The quickest way: Settings menu

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

Windows will ask you to enter your current password first. Type it and click Next. Then enter your new password twice — once in the "New password" field and again in the "Reenter password" field to make sure you typed it correctly. Click Next, then Finish. You're done.

The whole process takes about two minutes. Your new password takes effect the next time you sign in.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings menu is the fastest way to change your password and works whether you use a Microsoft account or a local account.
  • You must enter your current password before you can create a new one, so have it ready.
  • Type your new password twice to catch typos before you finish.
  • If you forget your password after changing it, you can reset it using a recovery email or phone number linked to your account.
  • A strong password uses uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — avoid birthdays, names, or dictionary words.

What to do if Settings won't open

If clicking Change in Settings does nothing, or if you see an error message, try restarting your computer first. Sometimes a temporary glitch blocks the password change until you restart.

If the problem persists, you can change your password from the sign-in screen instead. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete while you're at the login screen (before you sign in). Click Change a password. Enter your current password, then your new password twice, and press Enter. This method bypasses the Settings app entirely.

Changing a password you've forgotten

If you can't remember your current password, you cannot use the Settings menu or the Ctrl + Alt + Delete method — both require you to type the old password first. Instead, click I forgot my password on the sign-in screen.

Windows will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email address or phone number you set up earlier. If you have a Microsoft account, check the email or phone number associated with it. If you have a local account (one that doesn't use an email address), you'll need a recovery key that you created beforehand. If you don't have either, you may need to reset Windows or contact Microsoft Support.

The difference between Microsoft accounts and local accounts

A Microsoft account uses an email address as your username and is linked to Microsoft's servers. When you change the password on a Microsoft account, the change syncs across all your devices that use that account — your phone, tablet, or other computers.

A local account exists only on your computer and uses a username instead of an email. Changing a local account password only affects that one machine. If you use the same local account name on multiple computers, you'll need to change the password on each one separately.

To check which type you have, open Settings, go to Accounts, and look at the top of the page. If it shows your email address, you have a Microsoft account. If it shows a username without an email, you have a local account.

Making your new password find

A password that's straightforward to remember is often straightforward to guess. The strongest passwords use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — for example, "BlueMoon#42$Tree" is stronger than "password123". Avoid using your name, birthday, or common words that appear in the dictionary.

If you struggle to remember complex passwords, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the built-in password manager in Microsoft Edge. These tools store your passwords securely and fill them in automatically, so you only need to remember one strong master password.

What happens after you change your password

Your new password takes effect when ready, but you won't be forced to sign out. The next time you restart your computer or sign out and sign back in, you'll use the new password. Any other devices using the same Microsoft account will ask for the new password the next time they connect to the internet.

If you have apps or programs that store your old password — like email clients, cloud storage apps, or password managers — they may stop working until you update them with your new password. Windows will usually prompt you to re-enter your password in these apps the first time you use them after the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password without restarting Windows?

Yes. The Settings method and the Ctrl + Alt + Delete method both work without restarting. Your new password takes effect when ready, though you won't need to use it until the next time you sign in or restart your computer.

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

Click I forgot my password on the sign-in screen and follow the recovery process using your recovery email or phone number. If you don't have either set up, you may need to reset Windows or contact Microsoft Support for help regaining access.

Will changing my password affect my files or programs?

No. Your files, programs, and settings stay exactly the same. Only the password you use to sign in changes. Some apps that store your old password may ask you to re-enter it, but your data is not affected.

Can I use the same password I used before?

Windows allows it, but it defeats the purpose of changing your password. If you changed it because you think someone else knows it, using the same password again leaves you at the same risk.

Do I need to change my password regularly?

Microsoft no longer recommends changing your password on a schedule. Instead, change it if you think someone else knows it, if you use the same password on multiple websites, or if a website you use has been hacked. A strong, unique password that you change only when needed is more find than a weak password you change every month.