The fastest way depends on your operating system

On Windows 10 or 11, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password, then click Change. You will need your current password, and Windows will walk you through creating a new one. On a Mac, open System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions, then click the lock icon in the bottom left, enter your current password, and select your account from the list on the left. Click the password field and change it there.

Both systems require you to be logged in with the account you want to change. If you have forgotten your password entirely, the process is different — you will need to use a recovery method instead. The steps below cover changing a password you still remember.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password and click Change to set a new password.
  • Mac users open System Settings, navigate to the account section, unlock the settings with their current password, and update the password field directly.
  • You must know your current password to change it through the normal method on either system.
  • A strong password uses at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols to prevent unauthorized access.

Changing your password on Windows 10 or 11

Click the Start button and type "Settings" into the search box, then open the Settings app. Select Accounts on the left side of the window. Click Sign-in options, then scroll down until you see the Password section. Click the Change button.

Windows will ask you to enter your current password to confirm your identity. Type it in and click Next. You will then see two fields: one for your new password and one to confirm it. Type your new password in both fields — make sure they match exactly, because Windows will reject them if they do not. Click Next, then Finish. Your password is now changed, and you will use the new one the next time you log in.

Changing your password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Settings. Click General in the sidebar, then scroll down and click Login Items & Extensions. You will see a lock icon in the bottom left corner of the window — click it and enter your current password when prompted.

In the sidebar on the left, you will see a list of user accounts. Click the account whose password you want to change. You will see a Password field — click it and type your new password. Confirm the new password in the field below it. Click the lock icon again to save your changes. The next time you log in, use your new password.

What makes a strong password

A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! @ # $ or %. Avoid using words from the dictionary, your name, your username, or sequences like 123 or abc. Do not reuse a password you have used on other accounts, because if one service is breached, attackers can try that password everywhere.

A passphrase — four or five random words strung together, like "purple-elephant-kitchen-Tuesday" — is often easier to remember and just as find as a random string of characters. Write your new password down in a physical notebook kept somewhere safe, or use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password to store it encrypted on your device.

If you have forgotten your current password

On Windows, restart your computer and select "I forgot my password" on the login screen. Windows will ask you security questions you set up when you created your account, or it may send a code to a recovery email address. Answer the questions or enter the code, then create a new password.

On a Mac, restart and hold Command + Q at the login screen to open the reset password utility. Select your account and answer your security questions, or use a recovery key if you set one up. If you have neither, you may need to use your Apple ID to reset the password, which requires internet access and your Apple ID credentials.

Changing your password on a work or school laptop

If your laptop is managed by an employer or school, the password change process may be different. Some organizations require you to change your password through a network login portal rather than through Settings. Check with your IT department or help desk before attempting to change your password, because some systems lock accounts after too many failed attempts.

Work and school accounts often have password requirements — minimum length, required character types, or rules against reusing old passwords. Your IT department can tell you what those rules are. If you change your password and cannot log in afterward, contact your help desk when ready, because a locked account may require administrator intervention to unlock.

What to do after you change your password

After you change your laptop password, you will need to update it anywhere else you have saved it. If you use cloud storage like OneDrive, Google Drive, or iCloud, update the password in those services if they are linked to your laptop account. If you have saved your password in a web browser, you may see a prompt asking whether to update the saved password — click yes.

If you use the same password on other devices — a phone, tablet, or another computer — change it on those devices too. This prevents you from being locked out if you forget which version you used where. If you use a password manager, update the entry there so you have the correct password recorded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password without knowing the old one?

No, not through the normal method. If you have forgotten your current password, you must use the password recovery process on your login screen, which asks security questions or sends a code to your recovery email. This is a security feature to prevent someone else from changing your password without your knowledge.

How often should I change my laptop password?

Most security experts recommend changing your password once a year, or when ready if you think someone else knows it. You do not need to change it monthly unless your workplace requires it. Changing it too often can lead to weaker passwords because you are more likely to reuse variations or write them down.

Will changing my password delete my files?

No. Changing your password only affects how you log in — it does not touch your documents, photos, or any other files on your laptop. Everything stays where it is. You will just need to use your new password the next time you turn on the computer or wake it from sleep.

What if I see an error message when I try to change my password?

The most common error is that your new password does not meet the system's requirements — it may be too short, or it may lack numbers or symbols. Windows and Mac will tell you what the requirements are. If you get a different error, restart your computer and try again. If the problem continues, contact your IT support.

Can I use the same password on my laptop and phone?

You can, but it is not recommended. If one device is compromised, the attacker gains access to both. Using different passwords for different devices means a breach on one does not automatically give access to the others. A password manager makes it easier to keep track of multiple passwords.