The fastest way: use Settings

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then press Enter. Go to Accounts in the left menu, then select Sign-in options. Under the "Password" section, click Change.

Windows will ask you to enter your current password first. Type it in and click Next. Then create your new password — Windows will ask you to type it twice to make sure there are no typos. Add a password hint if you want one (this hint will be visible to anyone at your login screen, so don't use anything private). Click Next, then Finish.

Your new password takes effect the next time you sign in. If you are already signed in, you can stay signed in until you restart or lock your computer.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app method takes about two minutes and is the standard way to change your password on Windows 10.
  • You must know your current password to change it through Settings — if you have forgotten it, you will need to use the password reset disk or recovery options instead.
  • Your new password does not take effect until you sign out or restart, so you can stay logged in after making the change.
  • A strong password uses at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

What to do if you have forgotten your current password

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot use the Settings method. Instead, go to the Windows 10 login screen and click I forgot my password below the password field. Windows will walk you through recovery options.

The fastest recovery option is usually a security question you set up when you created your account — answer it correctly and Windows will let you create a new password right away. If you do not remember the answers, you can use a recovery email or phone number instead. Microsoft will send you a code to that email or phone, you enter the code, and then you can set a new password.

If you do not have access to your recovery email or phone number, you will need a password reset disk (a USB drive you created ahead of time) or you will need to sign in with a different administrator account on the same computer and reset the password from there.

Using the command line if Settings does not open

In rare cases, the Settings app may not open or may freeze. You can change your password using the command line instead. Press Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter to open Command Prompt.

Type this command exactly: net user [your username] * (replace [your username] with the name you use to sign in). Press Enter. Windows will prompt you to enter your new password twice. You will not see the characters as you type — this is normal. Press Enter after each password entry.

If you see an error message, make sure you typed your username correctly. Usernames are case-sensitive in the command line, so "John" is different from "john".

Making your new password strong

A password that is hard to guess protects your files, your email, and any accounts linked to your computer. Avoid passwords based on your name, birthday, address, or pet's name — these are the first things someone will try if they want to break in.

Instead, use at least 12 characters and mix in uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. For example, "BlueMoon#2024!Tree" is stronger than "password123" even though both are the same length. A random string like "7kR$mP2vQ9nL" is even better, though harder to remember. If you use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, it can generate and store strong passwords for you.

Do not reuse a password you use anywhere else. If someone breaks into one account, they will try that same password on your email, your bank, and your social media. A unique password for each place means one breach does not unlock everything.

What happens after you change your password

Once you sign out and sign back in with your new password, Windows will use it for all future logins. Any apps or services that were signed into your Microsoft account will stay signed in — changing your Windows password does not sign you out of Outlook, OneDrive, or other Microsoft services.

However, if you have set up any apps or devices to automatically sign in using your old password (like a phone that syncs to your computer, or a backup program), those will fail to sign in the next time they try. You will need to update the password in those apps or devices manually.

Changing your password on a work or school computer

If your computer is managed by an employer or school, you may not be able to change your password through Settings. Instead, you might need to use a separate portal or contact your IT department. Look for a "Change Password" option in your organization's employee or student portal, or ask your IT support team for the correct method.

Some organizations require passwords to be changed every 90 days or every year. If your organization has this policy, you will usually receive a notification before your password expires, and you will be prompted to change it the next time you sign in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password without knowing my current one?

No, not through Settings. You must use the "I forgot my password" option on the login screen, which will ask you to verify your identity through a security question, recovery email, or recovery phone number. If you cannot access any of those, you will need a password reset disk or help from another administrator account.

Will changing my password sign me out of everything?

No. Your Microsoft account and cloud services like OneDrive and Outlook will stay signed in. However, any apps or devices that were set to automatically sign in using your old password will fail the next time they try to connect, and you will need to update them with your new password.

How long does it take for the new password to work?

It takes effect when ready after you finish changing it in Settings. However, you will not be asked to use it until you sign out and sign back in, or until you restart your computer. If you stay signed in, you can keep using your computer normally.

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

The most common error is "The password does not meet the complexity requirements" — this means your new password is too straightforward. Windows requires at least 12 characters, or a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Try a longer or more complex password and try again.

Can I use the same password I used before?

Windows will usually prevent you from reusing one of your last five passwords. If you try to use an old password, you will see an error message. Choose a new password instead.