The fastest way to change your password

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then press Enter. Go to 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, then your new password twice. Type a password you have not used before — Windows will reject it if it matches a recent one.

The entire process takes about two minutes. Your new password takes effect when ready, and you will use it the next time you sign in to your computer.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password through Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Change, and it takes effect right away.
  • Windows requires you to enter your current password before creating a new one, so you must remember what you are signed in with now.
  • If you have forgotten your current password, you will need to use the password reset disk or a recovery email instead of this method.
  • A strong password contains uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — avoid using your name, birthdate, or common words.
  • If you use a Microsoft account instead of a local account, you can also change your password through the Microsoft website, and it will sync to your computer.

What happens if you forget your current password

If you cannot remember the password you are currently using, you cannot use the Settings method. Instead, you will see a "Reset password" link on the sign-in screen. Click it, and Windows will ask you security questions you set up when you created your account, or it will send a code to a recovery email address you provided.

If you did not set up security questions or a recovery email, and you have a local account (not a Microsoft account), you will need a password reset disk. This is a USB drive you created before you forgot your password. Insert it into your computer, click "Reset password" on the sign-in screen, and follow the prompts to create a new password.

If you have none of these options, you will need to contact Microsoft support or take your computer to a technician who can help you regain access.

The difference between a local account and a Microsoft account

A local account is one that exists only on your computer. You sign in with a username and password stored on that machine. If you change your password on that computer, the change does not affect anything else.

A Microsoft account is linked to your email address and exists on Microsoft's servers. If you change your password through Settings on your computer, it changes everywhere you use that Microsoft account — on your phone, in Outlook, on OneDrive, and on any other device. You can also change a Microsoft account password by going to account.microsoft.com in a web browser, signing in, and selecting "Security" > "Change your password".

To find out which type you have, open Settings, go to Accounts, and look at the top of the page. If it shows your email address, you have a Microsoft account. If it shows only a username, you have a local account.

Creating a password Windows will accept

Windows 10 has basic rules for new passwords. Your new password must be at least one character different from your old one — changing "password1" to "password2" works, but changing it to the same thing does not. Windows will also reject passwords you have used in the past (usually the last five or so).

Beyond those rules, Windows does not force you to use uppercase letters, numbers, or symbols, though security experts recommend all three. A strong password is at least 12 characters long and does not contain your username, your name, or common words like "password" or "123456". An example of a strong password is "BlueMoon#2847Desk".

Write your new password down somewhere safe before you change it — not on a sticky note on your monitor, but in a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, or in a locked drawer. You will need it to sign in after you restart your computer.

What to do right after you change your password

Your new password takes effect when ready, but you will not be asked to use it until you sign out and sign back in, or until you restart your computer. You do not need to do anything special — just remember that your old password will no longer work.

If you share your computer with other people, they will not be affected. Each person on the computer has their own password, and changing yours does not change theirs. If you use cloud services like OneDrive, Outlook, or OneDrive for Business, your files will still be there — changing your Windows password does not disconnect you from those services.

Changing your password on a work or school computer

If your computer is connected to a workplace network or a school network, you may not be able to change your password through Settings. Your organization may require you to change it through a different system, or they may have locked down that setting entirely.

If you click "Change" and nothing happens, or if you see a message saying the setting is managed by your organization, contact your IT department or help desk. They can tell you how to change your password or do it for you. Do not try to work around these restrictions — they are in place for security reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password without knowing my current one?

No, the Settings method requires your current password. If you have forgotten it, use the password reset option on your sign-in screen, which will ask you security questions or send a code to your recovery email. If you have neither of those, you will need a password reset disk or help from Microsoft support.

Will changing my password sign me out of everything?

No. Changing your Windows password does not sign you out of websites, email, or cloud services. You will stay signed in to everything until you manually sign out or your session expires. The next time you restart your computer, you will sign in with your new password.

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

You will be locked out of your computer until you use the password reset process on the sign-in screen. This is why writing down your new password somewhere safe is important. If you have no recovery method set up, you will need to contact Microsoft support or a technician.

Does changing my Windows password change my Microsoft account password?

If you use a Microsoft account, changing your Windows password through Settings also changes your Microsoft account password everywhere. If you use a local account, changing your Windows password does not affect any online accounts. Check your account type in Settings > Accounts to see which one you have.

Can someone else change my password if they have access to my computer?

Yes, if someone can sign in to your computer, they can change your password through Settings. This is why keeping your current password private is important. If you think someone has changed your password without permission, restart your computer and use the password reset option on the sign-in screen.