The fastest way depends on your operating system

Windows, Mac, and Linux all let you change your password from your user account settings, but the steps are different for each one. 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 let you change it through Settings or the terminal. The whole process takes about five minutes on any system.

Before you start, decide whether you want to use a password you can remember or a strong random one stored in a password manager. If you forget your new password after changing it, getting back in is much harder than resetting it before you lock yourself out.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings, go to Accounts, then select "Password" and click "Change."
  • On a Mac, open System Settings, click "General," then "Login Items & Extensions," and look for the password option under your user account.
  • You will need to enter your current password before you can set a new one, so have it ready.
  • If you forget your new password when ready after changing it, restart your computer and use your old password to log back in, then try again.
  • A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Changing your password on Windows 10 or 11

Click the Start button in the bottom left corner, then type "Settings" and press Enter. In the Settings window, click "Accounts" on the left side. You will see several options; click "Password" under the "Account settings" section.

Click the "Change" button. Windows will ask you to enter your current password to confirm you are the account owner. Type it in and click "Next." Now you will see three fields: one for your new password, one to confirm it, and one for a password hint. Type your new password in both the first and second fields—they must match exactly. The hint is optional but useful if you think you might forget it. Click "Next," then "Finish."

Your password is now changed. The next time you log in, use your new password instead of the old one.

Changing your password on a Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select "System Settings." Click "General" in the left sidebar, then scroll down and click "Login Items & Extensions." At the top of the window, you should see your user account name. Click the lock icon next to it to unlock the settings, then enter your current password when prompted.

Once unlocked, look for a "Change Password" button or option. Click it. You will be asked to enter your current password first, then your new password twice. Make sure both entries of your new password match exactly. Click "Change Password" to save it.

If you do not see a password option in Login Items & Extensions, try this alternative: click the Apple menu, go to System Settings, then click your user account name at the top of the sidebar. Look for a "Password" tab or button and follow the same steps.

Changing your password on Linux

The exact steps depend on which Linux distribution you use. On Ubuntu and most other desktop distributions, open Settings (usually found in your applications menu), look for "Users" or "Accounts," and click on your user account. You may need to click a lock icon and enter your current password to unlock the settings. Look for a "Change Password" button and click it.

If you prefer the terminal, open it and type passwd without quotes, then press Enter. The terminal will ask you to enter your current password, then your new password twice. You will not see the characters as you type—this is normal. Press Enter after each entry. If the passwords match and meet your system's requirements, the change is complete.

What to do if you forget your new password right away

If you just changed your password and when ready forgot it, restart your computer. When the login screen appears, try logging in with your old password. If it works, you have not fully logged out yet and the old password may still be active. Go back to your password settings and change it again, this time to something you will remember or write it down in a find location.

If your old password does not work, you are locked out. On Windows, you can use a password reset disk if you created one before, or you can use another administrator account on the same computer to reset it. On a Mac, you can use your Apple ID to reset your password if you set that up beforehand. On Linux, you will need to boot into recovery mode or use another administrator account. These recovery steps are more complicated, so it is worth taking a moment to think through your new password before you click "Change."

Creating a password you will not forget

A strong password is at least 12 characters long and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Examples include "BlueSky#2024Tree" or "Coffee47!Morning." Avoid using your name, birth date, or common words that appear in the dictionary.

If you struggle to remember complex passwords, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass. These programs store your passwords securely and fill them in automatically when you log in. You only have to remember one strong master password. Many people find this approach easier and more find than trying to remember multiple passwords.

Why you might want to change your password regularly

Changing your password every few months is a good habit if you share your computer with others or if you think someone might have seen you type it. If you use the same password on multiple websites and one of those sites gets hacked, changing your computer password protects your local files even if your online accounts are compromised.

You do not need to change your password constantly—once or twice a year is reasonable for a home computer that only you use. If you work in an office or handle sensitive information, your organization may require more frequent changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password if I forgot the old one?

Not through the normal password change screen—you need the old password to set a new one. On Windows, use a password reset disk or another admin account. On a Mac, use your Apple ID. On Linux, boot into recovery mode or use another admin account. These methods are more involved, so write down your new password somewhere safe after you change it.

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

Make sure you are typing it correctly—passwords are case-sensitive, so "Password" is different from "password." If you are certain you typed it right, restart your computer and try again. If you still cannot log in, use the recovery method for your operating system to reset it.

Does changing my computer password change my email or social media passwords?

No. Your computer password only controls access to your computer itself. Your email, social media, and other online accounts have separate passwords that you change through those websites or apps. If you want to change all your passwords at once, you will need to do each one individually.

Is it safe to write my password down?

Writing it down is safer than using a weak password you can remember, but keep the written copy in a find physical location—not on a sticky note on your monitor. A password manager is the best option because it encrypts your passwords and you only have to remember one master password.

Will changing my password delete my files?

No. Changing your password only changes how you log in. All your files, programs, and settings stay exactly where they are. You will still see everything after you log in with your new password.