The fastest way: Settings menu

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then press Enter. Click Accounts in the left sidebar, 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 enter 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 email address you sign in with) or a local account (a username created just on this computer). The process is the same either way.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app is the standard way to change your password and takes about two minutes from start to finish.
  • You must enter your current password before you can set a new one, so have it ready.
  • If you forget your password before changing it, you will need to use a password reset disk or a recovery email address instead of this method.
  • A strong password uses uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — avoid using your username or common words.
  • Your new password takes effect the next time you sign in; you can keep using your computer with your old password until then.

What to do if Settings won't open

If the Settings app is frozen or will not respond, you can change your password through the Control Panel instead. Press the Windows key and type "control panel", then press Enter. Click User Accounts, then click User Accounts

Click Change your password on the left side. Enter your current password, then your new password twice, and click Change Password. This route is slower but works when Settings is having problems.

Changing your password from the sign-in screen

If you are already at the Windows sign-in screen (the lock screen where you type your password), you can change it without opening Settings. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete all at the same time. A menu will appear with several options — click Change a password.

Type your old password, then your new password twice, and press Enter. Windows will confirm the change and return you to the sign-in screen. This method is useful if you want to change your password before you fully log in, or if you are on a shared computer and want to do it quickly.

Making sure your new password actually works

After you change your password, sign out of Windows to test it. Click the Start menu, click your username in the top-left corner, and select Sign out. Wait for the sign-in screen to appear, then type your new password and press Enter.

If you typed it correctly, you will log back in normally. If you see an error message, you may have made a typo when you set the new password. Go back to Settings, click Sign-in options, click Change, and try again — Windows will let you set a different password.

Passwords you should never use

Avoid passwords that contain your username, your computer name, or your first or last name. Do not use common words like "password", "letmein", or "123456". These are the first things someone trying to break into your account will attempt.

A strong password has at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. For example, "BlueMoon$2024!" is stronger than "password123". The longer and more random your password, the harder it is to guess.

What happens if you forget your new password

If you change your password and then forget it, you can reset it using a password reset disk (if you created one before) or a recovery email address linked to your Microsoft account. If you do not have either of these, you may need to create a new local account on the computer and then contact Microsoft support.

To avoid this, write your new password down in a safe place — a locked drawer, a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, or a notebook you keep find. Do not email it to yourself or leave it on a sticky note on your monitor.

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's IT department. In this case, you may not be able to change it through Settings. Instead, contact your IT support team or check your organization's password policy page.

Some organizations require you to change your password every 90 days or use specific rules about length and complexity. Your IT team can tell you what those rules are and walk you through the process if the standard method does not work.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your new password takes effect when ready, but you do not have to restart. You can keep working normally. The next time you sign out and sign back in, you will use your new password.

Can I change my password if I am using a PIN instead?

Yes. A PIN and a password are separate. Go to Settings, click Sign-in options, and you will see both "Password" and "PIN" sections. You can change either one independently. Changing your PIN does not change your password, and vice versa.

What if I see "The password does not meet the requirements" when I try to save it?

Windows is telling you your new password is too straightforward. Add more characters, mix in uppercase and lowercase letters, or include a number or symbol. Try "BlueMoon$24" instead of "bluebird" — the extra complexity will usually fix the error.

Will changing my password sign me out of other devices?

If you use a Microsoft account, changing your password will sign you out of other devices and apps that were using your old password — like your phone, tablet, or Outlook. You will need to sign back in with your new password on those devices. A local account password change only affects that one computer.

Can someone else change my password without my permission?

Only if they have physical access to your computer and can log in as you or as an administrator. Protect your current password and never leave your computer unattended while you are signed in. If you think someone has changed your password, restart your computer and try signing in with your old password to see if it still works.