The quickest way to change your password

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then select Settings from the results. 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, then prompt you to create a new one twice to confirm it matches. After you click Next and then Finish, your new password takes effect when ready.

This method works whether you use a Microsoft account (the kind linked to Outlook or Hotmail) or a local account (one that exists only on your computer). The steps are identical either way.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password through Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Change in under two minutes.
  • Windows requires you to enter your current password before creating a new one, so you need to know your existing password to proceed.
  • Your new password takes effect right away — you do not need to restart your computer.
  • If you forget your current password, you cannot use this method; you will need to use the password reset option on the sign-in screen instead.

What to do if you forgot your current password

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot change it through Settings. Instead, restart your computer and go to the sign-in screen. Click I forgot my password below the password field. Windows will walk you through a reset process that uses security questions, a backup email address, or a phone number you registered earlier — whichever method you set up when you created your account.

The reset process takes a few minutes and will let you create a brand new password without entering the old one. Once you complete the reset, sign in with your new password and you are done.

Creating a strong password Windows will accept

Windows 10 does not enforce a single password rule for all computers, so requirements depend on how your computer is set up. Most personal computers accept any password you choose, even a straightforward one. If your computer is part of a workplace network, your IT department may require passwords to be at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

When you create your new password, Windows will tell you when ready if it does not meet your computer's requirements. If you see an error message, add more characters, numbers, or special symbols until Windows accepts it. Write down your new password somewhere safe before you click Finish — if you forget it, resetting it is more complicated than changing it.

Changing your password on the sign-in screen instead

You can also change your password without opening Settings. On the Windows 10 sign-in screen, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete. A menu will appear with several options. Click Change a password. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice, and press Enter. This method is faster if you are already at the sign-in screen, but it does the same thing as the Settings method.

This approach works only if you remember your current password. If you do not, use the "I forgot my password" link on the sign-in screen instead.

Why you might want to change your password regularly

Changing your password occasionally makes sense if you think someone else may have learned it, or if you used the same password on multiple websites and one of those sites had a data breach. You do not need to change it every month — that habit actually makes passwords weaker because people tend to use predictable variations.

If you change your password, remember that you will need the new one the next time you sign in. If you use a password manager (a program that stores and fills in passwords for you), update it there too so you do not get locked out.

What happens after you change your password

Your new password takes effect when ready. You stay signed in to your computer and do not need to restart. The next time you turn on your computer or wake it from sleep, you will sign in with your new password instead of the old one.

If you are signed in to other devices with the same Microsoft account (a phone, tablet, or another computer), those devices will not be affected. You can still sign in to them with your old password. Only this computer requires the new password going forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password if I do not remember the answer to my security question?

If you are trying to reset a forgotten password and cannot answer your security questions, look for a link that says "I do not have this information" or "Use a different verification method." Windows may offer to send a code to your backup email address or phone number instead. If you have no backup contact information on file, you may need to contact Microsoft support.

Will changing my password sign me out of other apps on my computer?

No. Changing your Windows password does not sign you out of email, web browsers, or other programs. Those apps store their own login information separately. You will need to update your password in each app individually if you want to change it there too.

What if I see an error message that says my password does not meet requirements?

Your workplace or school network may have password rules that require a certain length or specific types of characters. Add more letters, numbers, or symbols to your password until the error goes away. Windows will accept it once it meets the requirement.

Can I change my password from another computer?

If you use a Microsoft account, you can change your password at account.microsoft.com from any computer or phone. If you use a local account that exists only on your computer, you must change it on that specific computer — there is no way to change it remotely.