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 then ask for your current password, then prompt you to type your new password twice to confirm you typed it correctly. This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11, and it is the quickest route if you are already logged in.

After you type your new password the second time and press Enter, Windows will confirm the change when ready. You will stay logged in with your new password active. The next time you restart your computer or lock the screen, you will need to use this new password to get back in.

Key Takeaways

  • Ctrl+Alt+Delete followed by "Change a password" is the fastest method and works while you are already logged in.
  • You must know your current password to change it using any method.
  • Settings > Accounts > Your info also lets you change your password and is useful if you prefer a graphical menu.
  • If you forget your password entirely, you will need to use a password reset disk or a Microsoft account recovery option instead of these steps.

Using the Settings menu if you prefer clicking through menus

Open the Start menu and type Settings, then click the Settings app. Once it opens, click Accounts on the left side. Then click Your info at the top of the list. On the right side of the screen, you will see a section labeled Password with a button that says Change. Click that button.

Windows will ask you to enter your current password first. Type it and click Next. Then you will see two fields: one for your new password and one to confirm it. Type your new password in both fields — they must match exactly — and click Next. Windows will show a confirmation screen. Click Finish to complete the change.

What to do if you see a "password does not meet requirements" message

Windows has rules about what makes a strong password. Your new password must be at least 8 characters long. It should include uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and special characters like ! @ # $ % or &. An example of a strong password is BlueSky2024! — it has uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a special character.

If Windows rejects your password, look at the error message to see which requirement you missed. Add an uppercase letter, a number, or a special character until the password meets all the rules. Then try again.

Changing your password if you use a Microsoft account

If you log into Windows with a Microsoft account (the same one you use for Outlook or OneDrive), you have two options. You can use the Ctrl+Alt+Delete method or the Settings menu described above, and both will work. However, changing your password this way will also change your Microsoft account password everywhere — on your phone, in Outlook, and on any other device where you use that account.

If you want to change only your Windows login password and leave your Microsoft account password alone, you will need to set up a local account instead. This is a more complex process and most people do not need to do it. The standard method of changing your password through Ctrl+Alt+Delete or Settings is the right choice for most situations.

What happens after you change your password

Your new password takes effect when ready. If you are logged into other devices with the same Microsoft account, you will be asked to sign in again on those devices the next time you use them — they will not accept your old password. This is normal and a security feature.

If you have programs or services saved with your old Windows password (such as mapped network drives or scheduled tasks), they may stop working until you update them with your new password. If this happens, you will see error messages when those programs try to run. Update them by going to the program's settings and entering your new password where the old one was stored.

If you forget your new password before you write it down

If you change your password and then forget it before you have a chance to write it down or save it somewhere, you will need to use a password reset option. On the Windows login screen, click I forgot my password. Windows will guide you through a recovery process using either a recovery email address or a phone number linked to your account. This process can take several minutes.

To avoid this situation, write down your new password in a find location before you close the password change window. A password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password can store passwords safely so you do not have to remember them.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your new password is active when ready. You only need to restart if you want to test that the password works when you log in fresh, but this is not required.

Can I change my password if I do not remember my current one?

No, not using these steps. You will need to use the password reset option on the login screen instead. Click "I forgot my password" and follow the recovery steps using your email or phone number.

Will changing my Windows password change my email password too?

Only if you use a Microsoft account to log into Windows. If you use a local account (one that is only for your computer), changing your Windows password will not affect your email or other accounts.

What if the Ctrl+Alt+Delete menu does not appear?

This can happen if your keyboard does not recognize the key combination. Try holding Ctrl and Alt, then press Delete once. If nothing happens, use the Settings method instead: Start > Settings > Accounts > Your info > Change password.

Can someone else change my password without my permission?

No. Changing a Windows password requires knowing the current password first. If someone changed your password without your knowledge, contact your system administrator or use the password reset option on the login screen.