The fastest way: use Settings on Windows 10 or 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then click the Settings app. Go to Accounts in the left menu, then select Sign-in options. Under the "Password" section, click Change.

Windows will ask you to enter your current password first. Type it and click Next. Then enter your new password twice — once in the "New password" field and again in the "Confirm password" field. Click Next, then Finish. Your new password takes effect the next time you sign in.

This method works whether you use a Microsoft account (the email address you sign in with) or a local account (a username stored only on your computer). The process is identical for both.

Key Takeaways

  • Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Change is the standard route on Windows 10 and 11, and takes about two minutes.
  • You must know your current password to change it through Settings.
  • If you forgot your password, use the "Reset your password" link on the sign-in screen instead of the Settings method.
  • Your new password takes effect when you sign out and sign back in, not when ready.
  • A strong password contains uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — avoid birthdays, names, or dictionary words.

If you forgot your current password

Do not use the Settings method if you cannot remember your current password. Instead, go to the Windows sign-in screen and click I forgot my password below the password field. Windows will walk you through recovery options based on how your account is set up.

If you use a Microsoft account, you can reset your password using a recovery email address or phone number linked to that account. Windows will send you a code to that email or phone, and you enter the code to create a new password. If you use a local account, you may see security questions you set up previously — answer them correctly to reset your password.

If neither option works, you may need to use a password reset disk (if you created one before) or contact Microsoft support for a Microsoft account, or restart Windows in Safe Mode for a local account. These routes are more complex and take longer.

Changing your password from the Command Prompt

You can also change your password using the Command Prompt, which is useful if Settings is not responding. Press the Windows key, type "cmd", right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.

Type the command net user username newpassword, replacing "username" with your actual username and "newpassword" with the password you want. Press Enter. The system will confirm the command completed successfully. This method does not ask for your old password, so it works even if you cannot remember it — but you must be running as administrator.

If you do not know your username, type net user by itself to see a list of all accounts on the computer. Then use the command above with the correct username.

What makes a password strong

Windows does not force you to use a complex password, but a strong one protects your account from being guessed or cracked. A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and symbols (!@#$%^&*).

Avoid passwords based on personal information — birthdays, names of family members, pet names, or addresses. Do not use dictionary words or common phrases. Do not reuse a password from another account, especially not your email password. If you struggle to remember a complex password, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the built-in password manager in Microsoft Edge.

Signing in with a PIN or biometric instead

Windows allows you to sign in using a PIN, fingerprint, or face recognition instead of typing a password every time. You can set these up in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, under "PIN (Windows Hello)" or "Biometric sign-in" (if your hardware supports it).

These methods are faster than typing a password, but you still need a password as a backup. If your fingerprint reader or camera fails, or if you forget your PIN, you can always sign in with your password. Setting up a PIN or biometric does not replace your password — it just gives you another way to sign in.

Changing your password on a work or school computer

If your computer is connected to a workplace or school network, you may not be able to change your password through Settings. Your organization may require you to change it through a separate portal or by contacting IT support. Check with your IT department or help desk before trying the Settings method.

Some organizations enforce password expiration policies, meaning you must change your password every 30, 60, or 90 days. If your password is about to expire, Windows may prompt you to change it when you sign in. Follow the on-screen instructions, or contact your IT department if the prompt does not appear.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my password?

Microsoft and most security experts now recommend changing your password only when you suspect it has been compromised, not on a fixed schedule. If you use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication on your Microsoft account, you do not need to change it regularly. However, if your organization requires regular changes, follow their policy.

Can I change my password if I am not the administrator?

Yes. Any user account can change its own password through Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Change. You only need administrator access if you want to change someone else's password or use the Command Prompt method. If you are not an administrator and forgot your password, use the "I forgot my password" link on the sign-in screen.

What happens to my files if I change my password?

Your files remain accessible. Changing your password does not encrypt your files or lock them away. However, if you use Windows encryption (BitLocker), your password is tied to the encryption key, so keep your new password safe. If you lose access to your account, you may lose access to encrypted files.

Do I need to change my password after someone sees it?

Yes. If anyone else has seen or used your password, change it when ready through Settings. If the person had access to your computer, also check your Microsoft account security page for unusual activity and enable two-factor authentication if you have not already.

Can I use the same password on multiple computers?

You can, but it is not recommended. If that password is compromised on one computer, all your accounts are at risk. Use a unique password for each computer, or use a password manager to keep track of different passwords for different devices.