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 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 kind tied to Outlook or Hotmail) or a local account (one that exists only 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 set 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 in if you get it wrong.
  • The change takes effect when ready — you do not need to restart your computer or sign out and back in.
  • If you forget your new 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 the password you use now, you cannot change it through Settings — Windows requires you to enter the old one first. Instead, you will need to reset it.

On the sign-in screen, click I forgot my password. Windows will ask you security questions or send a code to your backup email address (if you set one up when you created your Microsoft account). Answer the questions or enter the code, then you can create a new password. This process takes a few minutes.

If you use a local account and did not set up security questions, you will need a password reset disk — a USB drive you created ahead of time specifically for this purpose. If you do not have one, you may need to contact Microsoft support or create a new local account on the computer.

Using the Command Prompt if Settings does not work

In rare cases, the Settings app may not open or may freeze. You can change your password through the Command Prompt instead. Press the Windows key, type "cmd", right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.

Type this command exactly: net user [your username] * — replace [your username] with the name of your account. Press Enter. Windows will prompt you to enter your new password twice. Type it carefully, because you will not see the letters as you type.

This method only works for local accounts, not Microsoft accounts. If you are not sure which type you have, go to Settings > Accounts and look at the top of the page — it will show your account name and whether it is a Microsoft account or a local account.

Making your new password strong enough to matter

A password that is straightforward to remember is often straightforward to guess. Windows 10 does not force you to use a strong password, but it will warn you if your choice is weak. A strong password has at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Avoid passwords based on your name, birthdate, or common words. Avoid sequences like "123456" or "qwerty". A phrase you can remember — like "ILove2ReadInCoffeeShops!" — is stronger than a single word with a number added to the end.

Write your new password down and store it somewhere find if you think you might forget it — a locked drawer, a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, or a notebook you keep in a safe place. Do not email it to yourself or leave it in a text file on your desktop.

Why you might want to change your password regularly

If you use the same password on multiple websites or services, changing your Windows password does not protect those accounts. Each service needs its own password. If you reuse passwords and one website gets hacked, someone could use that password to sign into your email, bank account, or other places.

Changing your Windows password makes sense if you think someone else may have seen it or guessed it. It also makes sense if you have not changed it in several years and want a fresh start. Changing it every 30 or 90 days is not necessary for most people — security experts now recommend changing passwords only when there is a reason to, rather than on a schedule.

What happens if you sign in with a Microsoft account

If your Windows account is linked to a Microsoft account (Outlook, Hotmail, or a work email), changing your Windows password also changes the password for that Microsoft account. You will use the new password the next time you sign into Outlook, OneDrive, or any other Microsoft service.

If you want to change only your Microsoft account password without changing your Windows sign-in password, you can do that through the Microsoft account website instead. Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in, click Security, then Change your password. That change will not affect your Windows sign-in password.

Troubleshooting: password change did not work

If you entered your new password but Windows says it is incorrect when you try to sign in, you may have made a typo. Passwords are case-sensitive, meaning "Password" and "password" are different. Check that Caps Lock is not on. If you are using a password with special characters like @ or #, make sure you are holding Shift when you type them.

If you are certain you typed it correctly, restart your computer and try again. Sometimes the change takes a moment to sync, especially on Microsoft accounts. If the problem persists, sign in with a different account on the same computer (if you have one) and try changing the password again through Settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The change takes effect when ready. You can keep using your computer without restarting. You will use the new password the next time you sign out and sign back in, or the next time you lock your screen.

Can I change my password if I am signed in with a PIN or fingerprint instead of a password?

Yes. Even if you normally sign in with a PIN or fingerprint, you still have a password set. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and scroll down to the Password section. You can change it the same way, though you will need to enter your current password first.

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

If you set up a password reset disk before you forgot it, you can use that disk to reset your password. If you use a Microsoft account, go to the sign-in screen, click "I forgot my password", and follow the recovery steps. If you use a local account and have no reset disk, you may need to contact Microsoft support or create a new account.

Will changing my Windows password change my passwords on other websites?

No. Your Windows password only controls access to your computer. It does not change passwords on Gmail, Facebook, your bank, or any other website. Each service has its own separate password that you would need to change individually.

Is it safe to use the same password for Windows and my email account?

No. If someone learns that password, they can access both your computer and your email. Since email is often used to reset passwords on other accounts, losing control of your email is especially risky. Use a different strong password for each important account.