The fastest way to change your password

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then press Enter. Click Accounts in the left menu, then click Sign-in options. Under the "Password" section, click the Change button. Windows will ask you to enter your current password first — type it and click Next.

Now you'll create your new password. Type it in the first box, type it again in the second box to confirm, and add a password hint if you want one (this hint appears on your login screen if you forget the password, so don't make it the actual password). Click Next, then Finish. Your password changes when ready.

The next time you log in, use your new password. If you're already signed in and want to test it right away, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete, click Sign out, and log back in with the new one.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password through Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Change, and Windows will ask for your current password first.
  • Your new password takes effect when ready, but you won't need it until the next time you log in.
  • A password hint appears on your login screen if you forget the password, so choose something that reminds you without giving it away.
  • If you forget your current password, you cannot use this method — you'll need to use a password reset disk or a Microsoft account recovery option instead.

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

If you're signed in but can't remember the password you used to log in, you still cannot change it through Settings — Windows requires your current password to verify you're the account owner. You have two options: use a password reset disk if you created one before, or reset your password through your Microsoft account online.

To reset through your Microsoft account, go to account.microsoft.com on another device or computer, click Sign in, and select Can't access your account. Follow the prompts to verify your identity (usually through a backup email or phone number), and Microsoft will let you set a new password. Once you've done that, sign out of your Windows computer and log back in with the new password.

Creating a strong password Windows will accept

Windows 10 doesn't force you to use uppercase letters, numbers, or symbols — a password of all lowercase letters works fine. However, a stronger password is harder for someone else to guess, so mixing in uppercase, numbers, and symbols is a good idea if you can remember it.

Avoid using your username, your name, or common words. A password like "BlueSky2024!" is stronger than "password123" because it's less predictable. Write your password down and store it somewhere safe if you're worried about forgetting it — a locked drawer or a password manager is better than a sticky note on your monitor.

Changing the password for a Microsoft account versus a local account

If you sign into Windows with a Microsoft account (the email address you use for Outlook, OneDrive, or Xbox), changing your password through Settings changes both your Windows login password and your Microsoft account password everywhere. If you change your Microsoft password on the Microsoft website instead, it updates on Windows automatically the next time you sign in.

If you use a local account (a username and password that only exist on that computer), changing it through Settings only affects that computer. If you have the same local username on multiple computers, each one has its own separate password — changing one doesn't change the others.

Why you might want to change your password regularly

If you think someone else has seen or used your password, change it right away. You should also change it if you used the same password on another website that was hacked — using the same password everywhere means one breach puts all your accounts at risk.

Changing your password every few months is a reasonable practice, though it's less critical on a home computer than on a work computer. What matters more is using a password that's hard to guess and not reusing it across different websites and services.

What happens after you change your password

On the computer you changed it on, nothing changes — you'll just use the new password next time you log in. If you're signed into other devices with the same Microsoft account (a tablet, phone, or another computer), you don't need to do anything. Those devices will ask for your new password the next time they need to verify your identity, such as when you try to read an app or access OneDrive.

If you're signed into Windows on another computer with a local account that has the same username, that password does not change — local accounts are separate on each computer. You would need to change the password on that computer separately using the same steps.

Troubleshooting if the change doesn't work

If you click Change and nothing happens, make sure you're signed in with an administrator account. Right-click the Settings app and choose Run as administrator if you're not sure. If you see an error message saying your password doesn't meet requirements, try a longer password or one with numbers or symbols mixed in.

If you're on a work or school computer, your password might be managed by your organization's network, and you may not be able to change it through Settings. Contact your IT department or help desk instead — they can reset it for you or tell you where to change it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password without signing out first?

Yes. You can change your password while you're signed in through Settings. You won't be signed out, and the new password takes effect the next time you log in. You don't have to restart your computer or sign out when ready.

What if I forget my new password right after changing it?

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 it, you'll need to use a password reset disk or reset it through your Microsoft account online. This is why writing down a new password temporarily can help.

Does changing my Windows password change my email password?

Only if you sign into Windows with a Microsoft account (an email address). Changing your Windows password changes your Microsoft account password everywhere. If you use a local account, your Windows password and email password are separate and don't affect each other.

Can someone change my password if they have physical access to my computer?

If they're signed in as you or as an administrator, yes. If they're not signed in, they cannot change your password without knowing your current one. This is why signing out when you step away from your computer matters, especially on a shared device.

Will changing my password delete my files or programs?

No. Changing your password only changes how you log in. All your files, programs, and settings stay exactly as they are. Your documents, photos, and installed software remain on the computer.