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 (or System Settings on newer versions). Both paths are straightforward once you know where to look, and you can do either one without restarting your computer or losing any open work.

The method you use also depends on whether you log in with a Microsoft account (Windows) or an Apple ID (Mac), or with a local account that lives only on your machine. Local accounts are simpler to change but less common on new machines. If you are not sure which type you have, Windows will show you during the password change process, and Mac will too.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users open Settings, go to Accounts, then select Change Your Password under the Login Options section.
  • Mac users open System Preferences or System Settings, choose Users & Groups, unlock the panel with their current password, then select Change Password.
  • If you use a Microsoft account on Windows or an Apple ID on Mac, you may be asked to verify your identity by email or phone before the change takes effect.
  • You will need to know your current password to change it on either system, and you should write down your new password somewhere safe until you memorize it.
  • After you change your password, you will use the new one the next time you log in or wake your computer from sleep.

Changing your password on Windows 10 or Windows 11

Open the Start menu and type Settings into the search box, then click the Settings app. Once it opens, click Accounts on the left side of the window.

On the left menu, select Sign-in options. Scroll down until you see a section labeled Password, and click the button that says Change. Windows will ask you to enter your current password to confirm it is really you, then click Next.

Type your new password in the first box, then type it again in the second box to confirm you did not make a typo. Add a password hint if you want one — this is a phrase only you will see if you forget your password, so make it something meaningful to you but not obvious to someone else. Click Next, then Finish. Your new password is now active.

Changing your password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Preferences (on older Macs) or System Settings (on newer ones). Look for Users & Groups or General depending on your Mac's age, and click it.

You will see a list of user accounts on the left. Click your own account name to select it. If the settings are locked (you will see a padlock icon), click the padlock and enter your current password to unlock the panel. Once unlocked, click the Change Password button.

Type your current password in the first field, then enter your new password twice — once in each of the remaining fields. Click Change Password to save it. Your new password takes effect when ready.

What happens if you use a Microsoft account or Apple ID

If your Windows machine is linked to a Microsoft account, you may see a message asking you to verify your identity by email or phone number. Microsoft does this as a security step. Check the email address or phone number associated with your account, find the verification code, and enter it when prompted. This usually takes less than a minute.

On Mac, if you use an Apple ID to log in, the system may also ask you to verify your identity. You will receive a code on another Apple device you own, or by email. Enter that code to complete the password change. If you do not have access to a second device or the email address on file, contact Apple Support before you change your password.

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

If you change your password and then when ready forget it, do not log out. Open a text editor or document and type your new password somewhere you can find it later, then save that file in a location you will remember. This gives you time to memorize the password before you close the document.

If you have already logged out and cannot remember the new password, the recovery process is longer. On Windows, you can use a password reset disk if you created one before the change, or you can use your Microsoft account recovery options. On Mac, you can use your Apple ID to reset your password, or use Recovery Mode if you do not have access to your Apple ID. Both of these processes take significantly longer than straightforward writing down the password while you still remember it.

Changing your password on a work or school laptop

If your laptop is owned by your employer or school, the password change process may be different. Many organizations use a network login system that requires you to change your password through a separate portal or through a command on the network itself, not through your computer's Settings.

Check with your IT department or help desk before you try to change your password through Settings. They can tell you whether your account is managed by the organization and point you to the correct method. Attempting to change a managed password through Settings may not work or may cause confusion the next time you log in.

Why you should change your password regularly

Changing your password every few months reduces the risk that someone who saw it or guessed it will still have access to your account. If you use the same password on multiple websites or services, changing your laptop password does not protect those other accounts — you would need to change those separately.

If you suspect someone else knows your password, change it when ready rather than waiting. The same applies if you used that password on a website that was hacked or if you typed it on a computer you no longer trust. A new password takes effect as soon as you create it, so there is no delay in protecting your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your new password takes effect when ready on Windows and Mac. You will use it the next time you log in or wake your computer from sleep, but you do not need to restart.

Can I change my password if I forgot my current one?

Not through the normal Settings path. On Windows, you can use a password reset disk or your Microsoft account recovery options. On Mac, you can use your Apple ID to reset it. Both methods take longer than a regular password change and may require you to verify your identity through email or phone.

What if I see a message saying I cannot change my password?

This usually means your account is managed by an organization like a school or employer. Contact your IT department or help desk — they control password changes for managed accounts and can either change it for you or direct you to the correct system.

Will changing my password log me out of other devices?

On Windows with a Microsoft account, changing your password may log you out of other devices signed in with that account for security reasons. On Mac with an Apple ID, the same can happen. You will need to sign back in with your new password on those devices.

Is there a way to make my password easier to remember?

Yes, but security matters more than convenience. A strong password uses a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and does not contain words from a dictionary. Write it down in a safe place until you memorize it, rather than choosing a weak password you can remember easily.