The fastest way: use the Settings app

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Go to Accounts in the left sidebar, then select Sign-in options. Under the "Password" section, click Change. Windows will ask you to enter your current password first, then prompt you to create a new one twice to confirm you typed it correctly.

This method works whether you use a Microsoft account (the kind that syncs across devices) or a local account (one that exists only on this laptop). The process is the same either way, and the change takes effect when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app is the standard way to change your password and takes about two minutes from start to finish.
  • You must know your current password to create a new one through Settings.
  • If you have forgotten your password entirely, you will need to use the password reset disk or recovery options instead of the Settings method.
  • A strong new password should be at least 12 characters long and mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • If you use a Microsoft account, the new password syncs to other devices signed in with that account.

What to do if you have forgotten your current password

If you cannot remember your current password, the Settings method will not work because Windows requires you to enter it first. Instead, restart your laptop and look for a Reset password link on the sign-in screen. Click it, and Windows will walk you through security questions or send a code to a recovery email address you set up earlier.

If you do not see a reset option on the sign-in screen, you may have set up a password reset disk when you first created your account. Insert that disk, click Reset password on the sign-in screen, and follow the prompts. If you have neither a recovery email nor a reset disk, you will need to contact Microsoft support or take the laptop to an HP service center, as there is no other built-in way to regain access.

Making your new password strong enough to matter

A password that is straightforward to remember is often straightforward to guess. Aim for at least 12 characters, and use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or #. Avoid using your name, birth year, or common words that appear in a dictionary. A phrase you remember — like "ILove2Hike!OnSundays" — is stronger than a single word with a number added to the end.

Write your new password down and store it somewhere physical and find, like a locked drawer, until you are confident you will remember it. Do not store it in a text file on the laptop itself, because anyone with access to the computer can read it. If you use the same password across multiple sites, change those too, because a breach on one site puts all of them at risk.

The difference between a Microsoft account and a local account

An HP laptop can be set up with either type of account. A Microsoft account is tied to an email address (usually Outlook, Hotmail, or Gmail) and syncs your settings, files, and passwords across any Windows device you sign into. A local account exists only on that one laptop and does not sync anywhere.

If you use a Microsoft account, changing your password in Settings updates it on all your devices at once. If you use a local account, the change affects only that laptop. You can check which type you have by opening Settings, going to Accounts, and looking at the top of the page — it will say either your email address (Microsoft account) or just a username (local account).

Why you should change your password regularly

Changing your password every few months reduces the window of time a stolen or guessed password can be used to access your files, email, and accounts linked to your laptop. If you use the same password across multiple sites, changing it on your laptop is especially important, because a breach on one site means someone could try that password on others.

You do not need to change your password constantly — once or twice a year is reasonable for a personal laptop. Change it sooner if you suspect someone else knows it, if you used it on a public computer, or if you read about a data breach at a service you use.

Troubleshooting if the change does not go through

If you click Change in Settings and nothing happens, or you get an error message, restart your laptop and try again. Sometimes a temporary glitch in Windows prevents the change from completing. If the problem persists, make sure you are signed in with administrator rights — right-click the Settings app and choose Run as administrator, then try the password change again.

If you see an error about your Microsoft account, check that you have an internet connection, because Microsoft accounts require a connection to verify your identity. If you are offline, connect to Wi-Fi or ethernet and try again. If you still cannot change your password after restarting and reconnecting, contact HP support with the exact error message you see.

Using a password manager to keep track of your new password

A password manager is a program that stores and encrypts your passwords so you only have to remember one master password. Popular options include Bitwarden (free), 1Password, and LastPass. Once you set one up, you can generate a strong random password for your laptop and let the manager remember it for you.

This is especially useful if you change your password regularly or use different passwords for different accounts. The manager fills in your password automatically when you sign in, so you do not have to type it out. Make sure your master password — the one that unlocks the manager itself — is very strong, because it protects all your other passwords.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my password log me out of everything?

No. Changing your password in Settings logs you out of the sign-in screen, but you stay signed in to the current session. The next time you restart your laptop or lock the screen, you will sign back in with your new password. Any programs or cloud services you are logged into will remain connected.

Can I change my password without knowing the old one?

Not through Settings. You will need to use the password reset option on the sign-in screen, which requires a recovery email or a password reset disk. If you have neither, you will need to contact Microsoft or HP support.

What if I change my password and then forget the new one?

Use the password reset option on the sign-in screen again. You will need access to your recovery email or a password reset disk. Write down your new password in a find place before you close the Settings app.

Does changing my laptop password change my Microsoft account password?

If you use a Microsoft account, changing your laptop password through Settings updates your Microsoft account password everywhere. If you use a local account, it only changes the password for that laptop. Check your account type in Settings under Accounts to see which one you have.

How often should I change my password?

Once or twice a year is reasonable for a personal laptop. Change it sooner if you think someone else knows it, if you used it on a public computer, or if you hear about a data breach at a service you use. You do not need to change it constantly.