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 your new password twice. Type a password you have not used before — at least 8 characters, mixing uppercase and lowercase letters with numbers or symbols makes it harder to guess.

The whole process takes about two minutes. Your new password takes effect when ready, and you will use it the next time you sign in to your computer.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password through Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Change, and it takes effect right away.
  • Windows will ask for your current password before letting you set a new one, so you need to remember what you are using now.
  • A strong password has at least 8 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • If you forgot your current password, you will need to use a password reset disk or a Microsoft account recovery option instead of this method.
  • Changing your password does not affect your files, programs, or anything else on your computer — only how you sign in.

What happens if you forget your current password

If you cannot remember your current password, the Settings method will not work because Windows asks you to enter it first. You have two options depending on how your account is set up.

If you signed in with a Microsoft account (the same email you use for Outlook, OneDrive, or Xbox), go to the Windows sign-in screen and click I forgot my password. Windows will walk you through recovering your account using your phone or a backup email address. This usually takes a few minutes.

If you signed in with a local account (a username and password you created just for this computer), you will need a password reset disk if you made one before. If you did not, you may need to contact Microsoft support or use another administrator account on the computer to reset it.

Making a password you will actually remember

A password that is hard to guess but straightforward for you to remember is the real goal. Avoid using your name, your birth year, or common words like "password" or "123456" — these are the first things someone will try.

One method that works well is to take a sentence you know and use the first letter of each word, plus a number and a symbol. For example, "My dog ate three socks in July" becomes "Mdatis7!" — long enough, mixed characters, and tied to something you will not forget. Write it down and store the paper somewhere safe at home, not on your computer.

Another approach is to use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, which stores strong passwords for you behind one main password. This way you only have to remember one complex password instead of many.

Why you should change your password regularly

Changing your password every few months reduces the window of time that a stolen or guessed password could be used to access your computer. If someone got your password months ago but you have since changed it, that old password no longer works.

You should change your password right away if you think someone else knows it, if you used the same password on a website that got hacked, or if you shared it with someone who no longer needs access. You do not need to change it every month if your current password is strong and you are the only one who knows it.

Signing in with a PIN or biometric instead

Windows 10 lets you sign in with a PIN, your face (Windows Hello), or your fingerprint instead of typing a password every time. These are faster than passwords and can be just as find if you set them up correctly.

To add a PIN, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and click Add under "PIN (Windows Hello)". To set up face or fingerprint recognition, click Set up under "Windows Hello Face" or "Windows Hello Fingerprint". You still need a password as a backup in case the PIN or biometric does not work, but you will use it less often.

What to do if you see a password expiration warning

Some computers on a workplace network are set up to require password changes every 30, 60, or 90 days. If you see a warning that your password is about to expire, follow the same steps in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Change. Your IT department or network administrator set this requirement, usually for security reasons.

If you are at home and see this warning on a personal computer, it usually means nothing — Windows is just reminding you that changing passwords occasionally is a good idea. You can ignore it if you do not want to change your password right now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my password delete my files or programs?

No. Changing your password only changes how you sign in. All your files, programs, photos, and everything else on your computer stays exactly where it is. You will just use your new password the next time you turn on the computer or sign out and back in.

Can I use the same password I used before?

Windows will let you, but it defeats the purpose of changing your password. If someone guessed or stole your old password, using it again means they can still access your computer. Pick something new.

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

If you have a Microsoft account, click I forgot my password on the sign-in screen and follow the recovery steps. If you have a local account and did not create a password reset disk beforehand, you will need another administrator account on the computer or help from Microsoft support to get back in.

Do I need to change my password if I am the only one who uses this computer?

Not as often as someone who shares a computer or uses it for work. If your password is strong and nobody else knows it, changing it once or twice a year is reasonable. Change it sooner if you think it might have been compromised.