The fastest way to change your password

On Windows 10 or 11, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete at the same time, then select "Change a password" from the menu that appears. Type your current password, then type your new password twice to confirm it matches. Windows will tell you when ready if the change worked.

If you are at the login screen instead of inside Windows, you can also click "I forgot my password" and follow the recovery steps — but the Ctrl + Alt + Delete method is faster if you are already logged in. This works whether you use a local account (stored on your computer) or a Microsoft account (synced to Microsoft's servers).

Key Takeaways

  • Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete while logged in, select "Change a password", and type your old password followed by your new one twice.
  • Your new password takes effect when ready, and you will use it the next time you log in.
  • If you forget your new password before you log out, you can press Ctrl + Alt + Delete again and change it back.
  • Microsoft accounts sync your password across devices, so changing it on one Windows computer changes it everywhere you use that account.
  • Local accounts store the password only on that one computer, so you would need to change it separately on each machine.

What happens when you change your password

Windows stores your new password and forgets the old one. The next time you restart your computer or lock the screen, you will need to type the new password to get back in. If you are still logged in when you change it, nothing interrupts — you stay in Windows and can keep working.

If you use a Microsoft account, the change syncs to Microsoft's servers within a few minutes. This means if you log into another Windows computer, tablet, or Xbox with the same Microsoft account, that new password works there too. Local accounts do not sync, so a password change on one computer does not affect any other machine.

Changing your password from the Settings app

Open Settings (press the Windows key and type "settings"), then go to Accounts on the left side. Click Sign-in options, scroll down to "Password", and click Change. Windows will ask you to verify your current password, then let you type a new one.

This route takes a few more clicks than Ctrl + Alt + Delete, but it shows you the same screen and does the same thing. Some people find it easier to remember because it is labeled clearly in the Settings menu. The end result is identical — your password changes when ready and takes effect at the next login.

If you are locked out and cannot remember your password

At the login screen, click "I forgot my password" below the password box. Windows will ask you security questions or send a code to your email or phone number — whichever method you set up when you created the account. Answer the questions or enter the code, then you can set a new password without knowing the old one.

This process works for both Microsoft accounts and local accounts, but the recovery method depends on what you chose during setup. If you set up security questions, you will answer those. If you linked a phone number or email, Windows will send a code there. If you did not set up any recovery method, you may not be able to reset the password without contacting Microsoft support or taking the computer to a technician.

Creating a strong password Windows will accept

Windows does not force you to use a complex password — you can set it to anything you want, even a single word. However, a stronger password is harder to guess or crack. A good password uses at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or @).

Avoid passwords based on your name, birthdate, or common words. Avoid repeating the same character or typing a sequence like "123456" or "abcdef". If you use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, it can generate a random strong password for you and remember it, so you only need to remember one master password.

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 the organization's domain controller instead of by Windows itself. In this case, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and you may see "Change a password" or you may see "Lock", "Switch user", and "Sign out" instead.

If "Change a password" does not appear, contact your IT department or help desk — they control password changes for network accounts. Trying to change it through Windows Settings will not work because the computer does not store the password locally. Your IT team can tell you whether you can change it yourself through a web portal or whether they need to do it for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The password change takes effect when ready. You stay logged in and can keep working. You will need the new password the next time you lock the screen or restart, but not before then.

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

Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete again, select "Change a password", and type the new password you just set as your "current" password. Then type a different new password. You can change it as many times as you want while you are logged in.

Will changing my Windows password affect my email or other accounts?

No, unless you use the same password for multiple accounts. Changing your Windows password only changes how you log into that computer. Your email, social media, and other accounts keep their old passwords unless you change them separately.

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

Yes. Go to Settings, click Accounts, then Sign-in options. You can add a password even if you currently use a PIN. You can also keep both — Windows lets you log in with either one.

What if my Microsoft account password and my Windows password are different?

If you use a Microsoft account, they are the same password. Changing one changes the other. If you use a local account, there is only one password for that computer, so this situation does not explore.