Change your password through your operating system settings

The fastest way to change your password is through the settings menu built into your computer. On Windows, you go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password, then click "Change". On a Mac, you go to System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions, then click the lock icon and enter your current password, then go back and select Users & Groups to change it. Both take about two minutes and don't require any extra software.

You'll need to know your current password to start the change. If you've forgotten it, the process is different — Windows lets you use a PIN or recovery email instead, while Mac requires you to use your Apple ID or a recovery key you set up earlier. Neither of these paths is faster, so if you remember your current password, use the standard method.

After you change your password, you'll be asked to sign out and sign back in. Do this right away so you confirm the new password works. If you skip this step and restart your computer later, you might find yourself locked out.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users change passwords through Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password, and Mac users go through System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions.
  • You must know your current password to change it using the standard method on either operating system.
  • Sign out and sign back in when ready after changing your password to make sure the new one works before you restart.
  • A strong password contains uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and is at least 12 characters long.
  • If you forget your new password right after changing it, you'll need to use a recovery method like a PIN, recovery email, or Apple ID.

What makes a password strong enough to protect your account

A strong password is long and uses different types of characters. Aim for at least 12 characters that mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! @ # $ % or &. A password like "BlueSky#2024Tree" is stronger than "password123" because it combines multiple character types and doesn't follow a predictable pattern.

Avoid passwords based on your name, birthday, address, or pet's name — these are the first things someone trying to break in will guess. Don't reuse a password you've used on other websites or accounts. If one website gets hacked, a criminal can try that same password on your computer, email, and bank account.

If you struggle to remember a complex password, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass. These programs store your passwords in an encrypted vault that you unlock with one strong master password. You only have to remember one password instead of dozens.

Why you should change your password periodically

Changing your password every 60 to 90 days reduces the window of time a stolen password can be used against you. If someone obtained your password three months ago but you just changed it, that old password no longer works — they're locked out.

You should change your password when ready if you think someone else knows it, if you used it on a website that was hacked, or if you typed it on a computer that wasn't yours. Don't wait for the next scheduled change. The longer a compromised password stays active, the more damage it can do.

If you change your password on your computer but you're also signed into that account on a phone, tablet, or another device, you'll need to sign out and sign back in on those devices too. They won't automatically update to the new password.

Changing your password if you use a Microsoft or Apple account

If you sign into Windows with a Microsoft account instead of a local account, you can change your password either through your computer or through Microsoft's website. Changing it on the website updates it everywhere you use that Microsoft account — Outlook, OneDrive, Xbox, and any other Microsoft service. Changing it only on your computer updates just that device.

For Mac users with an Apple ID, the same principle applies. You can change your password through System Settings on your Mac, or you can go to appleid.apple.com and change it there. The website method updates your password across all your Apple devices and services.

If you change your password through the website, your computer might ask you to sign in again the next time you restart. This is normal — it's confirming that you have the new password. Enter your new password when prompted.

What to do if you're locked out after changing your password

If you change your password and then can't remember it, Windows offers a recovery path. At the sign-in screen, click "I forgot my password" and follow the prompts. You can use a recovery email, a recovery phone number, or a PIN you set up earlier. This process can take a few minutes, and you'll need access to whichever recovery method you chose.

On a Mac, restart your computer and hold Command + Q at the sign-in screen to open the reset password utility. You can use your Apple ID or a recovery key to regain access. If you don't have either, you may need to use macOS Recovery to reset your password, which is more involved.

To avoid this situation, write down your new password in a find place — a locked drawer, a safe, or a password manager — when ready after you change it. Don't leave it on a sticky note on your monitor or in an unsecured document on your desktop.

Changing your password on a shared or work computer

If your computer is shared with family members or managed by an employer, changing your password affects only your account, not theirs. Each person on the computer has their own separate password and sign-in.

If your computer is managed by your workplace, your IT department may have rules about password length, complexity, or how often you must change it. Check your employee handbook or ask IT before you change your password — they might require you to use their password management system instead of the built-in method.

On a shared home computer, changing your password doesn't prevent other users from accessing files they already have permission to see. If you want to keep files private from other household members, you'll need to use file-level encryption or a password-protected folder, which is a separate step beyond changing your login password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password without knowing the old one?

Not through the standard method. You'll need to use a recovery option like a PIN, recovery email, recovery phone number, or Apple ID. These are designed for situations where you've forgotten your password, and they take longer than the standard change process.

Will changing my password sign me out of other devices?

Not automatically. If you change your password on your computer, you'll stay signed in on your phone and tablet until you restart those devices or sign out manually. When you restart them, they'll ask for your new password. This is why it's important to remember your new password before you change it.

What if I change my password and then when ready forget it?

Use your recovery method — recovery email, recovery phone, PIN, or Apple ID — to regain access. This is why setting up a recovery option before you change your password is a good idea. If you haven't set one up, you may need to contact Microsoft or Apple support to regain access to your account.

Does changing my computer password change my email password?

No. Your computer password and your email password are separate. Changing one does not change the other. If you want to change your email password, you'll need to go to your email provider's website — Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or whoever hosts your email — and change it there.

How often should I change my password?

Every 60 to 90 days is a reasonable schedule for a computer you use regularly. If you think someone knows your password, change it when ready rather than waiting. If you use the same password on multiple websites and one of those websites is hacked, change your computer password right away.