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 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 prompt you to create a new one twice to confirm you typed it correctly. Once 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 process is the same either way, and you do not need to restart your computer.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Windows 10 password through Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Change, and the new password works right away.
  • Windows requires you to enter your current password before creating a new one, so you must remember what you are signed in with.
  • If you forgot your password entirely, you cannot use this method — you will need to use a password reset disk or a Microsoft account recovery option instead.
  • A strong password contains uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and is at least 12 characters long.
  • You only need to change your password once per computer; if you use the same Microsoft account on multiple devices, each one stores its own password.

What happens if you forget your current password

If you cannot remember the password you are currently using, the Settings method will not work because Windows asks you to enter it first. Instead, you have two options depending on what kind of account you use.

If you use a Microsoft account, go to account.microsoft.com on another device or computer and click Sign in. Select Can't access your account? and follow the recovery steps, which usually involve confirming your identity through a phone number or backup email address. Once you reset your password there, you can sign into Windows 10 with the new password.

If you use a local account and have no backup way to recover it, you will need a password reset disk that you created before you forgot the password. Insert that disk when Windows shows the sign-in screen, click Reset password, and follow the prompts. Without a reset disk and without a Microsoft account, recovering a local account password is not possible through Windows itself.

Creating a password Windows will accept

Windows 10 does not force you to use a complex password — you can set one that is just a few letters if you want. However, a stronger password protects your files and accounts from unauthorized access. A strong password uses a mix of uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and symbols (!@#$%^&*), and is at least 12 characters long.

Avoid using your name, username, or common words that appear in the dictionary. Do not reuse a password from another account, especially not from email or banking sites. If you use the same password everywhere and one site gets hacked, attackers can try that password on all your other accounts.

Consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass to store complex passwords securely. These tools generate random passwords and remember them for you, so you only need to remember one master password.

Changing your password from the sign-in screen

If you are already at the Windows 10 sign-in screen and have not yet logged in, you can change your password without opening Settings. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, then click Change a password. Enter your current password, type your new password twice, and press Enter.

This method is useful if you want to change your password before you start using your computer for the day, or if you are at a shared computer and want to update your security quickly. The result is the same as using Settings — your new password takes effect when ready.

Using a PIN or Windows Hello instead of a password

Windows 10 lets you sign in with a four-digit PIN, a fingerprint, or facial recognition instead of typing a password every time. These options are faster for daily use, but they work alongside your password rather than replacing it — you still need the password for certain security operations and account recovery.

To set up a PIN, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and click Add under "PIN (Windows Hello)". To set up fingerprint or face recognition, click Set up under "Windows Hello Fingerprint" or "Windows Hello Face". You will need to enter your current password to confirm your identity before setting up any of these options.

If you change your password later, your PIN and biometric sign-in methods continue to work — Windows does not require you to update them. However, if you forget your password and need to recover your account, you will still need access to your email or phone number, not your PIN.

What to do if Settings will not let you change your password

In rare cases, Windows may prevent you from changing your password if your account is managed by a workplace or school. If you see a message saying "Your organization has set policies that prevent you from changing your password", contact your IT department or help desk — they control password changes for managed accounts.

If you are using your own personal account and Settings still will not open the change password option, try restarting your computer. If the problem continues, make sure you are signed in with administrator rights. Right-click the Settings app and select Run as administrator, then try again. If that does not work, your account may be corrupted, and you may need to create a new local account and transfer your files to it.

Keeping your new password find after you change it

Once you set a new password, do not write it down on paper or store it in an unencrypted text file on your desktop. If someone gains physical access to your computer or finds a note, they can sign in as you. A password manager stores passwords in encrypted form, which is much safer.

If you think someone else knows your password, change it when ready using the method in the first section. If you suspect someone has already accessed your account without permission, change your password, then check your recent activity on your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com to see if there are any unfamiliar sign-ins. You can sign out all other sessions from that page to lock out anyone who may have stolen your old password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restart Windows after changing my password?

No. Your new password takes effect when ready, and you can keep using your computer without restarting. The next time you sign out and sign back in, use your new password.

Will changing my password affect my files or programs?

No. Your files, programs, and settings remain exactly as they were. Only the password you use to sign in changes. If you use OneDrive or other cloud services, they continue to work with your Microsoft account.

Can I change my password on a computer I do not own?

You can change the password for your account on any computer, but the change only affects that specific computer. If you use the same Microsoft account on multiple devices, each device has its own stored password. Changing the password on one computer does not change it on the others.

What if I want to remove my password entirely?

You can remove your password and sign in with only a PIN or biometric method, but Windows still requires a password for account recovery and certain security operations. To remove the password requirement at sign-in, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, click Change under Password, and leave the new password field blank. However, this is not recommended for security reasons.

How often should I change my Windows password?

There is no set rule. Change your password if you think someone knows it, if you use the same password on multiple sites and one of those sites gets hacked, or if you have not changed it in over a year. For most personal computers, once a year is reasonable.