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 new password is accepted.

This method works whether you use a local account (one that exists only on your computer) or a Microsoft account (one tied to your email address). The keyboard shortcut is the same either way, and the process takes less than a minute.

If the Ctrl + Alt + Delete menu does not appear, your computer may be locked or in sleep mode. Wake it up first, then try again.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select Change a password to update your password in under a minute.
  • You will need to type your current password and your new password twice to confirm it matches.
  • If you forget your password, you can reset it through Settings, but the process is different and takes longer.
  • A strong password uses uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — at least 12 characters is better than 8.
  • Windows will not let you reuse a password you have used recently on the same account.

Changing your password through Settings

If the Ctrl + Alt + Delete method does not work for you, you can change your password through the Settings app instead. Click the Windows Start button, type Settings, and open the Settings app. Then go to Accounts in the left sidebar.

On the Accounts page, click Sign-in options in the left menu. Under the "Password" section, click the Change button. Windows will ask you to enter your current password first, then your new password twice. Click Next and then Finish when you are done.

This route takes a few more clicks than the keyboard shortcut, but it works the same way and gives you the same result.

What makes a password actually strong

Windows does not force you to use a complex password on a local account, but it will warn you if your password is weak. A strong password is hard for someone else to guess or crack, even if they have tools to help them.

Mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — for example, BlueMoon#2024River is stronger than password123. The longer your password, the harder it is to crack: 12 characters is noticeably better than 8. Avoid using your name, your username, or words from the dictionary, because those are the first things someone will try.

Do not reuse a password you use on other websites or accounts. If one website gets hacked, a criminal can use that same password to break into your computer. A password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password can store unique passwords for each account so you do not have to remember them all.

If you forget your password

Resetting a forgotten password is slower than changing one you remember. If you use a Microsoft account, go to the Windows sign-in screen, click I forgot my password, and follow the steps to verify your identity through your email address or phone number. Microsoft will send you a link to reset your password.

If you use a local account and forget your password, you will need to use another administrator account on the same computer to reset it. Go to Settings, click Accounts, then Other users, select the account you forgot the password for, and click Reset password. You can set a new password or a password hint that will help you remember it next time.

If you do not have another administrator account on the computer, resetting a forgotten local account password is much harder and may require professional help or reinstalling Windows.

Why Windows makes you type your password twice

When you change your password, Windows asks you to type the new one twice. This is not to test your typing — it is to catch mistakes. If you mistype the new password the first time, you might not notice, and then you would be locked out of your account the next time you sign in.

By requiring you to type it twice and comparing the two entries, Windows makes sure both match before saving the change. If they do not match, it will tell you and ask you to try again. This straightforward step prevents a lot of frustration.

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 instead of by Windows itself. In that case, the change password option in Settings may not work, or it may send your request to your IT department.

Ask your IT support team or check your organization's password policy before you try to change it. Some organizations require you to change your password every few months, while others let you keep the same one indefinitely. Your IT team can tell you what the rules are and walk you through the process if it is different from the standard Windows steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password if I am not signed in?

No. You must be signed into your account to change its password. Windows needs to verify that you are the account owner before it will let you make changes to it.

What if I type my new password wrong the first time and do not notice?

Windows will catch it because you have to type the new password twice. If the two entries do not match, Windows will tell you and ask you to try again. You will not be locked out.

How often should I change my password?

There is no single right answer — it depends on how you use your computer and how strong your password is. If you use a strong, unique password and do not share it with anyone, changing it once a year is usually enough. If you think someone may have seen your password, change it right away.

Will changing my password log me out of other devices?

If you use a Microsoft account, changing your password on one device will log you out of other devices the next time they try to connect to the internet. You will need to sign in again with your new password. Local account passwords do not affect other devices.

Can I use the same password I used before?

Windows will not let you reuse a password you have used recently on the same account. The exact number of previous passwords Windows remembers depends on your computer's settings, but it is usually at least five. This prevents you from cycling through the same few passwords.