The fastest way: use Settings

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 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. You are done.

The next time you sign in to Windows, use your new password. If you forget it later, you will need to use a password reset disk or a Microsoft account recovery method, so write it down somewhere safe or use a password manager.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app method takes about two minutes and requires only your current password and a new one you choose.
  • Windows will ask you to type your new password twice to make sure you did not make a typo.
  • If you use a Microsoft account instead of a local account, you can also change your password on Microsoft's website, and the change will sync to your computer.
  • Write down or securely store your new password somewhere you can find it, because Windows has no built-in way to recover a forgotten local account password.

What to do if you use a Microsoft account

If you sign in with an email address and password (a Microsoft account) rather than a PIN or Windows Hello, you have two options. You can change it through Settings the same way described above, or you can change it on Microsoft's website at account.microsoft.com.

If you change it on the website, the new password will work on your Windows 10 computer within a few minutes. This method is useful if you are away from your computer or if you want to change your password from a phone or tablet.

Using the Command Prompt if Settings does not work

If the Settings app is not responding or you cannot reach the password change screen, you can use the Command Prompt instead. Press the Windows key and type "cmd", then right-click on "Command Prompt" and select Run as administrator.

Type this command exactly as written: net user [your username] * and press Enter. Replace [your username] with the name you see when you sign in — for example, if your sign-in name is "Sarah", type net user Sarah *. Windows will prompt you to type your new password twice. Type it carefully and press Enter after each one.

This method works only if you remember your current password. If you do not, the Command Prompt method will not help you.

Changing a password you have forgotten

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot use either of the methods above. Your options depend on what type of account you have.

If you use a Microsoft account, go to account.live.com on another computer or phone and click Can't access your account? Follow the steps to verify your identity using a backup email or phone number. Once you reset your password there, you can use the new password to sign in to Windows.

If you use a local account (one that does not use an email address), you will need a password reset disk that you created before you forgot your password. If you do not have one, you will need to contact Microsoft Support or take your computer to a repair shop, because Windows does not have a public way to reset a local account password without one.

Why you should change your password regularly

Changing your Windows password every few months reduces the window of time that a stolen or guessed password can be used to access your files and settings. If someone has your password and you change it, they lose access when ready.

A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — for example, "BlueSky#2024Rain" is stronger than "password123". Avoid using your name, birthdate, or common words that appear in a dictionary.

What happens to your files when you change your password

Changing your Windows password does not affect your files, photos, or programs. Everything stays where it is. The password change only affects how you sign in to your computer.

If you use Windows to encrypt your files with BitLocker or another encryption tool, changing your password does not change the encryption. Your files remain encrypted the same way they were before.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my password sign me out of other devices?

If you use a Microsoft account, changing your password on the website will sign you out of other devices and apps that use that account. You will need to sign back in with your new password. If you use a local account, changing the password only affects that one computer.

Can I change my password without entering my old one?

No. Both the Settings method and the Command Prompt method require you to know your current password. If you have forgotten it, you must use the account recovery process for your account type.

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

If you use a Microsoft account, you can reset it at account.live.com from any device. If you use a local account and have no password reset disk, you will need to contact Microsoft Support or a repair technician.

Does Windows 10 require a password?

No. You can remove your password and sign in with a PIN, Windows Hello (face or fingerprint), or no authentication at all. However, a password is the most portable option if you ever need to sign in from another computer.