Change Your Password in Windows 10 or 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select it. Go to Accounts in the left menu, then click Sign-in options. Under the "Password" section, click Change. Windows will ask you to enter your current password first, then your new password twice. Make sure your new password is at least 8 characters long and includes uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols — this makes it harder to guess.

If you forget your current password before you change it, you cannot use this method. Instead, you will need to reset your password using a recovery email or phone number linked to your Microsoft account. Windows will send you a code to that email or phone, and you can use it to create a new password.

After you enter your new password, Windows will ask you to wait while it updates your files. This usually takes a few minutes. Do not turn off your laptop during this time. Once it finishes, you will be signed out automatically. Sign back in with your new password to confirm it worked.

Change Your Password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions). Click General, then Login Items & Extensions or Users & Groups depending on your macOS version. You may need to click the lock icon at the bottom and enter your current password to make changes. Select your user account on the left, then click Change Password.

Enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Your new password should be at least 8 characters and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Click Change Password to save it. You will be signed out when ready, and you will need to sign back in with your new password.

If you forget your password on a Mac, you can reset it using your Apple ID or a recovery key. Go back to the Users & Groups settings, click the lock icon, and select "Reset Password." Choose whether to use your Apple ID or a recovery key, then follow the prompts.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password > Change, enter your current password, then type your new password twice.
  • On Mac, open System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions, select your account, and click Change Password.
  • A strong password should be at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • You will be signed out after changing your password and must sign back in with the new one to confirm it works.
  • If you forget your current password, you can reset it using a recovery email, phone number, or Apple ID instead of changing it.

Why You Should Change Your Password Regularly

Changing your password every few months reduces the risk that someone who saw it once will still have access to your account. If you use the same password on multiple websites or devices, changing it on your laptop is especially important — a breach on one site could expose your laptop to someone else.

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 where others could see. You should also change it if you shared your laptop with someone who no longer needs access.

Creating a Password You Can Actually Remember

A strong password does not have to be random letters and numbers. You can use a phrase you know well — like the first letters of a sentence, mixed with numbers and symbols. For example, "MyDog8AteMyShoes!" comes from "My dog ate my shoes" and includes uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a symbol.

Write your new password down on paper and store it somewhere safe at home, not on your laptop or in a note on your phone. If you write it down, no one can hack it remotely. Once you have used the password a few times, you will likely remember it without looking.

What to Do If You Are Locked Out

If you enter the wrong password too many times, Windows or Mac will lock you out temporarily. Wait a few minutes and try again. If you cannot remember your password at all, use the password reset option instead of the change option — reset lets you create a brand new password without knowing the old one.

On Windows, click "I forgot my password" on the sign-in screen and follow the recovery steps. On Mac, restart your laptop and hold Command + Q at the login screen to access recovery options, or use your Apple ID to reset the password.

Changing Your Password on a Work or School Laptop

If your laptop is owned by your employer or school, you may not be able to change your password through Settings. Instead, you will need to use your organization's password management system or contact your IT department. They can tell you the correct steps and may have different security rules than personal laptops.

Some work laptops require you to change your password every 90 days, and the system will remind you before it expires. If you ignore the reminder, you may be locked out until you change it. Set a calendar reminder a week before the important date so you do not forget.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, the "Change Password" option requires you to enter your current password first. If you do not remember it, use the "Reset Password" option instead. On Windows, click "I forgot my password" at the sign-in screen. On Mac, use your Apple ID or recovery key to reset it.

How long should my new password be?

At least 8 characters is the minimum, but 12 to 16 characters is stronger. The longer your password, the harder it is for someone to guess or crack it. Include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or # to make it even stronger.

Will changing my password log me out of other devices?

On Windows, changing your password only affects that laptop. On Mac, changing your password may log you out of other Apple devices linked to your account, depending on your macOS version. You will need to sign back in on those devices with your new password.

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

You can reset it the same way you would if you forgot any password — use your recovery email, phone number, or Apple ID. Keep a written copy of your new password in a safe place for the first week while you are learning it.

Do I need to change my password if I just got my laptop?

Yes, change the default password that came with your laptop as soon as you set it up. If you bought a used laptop, change the password when ready so the previous owner cannot access it. If your laptop came from an employer or school, they will give you instructions for setting your own password.