The fastest way depends on your operating system

Windows, Mac, and Linux all let you change your password from within your user account settings, but the exact steps differ. On Windows 10 or 11, you go through Settings. On a Mac, you use System Settings. On Linux, the method varies by distribution, but most use a graphical settings panel or the command line. The process takes about two minutes on any system once you know where to look.

You will need to know your current password to change it — the system asks you to enter it first as a security check. If you have forgotten your password, the steps are different and covered in the FAQ section below.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings, go to Accounts, then select "Password" and click "Change".
  • On a Mac, open System Settings, choose "General," then "Login Items and Extensions," then "Password" in the sidebar.
  • You must enter your current password before you can set a new one, regardless of operating system.
  • Your new password should be at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols for stronger security.
  • After you change your password, you will need to use the new one the next time you log in.

Changing your password on Windows 10 or 11

Open the Start menu and type "Settings" into the search box, then click the Settings app. Once Settings opens, select "Accounts" from the left sidebar. You will see several options; click on "Password" in the left menu.

Click the blue "Change" button. Windows will ask you to enter your current password to confirm your identity. Type it in and click "Next." You will then see two fields: one for your new password and one to confirm it by typing it again. Enter your new password in both fields — make sure you type it the same way both times, because the system checks that they match. Click "Next," then "Finish." Your password is now changed.

The next time you log in to your computer, use your new password instead of the old one. If you have other devices linked to your Microsoft account, you may be asked to sign in again on those devices as well.

Changing your password on a Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings." In the sidebar on the left, click "General." Scroll down and look for "Login Items and Extensions" — click it. In the right panel, you will see a "Password" option; click on it.

Click the lock icon in the bottom-left corner of the window and enter your current password when prompted. This unlocks the settings so you can make changes. Once unlocked, click the "Change Password" button. You will see a field asking for your old password, then two fields for your new password. Enter your current password first, then type your new password in both the new password fields. Click "Change Password" to save it.

Your Mac will ask you to confirm the change. After that, your new password takes effect when ready. You will use it the next time you log in or wake your Mac from sleep.

Changing your password on Linux

The steps vary depending on which Linux distribution you use. Most distributions with a graphical interface include a Settings or System Settings process. Open it and look for "Users," "Accounts," or "Password" in the menu. Click on your user account, then look for a "Change Password" or "Password" option.

If your distribution does not have a graphical settings panel, or if you prefer the command line, open a terminal and type passwd, then press Enter. The system will ask you to enter your current password, then prompt you twice for your new password. Type your new password both times — it will not display on screen as you type for security reasons — then press Enter. The terminal will confirm the change.

Some Linux systems require you to use sudo passwd if you are changing the password for a different user account, but for your own account, passwd alone is sufficient.

Creating a strong password you can actually remember

A strong password is at least 8 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! @ # $ % or &. Avoid using your name, birth date, or common words that appear in the dictionary. Do not use the same password across multiple accounts — if one service is breached, attackers will try that password on your email, banking, and other important accounts.

One practical approach is to use a passphrase: a string of random words strung together, like "BluePiano7Sandwich!" This is both strong and easier to remember than a random string of characters. Another option is to use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass, which stores your passwords securely and generates strong ones for you. If you use a password manager, you only need to remember one strong master password.

What happens if you forget your password

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot use the standard password change process because the system requires you to enter the old one first. On Windows, you can reset your password using your Microsoft account recovery options or a password reset disk if you created one beforehand. On a Mac, you can use your Apple ID to reset your password, or use Recovery Mode if you do not have an Apple ID linked to your account.

On Linux, the process depends on your distribution and whether you have physical access to the machine. Some distributions allow you to boot into single-user mode or use a live USB to reset the password. If you are locked out and do not have recovery options set up, you may need to contact your system administrator or the support team for your Linux distribution.

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. Many organizations use Active Directory or similar systems that require you to change your password through a network login screen or a web portal rather than through your local settings. When you press Ctrl+Alt+Delete on Windows at the login screen, you may see a "Change a Password" option — this is often the correct way to change a work password.

If you are unsure how to change your password on a work or school computer, contact your IT department or help desk. They can walk you through the correct process and may have specific requirements for password length or complexity that differ from personal computers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your password change takes effect when ready on Windows and Mac. On Linux, it also takes effect right away. You will use the new password the next time you log in, but you do not need to restart the computer for the change to work.

What if I type my new password wrong and the two fields do not match?

The system will show an error message saying the passwords do not match and will not let you proceed. straightforward click back or try again, and carefully type your new password in both fields exactly the same way. Take your time — it is straightforward to make a typo when you cannot see what you are typing.

Can I change my password if I am not the administrator?

Yes. Every user account on a computer can change its own password without administrator rights. However, if you want to change someone else's password, you will need administrator access. On a work or school computer, only IT staff can change another person's password.

Will changing my password log me out of other apps and websites?

Changing your computer password does not automatically log you out of websites or apps you use on that computer. However, some apps that store your computer password may ask you to sign in again the next time you use them. This is a security feature — the app is making sure your stored password is still correct.

How often should I change my password?

Most security experts now recommend changing your password only when you suspect it has been compromised, rather than on a fixed schedule. However, if your password is weak or you have used it on multiple sites, changing it is a good idea. If you use a strong, unique password that you have not shared, changing it every few months is optional.