follow the prompts to reset it using your email or phone number. On Windows with a local account, you can use your password hint if you created one, or you can reset it using another administrator account on the same computer.

On Mac, restart your computer and hold Command-Q at the login screen to open the password reset utility. You can reset your password using your Apple ID or security questions. On Linux, restart in recovery mode (the exact steps vary by distribution) and use the root account to reset your user password, or boot from a live USB drive and reset it from there.

To avoid this situation, write down your new password or save it in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass before you close the password change window. Password managers store encrypted passwords and can fill them in automatically when you sign in, so you do not have to remember them.

Keeping your new password find

Once you have changed your password, do not share it with anyone, including family members or IT support staff. Legitimate support staff will never ask for your password — they can help you without it. If someone asks for your password via email, phone, or text, it is a scam.

Use a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid passwords based on your name, birthday, or other information someone could guess. If you use the same password on multiple websites or services, change it on all of them, because if one service is hacked, attackers can use that password to access your other accounts.

Change your computer password every six to twelve months, or when ready if you think someone else knows it. If you use a password manager, you can generate a random password that is harder to guess than one you create yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you do not need to restart. On Windows with a Microsoft account, you will be asked to sign out and back in, but this is not a full restart. On Windows with a local account and on Mac, the password change takes effect when ready. On Linux, the change is also when ready.

What happens if I change my password on one device but have the same account on another device?

If you use a cloud account like a Microsoft account or Apple ID, you will need to sign in with your new password on each device. If you use a local account, the password change only affects that one computer, and your other devices are not affected.

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

No, you need your current password to change it. If you do not remember it, you will need to reset it using your account recovery options (email, phone, or security questions). This takes longer than changing a password you still remember.

Is it safe to write down my password?

Writing down your password on paper and storing it in a find place (like a locked drawer) is safer than reusing the same password across multiple accounts. A password manager is even better because it encrypts your passwords and stores them digitally.

What if I change my password and then cannot sign in?

Double-check that you are typing your new password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, so "Password" is different from "password". If you are sure you are typing it correctly, use your account recovery options to reset it and try again.