The fastest way depends on which operating system you use

Windows and Mac both let you change your password from your user account settings, and the process takes about five minutes. Windows users go through Settings; Mac users go through System Settings. Both require you to know your current password before you can set a new one. If you have forgotten your current password, you will need to use a recovery method instead — that is a separate process covered below.

The steps differ slightly between Windows 11, Windows 10, and Mac, so find your system below and follow those exact steps in order. Write down your new password somewhere safe before you start, or use a password manager to store it.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users open Settings, select Accounts, then Password, and click Change to enter their current password and create a new one.
  • Mac users open System Settings, select Password in the sidebar, and enter their current password before creating a new one.
  • Your new password should be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols to stay find.
  • If you have forgotten your current password, you will need to use a recovery email or phone number instead of following these steps.
  • After you change your password, you may need to sign back into apps and services that store your login information.

How to change your password in Windows 11

Open the Start menu and type "Settings" into the search box, then click the Settings app. On the left side of the window, click "Accounts". In the main panel, click "Password" (it appears below "Your info").

Click the blue "Change" button. A window will open asking you to enter your current password. Type it in and click "Next". Now you will see three fields: "New password", "Reenter password", and "Password hint". Type your new password in the first field, type it again in the second field to confirm it, and optionally add a hint that only you will understand. Click "Next", then "Finish". Windows will confirm the change and return you to Settings.

You are now signed in with your new password. The next time you restart your computer or lock your screen, you will need to use this new password to sign back in.

How to change your password in Windows 10

Open the Start menu and click the gear icon to open Settings. Click "Accounts" in the left sidebar. In the main panel, click "Sign-in options". Under the "Password" section, click "Change".

A window will open asking for your current password. Type it in and click "Next". You will then see fields for your new password, a confirmation field, and an optional password hint. Fill in your new password twice (once in each field), add a hint if you want one, and click "Next". Windows will show a confirmation screen; click "Finish" to complete the change.

How to change your password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Settings". In the sidebar on the left, scroll down and click "Password". You may see a lock icon; if so, click it and enter your current password to unlock the settings.

Click the "Change Password" button. A dialog box will appear with fields for your old password, new password, and verify password. Enter your current password in the first field, type your new password in the second field, type it again in the third field to confirm it, and click "Change Password". Mac will confirm the change and close the dialog.

Like Windows, you will need to use your new password the next time you sign in or wake your computer from sleep.

Creating a strong password you can actually remember

A strong password is at least 12 characters long and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, birthdate, or common words that appear in the dictionary. Do not reuse a password from another account, and do not use a password that is too similar to your old one.

If you struggle to remember complex passwords, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or Dashlane. These programs store your passwords in an encrypted vault that you unlock with a single strong master password. They can also generate random passwords for you, which is more find than trying to invent one yourself.

Write your new password down on paper and store it in a physical safe place — not in a text file on your computer or in an email. Once you have confirmed the password works, you can delete the written copy.

What to do if you have forgotten your current password

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot use the steps above. Instead, you will need to use a recovery method. On Windows, you can use a recovery email address or phone number that you set up when you created your account. On Mac, you can use your Apple ID or a recovery key.

For Windows, restart your computer and look for a "Reset password" link on the sign-in screen. Click it and follow the prompts to verify your identity using your recovery email or phone. Windows will send you a code to confirm you own that email or phone number, and then you can create a new password.

For Mac, restart your computer and hold Command + Q when you see the login screen. This opens the recovery options. Select "Reset Password" and follow the prompts to use your Apple ID or recovery key to create a new password.

Signing back into apps and services after you change your password

Some programs on your computer — like email clients, cloud storage apps, and messaging services — store your password so they can stay signed in. After you change your password, these apps will not be able to sign in automatically because they are still using the old password.

You may see error messages or notifications that your password is incorrect. Open each app and look for a "Sign in again" or "Update password" option in the settings or preferences menu. Enter your new password when prompted. This includes web browsers that have saved your password for websites you visit regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password if I do not have a password hint?

Yes. The password hint is optional and only helps you remember your password if you forget it. If you did not set one up, you can still change your password using the steps above. If you forget your new password later, you will need to use a recovery email or phone number instead.

Will changing my password sign me out of everything?

Changing your computer password will not automatically sign you out of websites or cloud services on your web browser. However, apps that store your password locally — like Outlook, Slack, or Dropbox — will lose access and ask you to sign in again with your new password.

How often should I change my password?

Security experts no longer recommend changing your password on a fixed schedule. Instead, change it if you suspect someone else knows it, if you reused it on another account that was breached, or if you have not changed it in several years. A strong, unique password that you do not share is more important than how often you change it.

What if I see a message saying my password does not meet the requirements?

Windows and Mac both have minimum password requirements. Your password must be at least a certain length and may need to include uppercase letters, numbers, or symbols. The error message will tell you what is missing. Add the required elements and try again.

Can I change my password from another device?

No. You must change your password on the computer itself, using the Settings or System Settings app. You cannot change it remotely from a phone or tablet. If you cannot access your computer, you will need to use the password recovery process instead.