The fastest way to change your password

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then press Enter. Click Accounts on the left side, 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 in and click Next.

Now type your new password twice: once in the "New password" field and again in the "Reconfirm password" field. Make it something you can remember but that others cannot guess easily. Click Next, then Finish. Your password is now changed. The next time you sign in, use the new one.

This method works whether you use a Microsoft account (the kind linked to outlook.com or hotmail.com) or a local account (one that exists only on your computer). The steps are identical either way.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your Windows 10 password through Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, then click the Change button under Password.
  • Windows requires you to enter your current password before you can create a new one, as a security check.
  • Your new password takes effect the next time you sign in to your computer.
  • If you forget your password after changing it, you can reset it using a password reset disk or a Microsoft account recovery option, depending on your account type.
  • Changing your password does not affect your files, programs, or any other data on your computer.

What to do if you do not remember your current password

If you cannot remember the password you are currently using, you cannot change it through Settings — Windows requires the old password as proof you own the account. Instead, you will need to reset your password using a different method.

If you use a Microsoft account, go to the Windows sign-in screen and click I forgot my password. Windows will walk you through verifying your identity using a recovery email or phone number linked to your account. Once verified, you can set a new password without entering the old one.

If you use a local account and have no recovery options set up, you have limited choices. The most straightforward is to use a password reset disk if you created one before forgetting your password. Insert the disk at the sign-in screen, click Reset password, and follow the prompts. If you never made a reset disk, you may need to contact Microsoft Support or reinstall Windows.

Creating a password reset disk before you need it

A password reset disk is a USB drive that lets you reset your password if you forget it — but you must create it while you still know your current password. Open the Control Panel by pressing the Windows key and typing "control panel", then press Enter. Click User Accounts, then click User Accounts again.

On the left side, click Create a password reset disk. Windows will open a wizard. Insert a blank USB drive when prompted. The wizard will create a small file on the drive — this is your reset disk. Keep it in a safe place. If you ever forget your password, you can plug this disk into your computer at the sign-in screen and use it to reset your password without needing to remember the old one.

This disk only works for the account that created it. If you have multiple user accounts on your computer, each account needs its own reset disk.

Changing your password on a work or school computer

If your computer is connected to a workplace or school network, your password may be managed by your organization rather than by Windows itself. In this case, the Settings method above may not work, or it may only change your local password while leaving your network password unchanged.

Ask your IT department or help desk whether you should change your password through Settings or through a separate system. Many organizations use their own password management portals or require you to change your password through a web browser instead. Using the wrong method can leave you locked out of network resources even though your local password changed.

Why you should change your password regularly

Changing your password periodically reduces the window of time that a stolen or guessed password can be used to access your account. If someone obtained your password months ago but you have not changed it since, they could still sign in to your computer today. A new password locks them out when ready.

You should change your password right away if you think someone else knows it, if you used the same password on another website that was hacked, or if you shared it with someone who no longer needs access. For routine security, many people change their password once or twice a year, though this is a personal choice rather than a strict requirement.

Making your new password strong and memorable

A strong password is long, uses a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, includes numbers and symbols, and does not contain words from a dictionary or personal information like your name or birthday. An example of a strong password is "BlueMoon#47!Kitchen" — it is 20 characters long, mixes letter cases, includes a number and a symbol, and is not a real phrase.

The challenge is remembering a strong password without writing it down where others might find it. One approach is to use a passphrase: a sentence or phrase only you would think of, then use the first letter of each word plus a number and symbol. For example, "My dog ate three socks in 2019!" becomes "Mdats2019!" — still strong, but easier to remember because it is based on something meaningful to you.

Do not use the same password across multiple websites or accounts. If one website is hacked, attackers will try that password on your email, your bank, and your computer. A unique password for each account means a breach at one place does not compromise the others.

Troubleshooting password change problems

If the Change button in Settings is grayed out or does not respond, your account may be managed by your organization or linked to a Microsoft account that has additional restrictions. Try signing out completely, waiting 30 seconds, and signing back in, then return to Settings and try again.

If you see an error message saying "The password does not meet the requirements", Windows is rejecting your new password because it is too short, too straightforward, or does not mix character types enough. Try a longer password with uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol like ! or #.

If you change your password but cannot sign in with the new one on your next attempt, you may have made a typo. Passwords are case-sensitive, meaning "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword". Try again carefully, paying attention to uppercase and lowercase letters. If you still cannot sign in, use the password reset disk method described above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my password delete my files or programs?

No. Changing your password only changes how you sign in to your computer. All your files, folders, programs, and settings remain exactly as they were. You will still have access to everything after you sign in with your new password.

Can I change my password from another computer?

If you use a Microsoft account, you can change your password by visiting account.microsoft.com from any computer or phone, signing in, and going to the Security section. If you use a local account, you must change your password on that specific computer using the Settings method described above.

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

If you have not signed out yet, you can return to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and click Change again. Windows will ask for your current password — use the new one you just created — and you can set a different password. If you have already signed out, you will need to use a password reset disk or Microsoft account recovery to get back in.

Does changing my Windows password also change my Microsoft account password?

If you use a Microsoft account, changing your Windows password changes your Microsoft account password as well — they are the same thing. If you use a local account, changing your Windows password does not affect any Microsoft accounts or other online accounts you may have.

How often should I change my password?

There is no strict rule. Change it right away if you think it is compromised or if you used it on a website that was hacked. For routine security, once or twice a year is reasonable. Some workplaces require password changes every 30 or 90 days, but this is an organizational policy, not a Windows requirement.