The fastest way: use Ctrl+Alt+Delete at the login screen

Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete on your keyboard while you are at the Windows login screen — the screen where you type your password to get into Windows. A menu will appear. Click Change a password. Windows will ask for your old password, then prompt you to type your new password twice. Type the same new password both times, then press Enter. Your password changes when ready.

This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11. You do not need to restart your computer. The next time you log in, use your new password.

Key Takeaways

  • The Ctrl+Alt+Delete method at the login screen is the fastest route and works without restarting your computer.
  • You can also change your password from inside Windows by opening Settings, going to Accounts, and selecting Change your password.
  • If you forget your password before you log in, you will need to use a password reset disk or a Microsoft account recovery option instead.
  • Windows will not let you reuse a password you have used recently, and your new password must meet your computer's complexity rules if they are turned on.
  • If you are on a work or school network, your IT department may have locked password changes, and you may need to contact them instead.

Changing your password from inside Windows

If you are already logged into Windows, you can change your password without going back to the login screen. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then press Enter. Click Accounts on the left side of the window.

Click Sign-in options in the left menu. Scroll down until you see Password, then click Change. Windows will ask you to confirm your current password first. Type it and click Next. Then type your new password twice — once in the "New password" field and once in the "Reenter password" field — and click Next. Click Finish to complete the change.

This method also takes effect when ready. You will use your new password the next time you log in, even if you do not restart your computer.

What Windows requires in a new password

Windows may enforce password rules depending on how your computer is set up. If your computer is part of a work or school network, the rules are usually stricter. On a personal computer, the rules are often looser or absent entirely.

Common rules include: your new password must be at least 8 characters long; it must contain uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols; and it cannot contain your username or parts of your full name. Windows will also prevent you from reusing any of your last several passwords — the exact number varies by computer.

If your new password does not meet the rules, Windows will show an error message and ask you to try again. The error message usually tells you what rule you broke.

What to do if you are on a work or school network

If your computer is connected to a work or school network, your IT department may have disabled the password change feature entirely. If you try to change your password and see a message saying the option is not available, contact your IT support team. They can change your password for you or tell you how to change it through your organization's own system.

Some organizations use a separate password portal or require you to change your password through a web browser instead of through Windows itself. Your IT team will have the link and instructions.

If you forgot your password before logging in

If you cannot remember your password and you are stuck at the login screen, you have two main options. The first is to use a password reset disk if you created one before you forgot your password. Insert the disk into your computer, click Reset password on the login screen, and follow the prompts.

The second option is to use your Microsoft account recovery process. If your Windows account is linked to a Microsoft account (an Outlook, Hotmail, or live.com email address), click I forgot my password on the login screen. Microsoft will send a recovery code to your backup email or phone number. Enter that code, and you can set a new password.

If your account is a local account (not linked to Microsoft) and you did not create a password reset disk, you will need to contact Microsoft Support or take your computer to a repair shop, because Windows does not have a built-in recovery method for local accounts.

How often you should change your password

Security experts used to recommend changing your password every 30 or 90 days. That information has changed. If your password is strong and unique — meaning you do not use it anywhere else — you do not need to change it on a schedule. Change it only if you think someone else knows it, if you used it on a website that was hacked, or if your computer has been infected with malware.

Changing a weak password or a password you have reused on multiple websites is more important than changing a strong, unique password frequently. If you are not sure whether your passwords are strong, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass. These tools generate and store strong passwords for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, Windows requires you to enter your current password before you can set a new one — whether you use Ctrl+Alt+Delete or the Settings method. If you have forgotten it, use the password reset disk or Microsoft account recovery instead.

Will changing my password log me out of other devices?

If you use a Microsoft account, changing your password will log you out of other devices and apps that are signed in with that account. You will need to sign back in with your new password. If you use a local account, only that computer is affected.

What if I see an error message saying the password does not meet requirements?

Read the error message carefully — it will tell you what rule your password broke. Common issues are: too short, missing uppercase or lowercase letters, missing numbers or symbols, or too similar to a previous password. Try a different password that includes uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.

Do I need to restart Windows after changing my password?

No. Your new password takes effect when ready. You will use it the next time you log in, but you do not have to restart your computer first.

Can I change my password on a Chromebook or Mac?

No, these instructions are for Windows only. Chromebooks and Macs have different operating systems with different password change processes. Check your device's help documentation for the correct steps.