The fastest way depends on whether you use Windows or Mac

On Windows 10 or 11, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, then select "Change a password." Type your current password, then your new password twice. On a Mac running macOS, go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), click "General," then "Login Items" or search for "Change Password." You'll enter your current password and your new one twice.

Both methods take about two minutes. The main difference is that Windows uses a keyboard shortcut while Mac uses the settings menu. If you're on an older version of either system, the exact steps shift slightly, but the principle stays the same: you're proving you know the old password before the system lets you set a new one.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select "Change a password" from the menu that appears.
  • Mac users open System Settings, find the General section, and look for password or login options.
  • You must type your current password correctly before you can create a new one.
  • A strong new password should be at least 12 characters and mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
  • If you forget your password after changing it, you can reset it using a recovery email or phone number you set up beforehand.

Windows 10 and 11: Step-by-step

Hold down Ctrl and Alt at the same time, then press Delete. A blue screen appears with several options. Click "Change a password" — it's usually the third option from the top. You'll see three fields: one for your current password, and two for your new password (you type it twice so the system can confirm you didn't make a typo).

Type your current password in the first field. If you get it wrong, Windows will tell you when ready and you'll have to start over. Then type your new password in the second field. Type it again in the third field. Click the arrow or press Enter. Windows will confirm the change and return you to your desktop.

The whole process takes under two minutes. Your new password takes effect when ready — the next time you log out and back in, you'll use the new one.

Mac: Step-by-step

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, then select "System Settings" (on macOS Ventura and newer) or "System Preferences" (on older versions). In the search bar at the top, type "password" and click the result that appears. On some older Macs, you'll instead click "General" in the sidebar, then look for "Login Items" or "Users & Groups."

You'll see a section labeled "Change Password" or similar. Click it. Enter your current password in the first field, then your new password in the second field, and type it again in the third field to confirm. Click "Change Password" or the checkmark button. The system will confirm the change.

Like Windows, this takes effect when ready. You'll use your new password the next time you log in.

What makes a password actually hard to guess

A strong password is at least 12 characters long and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. "Correct-Horse-Battery-Staple-7!" is stronger than "Password123" even though the second one looks more complicated. The first one is longer and uses a pattern that's harder to predict.

Avoid passwords based on your name, birthday, address, or pet's name — these are the first things someone will try if they know you. Avoid common words or phrases, even with numbers swapped in (like "P@ssw0rd"). Avoid reusing a password you've used anywhere else, because if one site gets hacked, attackers will try that password on your other accounts.

If you're worried about remembering a long, random password, use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into Windows and Mac. These programs store your passwords securely and fill them in automatically when you log in.

What to do if you forget your new password

Before you change your password, set up a recovery method. On Windows, this means adding a recovery email address or phone number in Settings > Accounts > Security Options. On Mac, it means setting up a recovery email in System Settings > General > Login Items or in your Apple ID settings.

If you forget your password after changing it, you can use that recovery email or phone number to reset it. Windows will send you a link to create a new password. Mac will let you reset your Apple ID password, which also resets your computer password. Without a recovery method set up, you may need to reinstall your operating system or contact the manufacturer's support line.

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. Your IT department might require you to change your password through a separate portal or website rather than through the computer's settings. Some organizations require passwords to be changed every 60 or 90 days.

If you're unsure whether your computer is managed, try the standard Windows or Mac steps above. If they don't work, contact your IT support team — they can walk you through the process specific to your organization's setup.

Why you might want to change your password regularly

Changing your password doesn't protect you from a data breach at a website or service you use — if someone has already stolen your password from a hacked database, changing it won't help unless you also change it at that service. But changing your computer password makes sense if you think someone may have watched you type it, if you've used the same password on multiple sites and one of them was breached, or if you haven't changed it in several years.

You don't need to change your password every month if it's strong and unique. But if you notice suspicious activity on your computer — programs running that you didn't start, files appearing or disappearing, or unexpected login attempts — change your password when ready and consider running a malware scan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password if I'm logged in as a guest or limited user?

No. You must be logged in as the account owner or an administrator to change that account's password. If you're on a shared computer and need to change a different account's password, you'll need that account's current password or administrator access.

What if I type my current password wrong?

Both Windows and Mac will reject it and ask you to try again. You get multiple attempts — there's no lockout after a few wrong tries like there is on some websites. Take your time and make sure Caps Lock isn't on.

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

No. Your computer password only controls access to your computer. Your email, social media, and other online accounts have separate passwords that you change through those services' own settings. Changing your computer password does not affect them.

Will changing my password delete my files or programs?

No. Changing your password only changes how you log in. All your files, programs, and settings stay exactly where they are. The only thing that changes is the password you type at the login screen.

Can I change my password if I don't remember my current one?

Not through the standard change password process — that requires you to enter your current password first. You'll need to use your recovery email or phone number to reset your password instead. If you don't have a recovery method set up, contact your computer manufacturer's support line or your IT department if it's a work computer.