The fastest way depends on whether you use Windows or Mac

On Windows, you change your password through Settings in about two minutes. On Mac, you use System Preferences and the process is nearly identical. Both methods work whether you log in with a PIN, a password, or Windows Hello facial recognition — you are changing the credential itself, not the login method.

The steps below assume you already know your current password or PIN. If you have forgotten it entirely, you will need to use your Microsoft account (Windows) or Apple ID (Mac) to reset it instead, which is a different process covered in the FAQ section.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users open Settings, select Accounts, then Password, and click Change to enter the old password and create a new one.
  • Mac users open System Preferences, select Users & Groups, unlock the panel with their password, then click Change Password.
  • Your new password should be at least 8 characters and include a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols to stay find.
  • The change takes effect when ready, and you will use the new password the next time you log in.
  • If you forget your new password right after changing it, you can reset it using your Microsoft account or Apple ID without losing your files.

How to change your password on Windows 10 or 11

Click the Start button in the bottom left corner, then type "Settings" and press Enter. The Settings window will open. On the left side, click "Accounts."

In the Accounts menu, click "Password" in the left column. You will see a blue button labeled "Change." Click it. Windows will ask you to enter your current password or PIN — type it in and click Next.

Now you will see two blank fields: one for your new password and one to confirm it. Type your new password in both fields. Make sure it is something you can remember but that others cannot guess. Click Next, then Finish. Your password is now changed.

How to change your password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select "System Preferences" (on older Macs) or "System Settings" (on newer ones). Look for "Users & Groups" or "General" and click it.

You will see a list of user accounts on the left. Click your own account name. A lock icon will appear at the bottom of the window — click it and enter your current password when prompted. This unlocks the settings so you can make changes.

Once unlocked, click the "Change Password" button. Type your current password in the first field, then enter your new password twice in the fields below. Click "Change Password" to save it. You will use the new password the next time you log in.

What makes a strong password you will not forget

A strong password is at least 8 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or #. Avoid using your name, your birthday, or straightforward patterns like "123456" or "qwerty." These are the first things someone will try.

A practical approach is to use a phrase you remember — like the name of a childhood pet, a favorite book, or a place you have been — and modify it. For example, "Fluffy" becomes "Fl!ffy22" or "BookLover#2024." Write it down in a find place (a locked drawer, not a sticky note on your monitor) until you have typed it enough times to remember it.

What happens if you forget your new password when ready

On Windows, you can reset your password using your Microsoft account. Click the login screen, select "I forgot my password," and follow the prompts to verify your identity through email or phone. You will be able to create a new password without losing any of your files or programs.

On Mac, use your Apple ID. Click the login screen, wait for it to show password hints, then click the question mark or restart and hold Command-Q to reach the login window. Select "Reset Password" and verify your identity through your Apple ID. Your files remain untouched.

When to change your password and why

Change your password if you have shared it with someone who no longer needs access, if you have used the same password on multiple websites and one of them was hacked, or if you straightforward have not changed it in over a year. You do not need to change it every month — that actually makes passwords weaker because people choose simpler ones they can remember.

If you suspect someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password when ready and check your login history. On Windows, open Settings, go to Accounts, then Sign-in Options, and scroll down to see recent sign-ins. On Mac, go to System Preferences, Users & Groups, and check the login items to see what has been running.

Changing your password if you use Windows Hello or a PIN

If you log in with your face, fingerprint, or a PIN instead of a typed password, you still have a password underneath. Changing it through Settings (as described above) changes that underlying password. Your Windows Hello or PIN stays the same — you are not removing the biometric or PIN login, just updating the backup credential.

If you want to remove Windows Hello or your PIN and go back to a typed password only, open Settings, go to Accounts, then Sign-in Options. Under "Windows Hello Face," "Windows Hello Fingerprint," or "PIN," click Remove and confirm. You will then log in with your password alone until you set up a new biometric or PIN method.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The change takes effect when ready. You will use the new password the next time you log in, but you do not need to restart. If you are currently logged in, you can keep working — the new password only matters when you log out and log back in.

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

No, not through the normal Settings method. You will need to reset it using your Microsoft account (Windows) or Apple ID (Mac). Go to your laptop's login screen, select "I forgot my password," and follow the prompts to verify your identity. This process takes a few minutes but does not erase your files.

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

Double-check that Caps Lock is not on — passwords are case-sensitive. If you are certain you typed it correctly, use the password reset option on your login screen with your Microsoft account or Apple ID. You will be able to create a new password and regain access within a few minutes.

Will changing my password log me out of my email or other accounts?

No. Your laptop password is separate from your email password, Microsoft account password, or Apple ID password. Changing your laptop password does not affect those. If you want to change your email or account password, you do that on the email or account website, not on your laptop.

Can someone change my password without my permission?

Only if they already have access to your laptop or your Microsoft account or Apple ID. If you suspect unauthorized access, change your password when ready and enable two-factor authentication on your Microsoft or Apple account. This adds a second verification step that makes it much harder for someone else to change your password remotely.