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 it matches. This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

If you do not see "Change a password" in the menu, your computer may be set up differently — this can happen on work computers or if your account is managed by an organization. In that case, skip to the Settings method below.

Key Takeaways

  • The quickest method is pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete and selecting "Change a password" from the menu that appears.
  • If that option is not available, open Settings, go to Accounts, then select "Password" to change it there.
  • Your new password should be at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols for better security.
  • If you forget your new password after changing it, you will need to use a password reset disk or contact your system administrator.

Using Settings if Ctrl+Alt+Delete does not work

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then press Enter. On the left side, click Accounts. Then click Password in the menu on the left. You will see a button that says Change — click it.

Windows will ask you to enter your current password first. Type it in and click Next. Then type your new password in the first box, type it again in the second box to confirm, and add a password hint if you want one. Click Next, then Finish. Your password is now changed.

What makes a strong password

A strong password is harder for someone else to guess or crack. Use at least 8 characters — longer is better. Mix uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and symbols like ! @ # $ % ^ &. Avoid using your name, your username, or words from the dictionary by themselves.

Do not reuse a password you have used before, especially not one from work or from another website. If you use the same password everywhere and someone gets it, they can access all your accounts. A password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password can store different passwords for you so you only have to remember one.

What to do if you forget your new password

If you change your password and then forget it, you cannot straightforward reset it yourself the way you can with an online account. Windows will lock you out of your computer. The best prevention is to create a password reset disk before you change your password — this is a USB drive that lets you reset a forgotten password.

To create a reset disk, open Settings, go to Accounts, click Password, then look for Password reset disk on the left side. Plug in a USB drive and follow the steps. Keep this disk in a safe place. If you forget your password later, insert the disk when Windows asks for your password, and you can create a new one.

Changing your password on a work or school computer

Work and school computers are often managed by an organization, which means your password rules may be different. Your organization might require passwords to be longer, to change every 90 days, or to follow other rules. When you try to change your password, Windows may tell you that it does not meet the requirements — if so, try a longer password or one with more symbols.

If you cannot change your password at all, or if you get an error message, contact your IT department or help desk. They manage the password system and can help you or change the rules for your account.

Why you might want to change your password regularly

Changing your password occasionally reduces the risk that someone who saw it or guessed it can still access your computer. If you think someone else knows your password — because you typed it where someone could see, or because you used it on a website that got hacked — change it right away.

You do not need to change your password every month if you use a strong one and keep it private. But if you share a computer with other people, or if you use the same password on multiple sites, changing it more often is a good idea.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your password change takes effect when ready. You will use the new password the next time you lock your computer or sign out and sign back in. You do not need to restart.

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

Not through the normal change process — Windows requires you to enter your current password first. If you forgot it, you will need a password reset disk (if you made one before) or you will need to contact your system administrator or Microsoft support to regain access.

What if I see a message saying my password does not meet requirements?

Your computer or organization has rules about what passwords must contain. Try making your password longer, adding more numbers or symbols, or avoiding words that might be in a dictionary. If you are on a work computer, ask your IT department what the rules are.

Will changing my password log me out of other devices?

Changing your Windows password only affects that computer. If you use the same password on your phone, tablet, or other devices, you will need to update it on each one separately. If you use a Microsoft account, changing the password on one device may log you out of others — you will then sign back in with the new password.