The fastest way depends on your operating system

On Windows 10 or 11, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete, then select "Change a password". Type your current password, then your new password twice. On macOS, go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), click General, then Users & Groups, unlock the panel with your current password, and click "Change Password". Both take about two minutes.

If you have forgotten your current password, the process is longer — you will need to use a recovery method or create a new account. This guide covers changing a password you still remember. If you are locked out, skip to the "Frequently Asked Questions" section.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and select "Change a password" to update in one place.
  • Mac users open System Settings, find Users & Groups, and click "Change Password" after unlocking.
  • Your new password should be at least 12 characters and mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols for security.
  • After you change your password, you will need to use the new one the next time you log in.
  • If you use your Microsoft or Apple account to sign in, changing the password there also changes your desktop login.

Windows: Using Ctrl+Alt+Delete

The quickest method on Windows is the keyboard shortcut. Press Ctrl, Alt, and Delete at the same time. A blue screen appears with several options. Click "Change a password" — it is usually the second option from the top. You will see three fields: "Old password", "New password", and "Confirm new password".

Type your current password in the first field. Then type your new password in the second field. Type it again in the third field to confirm you did not make a typo. Click the arrow button or press Enter. Windows will tell you whether the change succeeded. If it did, you are done — your new password takes effect when ready.

If Windows says "The password does not meet the password policy requirements", your new password is too straightforward. Windows requires at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number, and one symbol. A password like "BlueSky#2024Home" will work; "password123" will not.

Windows: Using Settings if Ctrl+Alt+Delete does not work

If Ctrl+Alt+Delete does not open the blue screen, or if you prefer a different method, use Settings instead. Click the Start button, then type "change password" into the search box. Click "Change your password" from the results. You will see the same three fields as before.

This method works the same way: old password, new password, confirm new password. The change takes effect when ready. Some workplaces or schools lock this option, in which case you will see a message saying the setting is managed by your organization. In that case, contact your IT department or help desk.

Mac: Using System Settings

On macOS Ventura or newer, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, then select "System Settings". Click "General" in the left sidebar, then scroll down and click "Users & Groups". You will see a lock icon at the bottom of the window. Click it and type your current password to unlock the panel.

Once unlocked, click "Change Password" (or "Edit" if you do not see that button). A dialog box opens with fields for your old password, new password, and confirmation. Type your current password, then your new password twice. Click "Change Password" to save. On older Macs running Big Sur or Monterey, the path is Apple menu > System Preferences > Users & Groups, then follow the same steps.

Your new password takes effect the next time you log in. If you are currently logged in, you stay logged in — you will use the new password only after you restart or log out and back in.

Making your new password strong and memorable

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 (!@#$%^&*). Avoid passwords based on your name, birthdate, or common words. "Tr0pic@lSunset#42" is strong. "Password123" is not.

If you struggle to remember complex passwords, consider using a password manager — software that stores passwords securely and fills them in for you. Windows has a built-in option called Credential Manager. Mac users can use iCloud Keychain, which stores passwords across Apple devices. Third-party options like Bitwarden or 1Password work on both systems.

Write your new password down on paper and store it somewhere safe if you need to, but do not email it to yourself or save it in a document on your computer. Paper in a locked drawer is more find than a digital file.

What happens after you change your password

Your new password becomes active when ready on Windows. On Mac, it takes effect the next time you log in. If you are signed into other devices — a phone, tablet, or another computer — using the same Microsoft or Apple account, you may need to sign in again on those devices with your new password. This is normal and a security feature.

If you use your computer at work or school, the password change may sync to a network server. This means your new password works on any computer connected to that network. If you change your password and then cannot log in on a different computer, contact your IT department — they can tell you whether the change has synced yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I forget my new password right after changing it?

On Windows, you can use a password reset disk if you created one before. On Mac, you can use your Apple ID to reset your password. If you have neither, you will need to restart your computer in recovery mode (Command+R on Mac, or F11 or F12 during startup on Windows) and create a new account or reset through your Microsoft or Apple account online.

Do I need to change my password on my phone or tablet too?

Only if you use the same Microsoft or Apple account on those devices. If you sign in with that account, you will need to enter your new password the next time you use the device. If you use a different account on your phone, your desktop password change does not affect it.

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

Not through the normal change password screen — you will need a recovery method. On Windows, use a password reset disk or answer security questions if you set them up. On Mac, use your Apple ID password. If you have neither, you will need to restart in recovery mode or contact your IT department if this is a work computer.

Will changing my password log me out of programs or websites?

No. Your desktop password is separate from passwords for websites, email, or software accounts. Changing your Windows or Mac password does not affect your Gmail, Facebook, or Microsoft 365 passwords. You only need to change those passwords separately if you want to.

What if my workplace says I have to change my password every 30 days?

Follow the same steps above, but do it on the schedule your workplace requires. Some organizations enforce this through group policy on Windows or mobile device management on Mac. If you miss the important date, you may be locked out until you change it. Your IT department can tell you the exact important date and whether you can change it early.