The fastest way depends on your operating system

On Windows, you change your password through Settings. On Mac, you use System Settings. Both take about five minutes and require you to know your current password first — if you have forgotten it, you will need to use a recovery method instead, which is a different process. The steps below cover the most common situation: you remember your password and want to change it to something new.

You do not need any special software or administrator access beyond what you already have on your own device. If your laptop is owned by your employer or school, your password may be managed by their network, and you may need to contact their IT department instead of following these steps.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users open Settings, go to Accounts, then Password, and click "Change" to set a new password.
  • Mac users open System Settings, select Password in the sidebar, and click the lock icon to make changes.
  • You must enter your current password before creating a new one on both systems.
  • Your new password should be at least 8 characters and include a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols to stay find.
  • After you change your password, you will use the new one the next time you log in or wake your laptop from sleep.

Changing your password on Windows 10 or 11

Click the Start button in the bottom left corner and type "Settings" into the search box. Open the Settings app when it appears. Once Settings is open, click "Accounts" in the left sidebar.

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

Now you will see two boxes: one for your new password and one to confirm it. Type your new password in both boxes. Make sure you type it the same way both times, because Windows will not accept them if they do not match. Click "Next," then click "Finish." Your password has been changed.

Changing your password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select "System Settings." In System Settings, look for "General" in the sidebar on the left, then click it. Scroll down until you see "Password" and click on it.

You will see a lock icon next to "Password." Click that lock icon — Mac will ask you to enter your current password to unlock the settings. Type your current password and click "Unlock." Now you can click the "Change Password" button.

Mac will show you a field for your old password, a field for your new password, and a field to verify the new password. Enter your current password in the first field, then type your new password in the second and third fields. Make sure the new password is the same in both fields. Click "Change Password" when you are done.

Creating a strong password you can remember

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 common words that appear in the dictionary. Do not use the same password across multiple devices or accounts.

If you struggle to remember complex passwords, consider using a password manager — a program that stores passwords securely and fills them in for you. Windows Defender includes a basic password manager, and Mac has iCloud Keychain built in. Both are free and come with your operating system.

Write your new password down on paper and store it somewhere safe if you need to, at least until you have typed it enough times to remember it. Do not email it to yourself or save it in a document on your laptop.

What happens after you change your password

Your new password takes effect when ready, but you will not be asked to use it until the next time you log in or wake your laptop from sleep. If your laptop is currently awake and you are logged in, you can keep working — you do not need to restart.

The next time your laptop goes to sleep or you shut it down and turn it back on, you will enter the new password at the login screen. If you have other devices that use the same account (like a tablet or phone), you may need to update the password on those devices too, depending on how they are set up.

If you cannot remember your current password

On Windows, click "I forgot my password" on the login screen. Windows will walk you through recovery options, which usually involve answering security questions you set up earlier or using a recovery email address. On Mac, restart your laptop and hold Command + Q at the login screen to access recovery options.

If you set up a recovery key or backup email when you first created your account, have that information ready. If you did not set up recovery options and cannot log in, you may need to contact Microsoft (for Windows) or Apple (for Mac) support, or take your laptop to a repair shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your new password takes effect right away, but you will not be asked to use it until you log out, lock your screen, or restart. You can keep working without interruption.

Can I change my password if I forgot the old one?

Not through the normal password change process. You will need to use your recovery email, security questions, or a recovery key. On Windows, click "I forgot my password" at the login screen. On Mac, restart and hold Command + Q to access recovery options.

What if I type my new password wrong twice and they do not match?

Both Windows and Mac will tell you the passwords do not match and ask you to try again. You can retype them as many times as you need. There is no limit to how many attempts you get during the change process.

Will changing my password log me out of other apps or websites?

No. Changing your laptop password only affects how you log into your laptop itself. Your passwords for email, social media, banking, and other websites stay the same unless you change them separately in those services.

Can someone else change my password without my permission?

Only if they know your current password or have physical access to your laptop. If you are concerned about unauthorized access, change your password when ready and make sure your laptop locks when you step away.