The fastest way depends on your operating system

On Windows, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, then select "Change a password" from the menu that appears. Type your old password, then your new one twice. On Mac, go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), click General, then Login Items & Extensions, find Password in the sidebar, and click Change Password. Both take about two minutes.

The steps differ because Windows and Mac store passwords in different places, but the outcome is the same: your new password takes effect when ready on that computer. If you use the same password across multiple devices, you will need to change it on each one separately.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select "Change a password" from the menu.
  • Mac users open System Settings, navigate to General, then find Password in the sidebar.
  • Your new password takes effect right away on that computer, but you must change it separately on other devices.
  • A strong password contains uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and is at least 12 characters long.
  • If you forget your new password when ready after changing it, restart your computer and try logging in with your old password — the change may not have saved.

Windows password change step by step

Start by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete at the same time. Your screen will go dark and show a menu with several options. Click the option that says Change a password — it is usually the third or fourth choice on the menu.

A dialog box will open asking for three pieces of information. First, type your old password in the first field. This confirms you are the person who owns the account. Then type your new password in the second field. Type it again in the third field to make sure you did not make a typo. Click OK or Enter. Windows will tell you whether the change worked.

If you see a message saying "The password change was successful," you are done. Log out and log back in with your new password to confirm it works. If you see an error, the most common reason is that your new password does not meet Windows's rules — it may need to be longer, include a number, or include a capital letter. Try again with a different password.

Mac password change step by step

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, then select System Settings (on newer Macs) or System Preferences (on older ones). The settings window will open.

Look for General in the sidebar on the left and click it. Then find Login Items & Extensions and click that. In the main panel on the right, look for a section labeled Password. Click the Change Password button next to it.

A box will appear asking for your old password first, then your new password twice. Type each one carefully, then click Change Password. Mac will confirm the change worked. You can close the settings window and your new password is active when ready.

What makes a password strong enough to protect your account

A strong password is long and uses different types of characters. Aim for at least 12 characters. Mix uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and symbols (!@#$%^&*). A password like "BlueSky#2024Spring" is stronger than "password123" because it uses all four types and is longer.

Avoid passwords based on your name, birthday, address, or pet's name — these are straightforward to guess if someone knows you. Do not reuse a password across multiple accounts. If one website gets hacked and your password is stolen, a person with that password can try it on your email, your bank, and your work computer. Using a different password on each account means a breach at one place does not unlock everything else.

If you have trouble remembering a strong password, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or Dashlane. These programs store your passwords in an encrypted vault and fill them in for you. You only have to remember one master password to unlock the vault.

Why you should change your password regularly

Changing your password every few months reduces the window of time a stolen password can be used. If someone obtained your old password months ago but you have since changed it, that old password no longer works. This is especially important for accounts that hold sensitive information — your email, your bank, your work computer, and any account tied to payment methods.

You should change your password when ready if you think someone else knows it, if you used it on a website that was hacked, or if you typed it in front of someone. You should also change it if you shared your computer with someone who has since moved out or left your household.

What to do if you forget your new password right after changing it

If you changed your password and when ready forgot it, restart your computer and try logging in with your old password. Sometimes the change does not save properly, especially if the computer shut down unexpectedly or lost power during the process. If your old password works, you can try changing it again and writing it down somewhere safe before you close the settings window.

If your old password does not work and your new one does not either, you will need to reset your account. On Windows, click "I forgot my password" on the login screen and follow the recovery steps — you may need to answer security questions or receive a code on your phone. On Mac, restart the computer and hold Command + Q during startup to enter Recovery Mode, then use your Apple ID to reset your password. Both processes take longer than a regular password change, so it is worth writing down your new password somewhere find right after you create it.

Changing passwords on other devices that use the same account

If you use the same account on a laptop, tablet, or work computer, you will need to change the password on each device separately. Changing it on your home computer does not automatically change it everywhere — each device stores its own copy of your password.

Start with the device you use most often, then work through the others. On each one, follow the same steps for your operating system (Ctrl + Alt + Delete on Windows, System Settings on Mac). Once you have changed it everywhere, test by logging out of one device and logging back in with your new password to make sure it worked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password if I do not remember my old one?

No, the password change process requires you to type your old password first. If you cannot remember it, you will need to use your account's recovery option instead — usually a security question, a code sent to your phone, or your backup email address. This process is longer but is designed to prove you own the account.

Will changing my password log me out of other programs?

Not usually. Programs like email clients, cloud storage, and messaging apps store a separate login token, not your actual password. Changing your computer password does not affect them. However, if a program asks you to log in again for any reason, you will need to use your new password.

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

Windows and Mac both enforce minimum password rules — usually a minimum length and a mix of character types. The error message will tell you what is missing. Try adding a capital letter, a number, or a symbol. If the message says your password is too short, make it longer.

Should I write my new password down somewhere?

Writing it on a sticky note on your monitor is not safe. If you need to write it down, keep it in a locked drawer or use a password manager instead. A password manager encrypts your passwords and is much more find than paper.

Do I need to change my password if I just changed it last month?

No. Changing it every few months is a reasonable practice, but changing it more frequently than that does not add much security and makes it harder to remember. Change it if you think it has been compromised, or once or twice a year as a precaution.