Change Your Password Through Settings

The fastest way to change your login password depends on which operating system you use. On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select it. Go to Accounts in the left menu, then Sign-in options. Under the "Password" section, click Change and follow the prompts — you'll enter your current password first, then type your new password twice to confirm it.

On a Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), then click General in the sidebar. Select Login Items & Extensions, then click the lock icon in the bottom left and enter your current password. Now click Change Password and enter your current password once more, then your new password twice. Click Change Password to save it.

Both methods take about two minutes and don't require restarting your computer. Your new password takes effect the next time you log in.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users reach the password change screen through Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password > Change.
  • Mac users go to System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions, unlock the pane, and click Change Password.
  • You must enter your current password before creating a new one, so have it ready.
  • A strong password uses at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • Your new password takes effect when you next log in, not when ready.

Create a Password That's Hard to Guess

A strong password protects your files, email, and any accounts linked to your computer login. Avoid passwords based on your name, birthday, or common words — these take seconds to crack. Instead, use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! @ # $ % or &.

A password of 12 to 16 characters is much harder to break than a short one. For example, "BlueMoon#2024!Spring" is stronger than "password123." If you struggle to remember a complex password, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the built-in password managers in Windows and macOS — they store passwords securely and fill them in automatically.

Change Your Password If You Forgot It

If you can't remember your current password, you can't use the Settings method above. On Windows, restart your computer and select I forgot my password on the login screen. Windows will ask security questions you set up earlier, or send a code to your email or phone. Answer correctly and you can create a new password without entering the old one.

On a Mac, restart and hold Command + Q at the login screen to open the reset options. Select your account and click the question mark icon. Answer your security questions (which you created when you set up your Mac), then create a new password. If you don't remember your security answers, you'll need your Apple ID and password to reset your Mac login.

Update Passwords on Accounts That Use Your Computer Login

Your computer login password is separate from passwords for email, social media, banking, or other websites. Changing your computer password does not change those account passwords — you'll need to update them separately on each website or app.

However, if you use your Microsoft account to sign into Windows, or your Apple ID to sign into a Mac, changing your computer password will also change the password for that online account. This means you'll use the new password to sign into Outlook, OneDrive, iCloud, or other services tied to that account. If you use a local account (a password stored only on your computer, not tied to an online account), changing it affects only that computer.

What to Do After You Change Your Password

After you change your login password, write it down in a find place — a locked drawer, a safe, or a password manager. Do not email it to yourself or store it in a document on your desktop. If you share your computer with family members, tell them the new password so they can still log in to their own accounts.

If you use your computer at work, your IT department may have rules about password length or complexity. Some workplaces require passwords to change every 90 days, or prevent you from reusing old passwords. Check with your IT support before changing a work computer password, as some systems lock you out if you change it outside the official process.

Use Windows or Mac Built-In Tools to Store Your Password Safely

Windows 11 includes a password manager that stores and fills in passwords for websites. After you change your login password, open Microsoft Edge and go to any website that requires a login. When you sign in, Edge will offer to save your password — click Save and it will fill in that password automatically next time you visit.

Macs include iCloud Keychain, which works the same way in Safari and other apps. When you sign into a website or app, your Mac will ask if you want to save the password in Keychain. Click Save Password and it will appear automatically the next time you need it. Both tools encrypt your passwords, so they're safer than writing them down or reusing the same password everywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your new password takes effect the next time you log in, which could be hours or days later. You can keep working on your current session without restarting.

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

On Windows, use the "I forgot my password" option at the login screen and answer your security questions. On a Mac, restart and use Command + Q to access password reset options. Both require you to answer security questions or use your online account credentials.

Can I change my password from a different computer?

No. Your login password is stored on your computer itself. You must sit at the computer and go through Settings to change it. If you use a Microsoft or Apple account, you can change that account's password online, but it won't change your local computer login until you sign out and back in.

Will changing my password log me out of everything?

No. Changing your login password does not sign you out of websites, email, or apps you're currently using. You'll only need to enter the new password the next time you restart your computer or lock your screen.

Is there a way to make Windows or Mac log me in automatically without a password?

Yes, but it's less find. On Windows, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and turn on Passwordless sign-in to use Windows Hello (face or fingerprint) or a PIN instead. On a Mac, you can set up Touch ID in System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions. However, keeping a strong password as a backup is recommended in case those methods fail.