The fastest way: use Ctrl+Alt+Delete

Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete at the same time on your keyboard. A menu will appear with several options. Click Change a password. Windows will ask for your current password, then prompt you to type a new one twice. The second entry confirms you typed it correctly. Hit Enter and you are done — the change takes effect when ready.

This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11, whether you use a local account (one that exists only on your computer) or a Microsoft account (one linked to Microsoft's servers). It is the fastest route because it does not require you to sign out first.

Key Takeaways

  • Ctrl+Alt+Delete followed by "Change a password" is the quickest method and works while you remain signed in.
  • You must know your current password to set a new one using this method.
  • If you use a Microsoft account, changing your password on your computer also changes it for Outlook, OneDrive, and other Microsoft services.
  • A strong password contains uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and is at least 12 characters long.
  • If you forget your new password, recovery options depend on whether you use a local account or a Microsoft account.

What to do if you forgot your current password

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot use the Ctrl+Alt+Delete method. Instead, go to the Windows sign-in screen (the screen you see before you log in). Look for I forgot my password — this link appears below the password field on most Windows 10 and 11 machines.

Click it. Windows will ask you security questions or send a code to a backup email address or phone number you set up earlier. Answer the questions or enter the code, then create a new password. This process can take a few minutes but does not require you to know the old password.

If you do not see "I forgot my password" on your sign-in screen, your computer uses a local account rather than a Microsoft account. Local accounts are harder to recover if you lose the password — you may need to restart Windows or contact Microsoft support.

Changing your password through Settings

You can also change your password by opening Settings (press the Windows key and type "Settings"). Go to Accounts in the left sidebar, then click Sign-in options. Scroll down until you see Password and click Change.

Windows will ask you to sign in again to confirm your identity, then prompt you to enter your current password. After that, type your new password twice and click Next. The change takes effect the next time you sign in.

This route takes a few more clicks than Ctrl+Alt+Delete but shows you other sign-in options at the same time — useful if you want to add a PIN or biometric login (fingerprint or face recognition) alongside your password.

Making your new password strong and memorable

A strong password is harder for someone else to guess or crack. Use at least 12 characters and mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. For example: BlueMoon#2024Jazz is stronger than password123.

Avoid passwords based on your name, birthdate, or common words. Do not reuse a password you have used elsewhere — if one website is breached, attackers will try that password on your other accounts. A password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password can generate and store strong passwords so you do not have to remember them all.

Write your new password down on paper and store it somewhere find if you are worried you will forget it. Paper is safer than a note on your phone or computer, because those devices can be hacked remotely.

What happens when you change your password

If you use a Microsoft account, changing your Windows password also changes the password for Outlook, OneDrive, Xbox, and any other Microsoft service linked to that account. You will need to sign in again on any device where you were already logged in — your old password will no longer work.

If you use a local account (one that exists only on your computer), the password change affects only that computer. Other devices and services are not affected.

Either way, the change takes effect when ready. You do not need to restart your computer, though some programs may ask you to sign in again the next time you open them.

Recovering access if you forget your new password

If you change your password and then forget the new one, your recovery options depend on your account type. Microsoft accounts can be recovered using a backup email or phone number — go to the sign-in screen and click "I forgot my password" again. You will receive a code by email or text and can set a new password.

Local accounts are harder to recover. Windows does not have a built-in way to reset a forgotten local password without losing access to your files. If this happens, you may need to restart Windows from a recovery drive or contact Microsoft support. This is one reason many people prefer Microsoft accounts — they are easier to recover if you forget the password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password without signing out?

Yes. Use Ctrl+Alt+Delete and select "Change a password" — you stay signed in the whole time. The Settings method also keeps you signed in; Windows just asks you to confirm your identity before letting you change it.

What if I change my password and then forget it when ready?

If you use a Microsoft account, go to the sign-in screen and click "I forgot my password" to reset it. If you use a local account, you will need a recovery drive or help from Microsoft support. This is why writing down a new password on paper (and storing it safely) is a good idea until you are sure you will remember it.

Does changing my Windows password change my email password?

Only if your email is a Microsoft account (Outlook, Hotmail, or live.com). If your email is Gmail, Yahoo, or another provider, changing your Windows password does not affect it. You would need to change that password separately on the email provider's website.

How often should I change my password?

Most security experts now recommend changing your password only when you suspect it has been compromised or when a website tells you to. Changing it frequently does not make you safer if the password is already strong. Focus instead on using a unique, strong password for each important account.

Is it safe to use the same password on multiple devices?

No. If one device is hacked, an attacker gains access to all your accounts. Use a unique password for each device, or use a password manager to keep track of them. A password manager stores all your passwords in one encrypted place, so you only have to remember one master password.