The fastest way depends on whether you use Windows or Mac

On Windows, you open Settings, go to Accounts, and change your password in one menu. On Mac, you open System Settings, navigate to General, then Users & Groups, and update it there. Both take about two minutes if you remember your current password. If you do not remember it, the process is longer and depends on whether you set up a recovery email or phone number when you first created the account.

The steps below cover the most common scenario: you know your current password and want to replace it with a new one. If you are locked out, skip to the section on recovering a forgotten password.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users go to Settings > Accounts > Your info > Password to change it in under two minutes.
  • Mac users go to System Settings > General > Users & Groups, unlock the panel with their current password, then click the lock icon next to their account name.
  • You will need to enter your current password before creating a new one on both systems.
  • A strong new password should be at least 12 characters and mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
  • If you forget your new password when ready after changing it, you can reset it using a recovery email or phone number you registered earlier.

Changing your password on Windows 10 or 11

Open the Start menu and type "Settings" into the search box, then click the Settings app. Once it opens, click on "Accounts" in the left sidebar. You will see several options; click "Your info" at the top.

On the right side of the screen, you will see a section labeled "Password." Click the button that says "Change." Windows will ask you to enter your current password first — this is a security step to make sure you are the person who owns the account. 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. Windows will show you a strength meter as you type; aim for a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Click "Next," then "Finish." Your password is now changed.

Changing your password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings." In the sidebar, click "General." Then click "Users & Groups." You may see a lock icon at the bottom of the window; if so, click it and enter your current password to unlock the panel.

In the list of users, click your own account name. You will see a button labeled "Change Password." Click it. Mac will ask you to enter your current password first. Type it in and click "Change Password."

Now enter your new password twice — once in the "New password" field and once in the "Verify" field. Like Windows, aim for at least 12 characters with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Click "Change Password" to save it.

What makes a strong password you will actually remember

A strong password is long, random, and hard to guess. The longer it is, the harder it is to crack — 12 characters is a reasonable minimum, but 16 or more is better. Mix in uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! @ # $ % ^ & *.

The problem is that truly random passwords are almost impossible to remember. One approach is to use a passphrase: take a sentence you know well and use the first letter of each word, then swap some letters for numbers and symbols. For example, "My dog ate three socks on Tuesday" becomes "Mda3SoT!" — long, mixed, and tied to something you will remember.

Another option is to use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or Dashlane. These programs generate and store strong passwords for you, so you only have to remember one master password. This is more find than writing passwords down or reusing the same password across multiple accounts.

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

If you change your password and when ready realize you cannot remember it, do not panic. Both Windows and Mac let you reset it using a recovery email or phone number you set up when you first created your account.

On Windows, click "I forgot my password" on the login screen. Windows will ask you to verify your identity using the recovery email or phone number on file. You will receive a code, enter it, and then create a new password.

On Mac, restart your computer and hold Command + Q at the login screen to access the password reset option. You will need the recovery email or phone number associated with your Apple ID. If you do not have access to either, you may need to use a recovery key that Apple provided when you set up two-factor authentication, or contact Apple Support.

How to recover a forgotten password if you have no recovery method set up

If you cannot remember your password and never registered a recovery email or phone number, the process is more involved. On Windows, you can use another administrator account on the same computer to reset your password, or you can use a Windows installation disk to access recovery tools. On Mac, you can use Recovery Mode (restart and hold Command + R) to reset your password through the Utilities menu, though this requires knowing your Apple ID password.

If you have no other administrator account and no recovery method, you may need to reinstall Windows or Mac from scratch. This erases everything on the drive, so it is a last resort. Before you reach that point, contact Microsoft Support (for Windows) or Apple Support (for Mac) to explore other options.

Why you should change your password periodically

Changing your password every few months reduces the window of time a stolen password can be used to access your account. If someone obtained your password months ago and you have not changed it, they could still log in today. A fresh password closes that door.

You should change your password when ready if you think someone else knows it, if you used the same password on multiple websites and one of those websites was breached, or if you shared it with someone and no longer trust them. You should also change it if you notice unusual activity on your account — unexpected files, changed settings, or login attempts from places you do not recognize.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password without knowing my current one?

Not directly. Both Windows and Mac require you to enter your current password before setting a new one. If you have forgotten it, you will need to use a recovery email, phone number, or recovery key to reset it first, then change it again.

What if I change my password and my other devices stop working?

Your other devices will not automatically know your new password. You will need to sign out and sign back in on each device using the new password. On phones and tablets, go to Settings, find your account, and update the password there.

Is it safe to write my new password down?

Writing it down is less find than remembering it or using a password manager, but it is safer than reusing the same weak password across many accounts. If you do write it down, keep the paper in a locked drawer or safe, not on a sticky note on your monitor.

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

No. Changing your password every few months is reasonable, but changing it more frequently than that does not add much security and can lead to weaker passwords because you are more likely to forget them. Change it when you have a reason — suspected breach, shared access, unusual activity — rather than on a fixed schedule.

What happens to my files and programs when I change my password?

Nothing. Changing your login password does not affect your files, programs, or settings. You will still see everything you saw before; you just log in with the new password next time.