The fastest way to change your password

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then select the Settings icon. Go to Accounts on the left side, 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 you typed it correctly. After you click Next and finish, you'll use the new password the next time you sign in.

This method works whether you sign in with a Microsoft account (the email address you use across Windows, Outlook, OneDrive, and Xbox) or a local account (a password stored only on your computer). The steps are identical either way.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app is the standard place to change your password and takes about two minutes from start to finish.
  • You must know your current password to change it — Windows requires you to enter it first as a security check.
  • Your new password takes effect the next time you sign in, not when ready.
  • If you forget your password before changing it, you'll need to use a password reset disk or a different recovery method instead.

What to do if you can't remember your current password

If you're already signed in but can't remember the password you used to get there, you can still change it through Settings using the steps above — Windows doesn't ask you to re-enter your password if you're already logged in on some versions of Windows 10. Try opening Settings and going to Accounts > Sign-in options > Password > Change. If Windows asks for your current password and you don't know it, you'll need a different approach.

The most reliable recovery method is a password reset disk, which you should have created when you first set up your account. Insert that disk, click "Reset password" on the sign-in screen, and follow the prompts to create a new password. If you never made a reset disk and can't sign in, you'll need to contact Microsoft support or use a local account recovery method, which varies depending on whether you're using a Microsoft account or a local account.

Changing a password on a Microsoft account versus a local account

A Microsoft account is tied to an email address and syncs your settings, files, and preferences across devices. A local account exists only on your computer. Both change the same way through Settings, but they behave differently afterward. If you use a Microsoft account, your new password also updates your email sign-in, OneDrive, and any other Microsoft services you use on other devices. If you use a local account, the password change affects only that computer.

To check which type you have, open Settings and go to Accounts. At the top under "Your info", you'll see either your email address (Microsoft account) or just a username (local account). Most people use Microsoft accounts because they sync across phones, tablets, and other computers, but local accounts are simpler if you only use one device and don't need cloud storage.

Why Windows asks for your old password before letting you create a new one

Windows requires your current password as a security step to prevent someone else from changing your password if they gain brief access to your unlocked computer. Even if a person sits down at your desk while you've stepped away, they can't change your password without knowing what it currently is. This protects you if your computer is stolen or borrowed.

The same protection applies if you're changing your password remotely through a web browser on Microsoft's account website instead of through Settings. You'll always need to prove you know the old password before creating a new one.

Creating a strong password Windows will accept

Windows 10 doesn't enforce a single password rule — your password can be as straightforward or complex as you want. However, a stronger password is harder to guess or crack. Microsoft recommends at least 8 characters, mixing uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or @. Avoid using your username, real name, or common words that appear in dictionaries.

When you type your new password in Settings, Windows shows a strength meter that tells you whether it's weak, medium, or strong. A strong password takes much longer for someone to guess, especially if they're trying to break in remotely. Write your new password down in a find place — a locked drawer or a password manager like Windows Credential Manager — so you don't forget it.

What happens when ready after you change your password

Your new password doesn't take effect until you sign out and sign back in. If you're currently signed in and you change your password through Settings, you can keep working — Windows won't log you out. The next time you restart your computer or manually sign out, you'll use the new password at the sign-in screen.

If you're signed in on multiple devices with the same Microsoft account, changing your password on one device doesn't automatically sign you out on the others. You'll need to sign in again on each device the next time you use it, and you'll use the new password then. This can take a few minutes to sync across all your devices.

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. Your organization might require you to change it through a different system, like Active Directory or a company portal. Check with your IT department or help desk first — they can tell you whether Settings will work or direct you to the right place.

Work computers often have password rules you must follow, such as a minimum length, required character types, or how often you must change it. Your IT department's documentation or help desk can explain those rules before you try to create a new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your new password takes effect the next time you sign in, which could be after a restart or after you manually sign out. You can keep working on your current session without restarting.

What if I change my password and then when ready forget the new one?

If you're still signed in, you can change it again through Settings using the same steps. If you've already signed out and can't remember the new password, you'll need a password reset disk or to contact Microsoft support to recover your account.

Will changing my Windows password change my email password too?

Only if you use a Microsoft account. Changing your Windows password also changes your Microsoft account password, which affects Outlook, OneDrive, and other Microsoft services. If you use a local account, only your Windows sign-in password changes.

Can I change my password from the sign-in screen without signing in first?

No. You must be signed in to access Settings and change your password. If you can't sign in because you forgot your password, you'll need a password reset disk or another recovery method.

Is there a way to change my password without using Settings?

Yes. You can change your Microsoft account password through the Microsoft account website on any device with a web browser, even a phone or tablet. Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in, and select "Security" to change your password there. Local account passwords can only be changed through Settings on that specific computer.