The fastest way: use Settings

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then press Enter. Click Accounts in the left menu, 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 type your new password twice — once in the "New password" field and once in the "Reenter password" field to confirm you typed it correctly. Click Next, then Finish. Your password changes when ready.

This method works whether you use a Microsoft account (the kind that syncs across devices) or a local account (one that exists only on this computer). The steps are the same either way.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app is the simplest route: open Settings, go to Accounts, choose Sign-in options, and click Change under Password.
  • You must enter your current password before you can set a new one, so have it ready.
  • Type your new password twice to make sure there are no typos, since you will need to remember it to log in next time.
  • If you forget your password after changing it, you can reset it using a password hint or a recovery email, depending on your account type.

What to do if you forgot your current password

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot use the Settings method. Instead, restart your computer and use the sign-in screen to reset it. On the login screen, click I forgot my password below the password field.

Windows will ask you security questions or send a code to your recovery email address (the one you set up when you created your Microsoft account). Answer the questions or enter the code, then create a new password. This process takes a few minutes but does not require you to know your old password.

If you set up a local account instead of a Microsoft account, the process is different. You will see a password hint on the login screen — click it to see the clue you created when you first set up the account. If that does not help you remember, you will need to use a password reset disk (if you made one earlier) or contact someone who has administrator rights on the computer.

Using Command Prompt if Settings does not open

In rare cases, Settings may not open or may freeze. You can change your password through Command Prompt instead. Press the Windows key and type "cmd", then right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

Type this command exactly as shown: net user [your username] * — replace [your username] with the name you see on your login screen. Press Enter. Windows will ask you to type your new password (it will not show on screen as you type), then ask you to type it again to confirm. Press Enter after each one.

This method works only if you remember your current password and have administrator rights on the computer. If you are not sure whether you are an administrator, try the Settings method first — it is simpler and works for most people.

Making your new password strong

A strong password is harder for someone else to guess or crack. Windows 10 does not force you to use a strong password, but it is worth doing. A strong password has at least 12 characters and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or #.

Avoid passwords based on your name, birthday, or common words. "Password123" and "Qwerty456" are straightforward to guess. Instead, try something like "BlueMoon!Desk42" or "Coffee&Rain#2024" — something that makes sense to you but would not appear in a dictionary.

Write your new password down and store it somewhere safe, like a locked drawer or a password manager (a program that stores passwords securely). Do not email it to yourself or text it to someone else.

What happens after you change your password

Once you change your password, you will use the new one the next time you log in. If you are currently signed in, you stay signed in — the change does not log you out when ready.

If you use a Microsoft account, the new password syncs to other devices where you are signed in with the same account. You will need to enter it the next time you sign in on those devices. If you use a local account, the password change affects only that computer.

Any programs that were set to remember your old password (like email clients or cloud storage apps) may ask for your new password the next time they try to connect. This is normal — just enter your new password and let them save it.

Resetting your password if you are locked out

If you change your password and then forget it, you can reset it from the login screen. Click I forgot my password and follow the same recovery process described earlier — answer security questions or use your recovery email.

If you do not have access to your recovery email or cannot answer your security questions, you will need help from someone else. If this is a work computer, contact your IT department. If it is your personal computer and you set it up with a Microsoft account, you can recover access through the Microsoft account recovery page on another device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password without restarting?

Yes. The Settings method works while you are logged in and does not require a restart. You stay logged in after you change your password, and the new password takes effect the next time you log in.

What if I see "The password does not meet the requirements"?

This message means your new password is too straightforward. Windows is asking you to use a stronger one — add uppercase letters, numbers, or symbols. Try something longer, like 12 characters or more, with a mix of letter types.

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 log in changes. Programs that stored your old password may ask for the new one next time they connect to the internet.

Can I change my password on a work computer?

It depends on your company's setup. If your work computer is connected to a company network, you may need to use a different process or contact your IT department. Try the Settings method first — if it does not work, ask your IT support team.

How often should I change my password?

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