The quickest 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 in the left menu, then click Sign-in options. Under the "Password" section, click Change. Windows will ask you to enter your current password first, then type your new password twice to confirm it matches. The whole process takes about two minutes.

Your new password takes effect when ready. You'll use it the next time you sign in to Windows, and it will also sync to any Microsoft accounts linked to your computer if you're using a Microsoft account rather than a local account.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app is the standard way to change your password on Windows 10 and requires your current password first.
  • Your new password must be at least eight characters long if you're using a Microsoft account, but local accounts can be shorter.
  • If you forget your password before changing it, you'll need to use a password reset disk or a recovery email address to get back in.
  • Changing your password on one device syncs it across all your devices if you use a Microsoft account, but only affects that single computer if you use a local account.

What to do if you're using a Microsoft account versus a local account

A Microsoft account is one you created at outlook.com, hotmail.com, or live.com, or one tied to your work or school. A local account is one you created directly on your computer with just a username and password. The steps to change your password are the same in Settings, but the results differ: a Microsoft account password change syncs to all your devices, while a local account password only changes on that one computer.

If you're not sure which type you have, open Settings, go to Accounts, and look at the top of the page. If it shows your email address, you're using a Microsoft account. If it shows just a username, you're using a local account. You can also check by looking at your sign-in screen — Microsoft accounts show an email address, local accounts show a straightforward username.

Creating a strong password Windows will accept

Windows 10 doesn't force you to use special characters or numbers, but a stronger password is harder to guess. A good password uses a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or #. Avoid using your username, your name, or common words that appear in the dictionary. A phrase like "BlueMoon!42Coffee" is stronger than "Password123" because it's longer and less predictable.

If you're using a Microsoft account, your password must be at least eight characters long. Local accounts have no minimum length requirement, but eight characters is still a reasonable standard. Write your new password down somewhere safe before you change it — not on a sticky note on your monitor, but in a password manager like Windows Credential Manager or a dedicated app like Bitwarden.

Changing your password from the sign-in screen

You can also change your password without opening Settings. On the Windows 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. This method works the same way as using Settings and is useful if you want to change your password before you fully log in.

This approach is also helpful if Settings is running slowly or if you want to change your password as soon as you turn on your computer. The result is identical either way.

What happens if you forget your password before you change it

If you can't remember your current password and need to change it, you'll need to reset it first. For a Microsoft account, go to the sign-in screen, click "I forgot my password", and follow the prompts to verify your identity using a recovery email or phone number. Windows will send you a link to create a new password. Once you've reset it, you can then change it again using the Settings method above.

For a local account, you'll need a password reset disk that you created before you forgot your password. If you don't have one, you can create one now on another computer and use it to reset your password on the locked computer. If you have neither a reset disk nor access to a recovery email, you may need to contact Microsoft support or reinstall Windows.

Using a PIN or biometric sign-in instead of a password

Windows 10 lets you sign in with a PIN, fingerprint, or face recognition instead of typing a password every time. You can set these up in Settings under Accounts > Sign-in options. A PIN is a four-digit code (or longer if you want), a fingerprint uses your computer's built-in scanner, and Windows Hello face recognition uses your webcam. These methods are faster than typing a password, but you still need a password as a backup if your PIN or biometric doesn't work.

Adding a PIN or biometric doesn't replace your password — it just gives you another way to sign in. Your password remains your account's main security method and is what you'll use if your PIN is forgotten or your fingerprint reader stops working.

Why you might want to change your password regularly

Changing your password periodically reduces the risk that someone who saw it or guessed it can still access your account. If you suspect someone else knows your password — because you typed it where others could see, or because you used the same password on a website that was hacked — change it right away. You don't need to change it every month if you use a strong, unique password that only you know.

If you use the same password on multiple websites and one of those sites is breached, change your Windows password when ready. Hackers often try passwords from one site on other accounts. Using a different password for Windows and for each important website (like email or banking) means a breach at one site won't compromise your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Windows 10 password without knowing the current one?

Not through Settings — you must enter your current password first. If you've forgotten it, you'll need to reset it using a recovery email, phone number, or password reset disk before you can change it. For a Microsoft account, go to the sign-in screen and click "I forgot my password" to start the reset process.

Will changing my password sign me out of other devices?

If you use a Microsoft account, changing your password will sign you out of other devices and apps that were using your old password, and you'll need to sign back in with the new one. If you use a local account, the password change only affects that one computer and won't impact other devices.

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

For a Microsoft account, go to the sign-in screen and click "I forgot my password", then verify your identity using a recovery email or phone. For a local account, you'll need a password reset disk. If you don't have one, create one now in Settings under Accounts > Sign-in options > Password > Create a password reset disk.

Does changing my Windows password change my Microsoft account password?

If you're using a Microsoft account on Windows, changing your Windows password also changes your Microsoft account password everywhere — email, OneDrive, Office, and other Microsoft services. If you use a local account, changing your Windows password doesn't affect any online accounts.

Can I use the same password I used before?

Windows will let you reuse an old password, but it's not recommended. If someone learned your old password in the past, reusing it means they could still access your account. Choose a new password you haven't used before on this computer.