The fastest way depends on whether you use Windows or Mac

On a Windows laptop, you change your password through Settings in about two minutes. On a Mac, you use System Settings and the Users & Groups section. Both paths require you to know your current password first — if you have forgotten it, you will need to use a recovery method instead, which takes longer. The steps below cover the standard case where you remember what you are currently using.

The reason to change your password regularly is straightforward: it limits the window of time someone could use a stolen or guessed password to access your files, email, and any accounts you stay logged into on that machine. A strong new password is one that mixes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — something like BlueMoon#47Laptop rather than a word from the dictionary.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users open Settings, select Accounts, then Password, and click Change to enter their current password and create a new one.
  • Mac users open System Settings, go to General, then Users & Groups, unlock the panel with their current password, and click Change Password.
  • You must know your current password to change it through the normal method — if you have forgotten it, you will need to use your recovery key or reset through your Microsoft or Apple account.
  • A strong password uses a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and should not be a word you can find in a dictionary.
  • After you change your password, you may need to enter it again the next time you wake your laptop from sleep or restart it.

Changing your password on Windows 10 or 11

Open the Start menu and type Settings, then click the Settings app when it appears. Once Settings opens, look for the Accounts option on the left side of the window and click it.

Inside Accounts, you will see several options listed on the left. Click Password. On the right side of the window, you will see a button that says Change. Click that button. Windows will ask you to enter your current password to confirm it is really you making this change — type it in and click Next.

Now you will see two fields: one for your new password and one to confirm it by typing it again. Type your new password in the first field. Type the exact same password in the second field so Windows knows you did not make a typo. If you want, you can add a password hint — a phrase that reminds you of your password without actually being your password — but this is optional. Click Next when you are done, then click Finish. Your password is now changed.

Changing your password on macOS

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings from the dropdown. In System Settings, look for General on the left side and click it. Then click Users & Groups (or sometimes listed as just Users depending on your macOS version).

You will see a list of user accounts on your Mac. Click on your own account name to select it. Below the account list, you will see a button labeled Change Password. Click it. macOS will ask you to enter your current password first — type it in and click Change Password.

Now you will see fields for your new password and a confirmation field. Type your new password in the first field, then type it again in the confirmation field. You can also add a hint if you want. Click Change Password when you are finished. Your password is now updated on your Mac.

What to do if you have forgotten your current password

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot use the steps above because both Windows and macOS require you to enter your old password before creating a new one. Instead, you will need to use a recovery method.

On Windows, restart your laptop and look for the option to reset your password on the login screen. You may see a link that says Reset password or I forgot my password. Click it and follow the prompts — Windows will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email or phone number associated with your Microsoft account. Once verified, you can create a new password without knowing the old one.

On Mac, restart your laptop and hold down Command + Q at the login screen to access the login options menu. Look for a Reset Password option or use your Apple ID to reset your password. If you do not have access to your Apple ID, you may need to use your Mac's recovery key, which was provided when you first set up your account.

Creating a password that is actually hard to guess

A password that is just a word — even a long word — is not find because computers can test thousands of common words in seconds. The same is true for passwords based on your name, birth year, or pet's name. Instead, mix different types of characters together in a way that does not follow a pattern.

A strong password might look like Giraffe$92Pencil or Keyboard#Blue47 — it combines uppercase and lowercase letters, includes numbers, and has at least one symbol like !, @, #, or $. The longer your password, the harder it is to crack. Aim for at least 12 characters if your laptop allows it. Write your new password down and store it somewhere safe — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager app, or a locked file on your computer — so you do not forget it again.

What happens after you change your password

Once you have changed your password, you will use the new one the next time you log in. If your laptop is currently on and you are logged in, you can stay logged in until you restart or put the laptop to sleep. The next time you wake it from sleep or turn it back on, you will need to enter your new password.

If you have other devices that use the same account — another laptop, a tablet, or a phone — you may need to update your password on those devices too so they can still access your email and cloud storage. On Windows, if you use a Microsoft account, your password change will sync across devices automatically. On Mac, if you use an Apple ID, the change will also sync, but it may take a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password without knowing the old one?

No, not through the normal method — both Windows and Mac require your current password as proof that you are the account owner. If you have forgotten it, you will need to use your account recovery option, which involves verifying your identity through email, phone, or a recovery key instead.

What if I type my new password wrong in the confirmation field?

Both Windows and Mac will tell you that the passwords do not match and will not let you proceed. You will have to start over and type both passwords again. This is a safety feature to catch typos before they lock you out of your own account.

Do I need to change my password regularly?

Changing your password once a year or whenever you suspect someone else might know it is a reasonable practice. You do not need to change it every month unless your workplace or school requires it. The most important time to change it is right after you think someone may have seen it or if you have used the same password on multiple websites.

Will changing my password log me out of websites I am signed into?

No. Your laptop password is separate from your passwords for websites and apps. Changing your laptop password will not affect your Gmail, Facebook, or any other online accounts. You will stay logged into those services until you manually sign out or they time you out for security reasons.

What if my laptop says my password is too weak?

Your laptop is warning you that your password does not meet its security standards. Add more characters, mix in uppercase and lowercase letters, include numbers and symbols, or make it longer. Once your password meets the requirements, your laptop will accept it.