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. Your password changes when ready.

This method works whether you use a Microsoft account (the kind linked to outlook.com or hotmail.com) or a local account (a password that only exists on your computer). The process is the same either way.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app is the simplest route: open Settings, go to Accounts, click Sign-in options, then click Change under Password.
  • You must enter your current password before you can create a new one, so have it ready.
  • Type your new password twice to make sure you did not make a typo, because Windows will not let you use it until you confirm it matches.
  • If you forget your password after changing it, you can reset it using a password reset disk or a Microsoft account 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 above. Instead, you will need to reset your password using a recovery method.

On the Windows 10 sign-in screen, click I forgot my password. If you use a Microsoft account, Windows will ask you to enter the email address or phone number linked to that account. Microsoft will send you a code to that email or phone number. Enter the code, then create a new password.

If you use a local account and did not create a password reset disk beforehand, you have fewer options. You can create a new local account with administrator rights and use it to reset the password on your original account, but this requires technical steps. The simpler option is to back up your files to an external drive, then reinstall Windows 10 — this erases the old password and lets you create a new account.

Using a password reset disk (if you made one earlier)

A password reset disk is a USB drive or floppy disk you can create ahead of time to unlock your account if you forget your password. If you created one before, insert it into your computer.

On the sign-in screen, click I forgot my password, then follow the prompts to use the reset disk. Windows will let you create a new password without needing the old one. After you sign in with the new password, you can create a fresh reset disk for future use — go back to Settings, Accounts, Sign-in options, and look for Create a password reset disk in the left menu.

Making your new password strong

A strong password is harder for someone else to guess or crack. Windows 10 does not require a minimum length or specific characters, but a longer password is always safer. Aim for at least 12 characters if you can remember it.

Mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — for example, "BlueMoon$42Kitchen" is stronger than "password123". Avoid using your name, your birth year, or words from a dictionary, because those are the first things someone trying to break in will try. Do not reuse a password you have used elsewhere, especially not one you use for email or banking.

If you struggle to remember a complex password, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password. These programs store your passwords in an encrypted vault that you unlock with one strong master password. They can also generate random passwords for you and fill them in automatically when you sign in.

The difference between a Microsoft account and a local account password

If your Windows 10 account is linked to a Microsoft account (one ending in @outlook.com, @hotmail.com, or @live.com), changing your Windows password also changes your Microsoft account password. This means you will use the new password to sign into Outlook, OneDrive, Xbox, and other Microsoft services.

If you use a local account instead, the password only works on that computer. Changing it does not affect any other services. Local accounts are less convenient if you use multiple devices, but they give you more privacy because Microsoft does not store your password on their servers.

What happens if you change your password and then forget it

If you change your password and then realize you cannot remember the new one, the recovery process depends on your account type. Microsoft account users can go to account.microsoft.com on another device, click Security, and reset their password using a recovery email or phone number. Local account users will need to use a password reset disk if they created one, or reinstall Windows.

This is why creating a password reset disk before you need it is worth the five minutes it takes. Go to Settings, Accounts, Sign-in options, and click Create a password reset disk in the left sidebar. Insert a blank USB drive and follow the prompts. Store the drive somewhere safe — not next to your computer.

Changing your password on a work or school computer

If your Windows 10 computer is connected to a workplace or school network, you may not be able to change your password through Settings. Your organization may require you to change it through a network portal or through a specific process they provide.

If the Change button in Settings is grayed out or missing, contact your IT department or help desk. They can tell you the correct process and may need to reset your password for you if you have forgotten it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restart my computer after changing my password?

No. Your new password takes effect when ready. You will use it the next time you sign out and sign back in, but you do not need to restart.

Can I change my password from the lock screen?

Yes. On the Windows 10 lock screen, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete. Click Change a password, then enter your current password and your new password twice. This method works the same way as using Settings.

What if I see an error message saying my password does not meet requirements?

Windows 10 has no built-in password requirements, so this message usually comes from a work or school network. Your organization may require passwords to be a certain length or contain specific characters. Contact your IT department for their password rules.

Can someone change my password without my permission?

Only if they have physical access to your computer or know your current password. If you suspect someone has changed your password, use another device to reset it through your Microsoft account, or contact your IT department if this is a work computer.

Should I write my password down?

Writing it down on paper and storing it in a locked drawer is safer than reusing the same password across many websites. A password manager is even better because it encrypts your passwords and you only need to remember one master password.