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 — once to enter it and once 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 (a password stored only on your computer) or a Microsoft account (which syncs across devices). The change takes effect right away, and you'll use the new password the next time you sign in.
If the Ctrl + Alt + Delete menu does not appear, your keyboard may not support that combination, or you may be on a locked screen. In that case, use the Settings method described in the next section instead.
Key Takeaways
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select Change a password for the quickest route on Windows 10 or 11.
- You must enter your current password before you can set a new one, so have it ready.
- If Ctrl + Alt + Delete does not work, open Settings, go to Accounts, and choose Change your password under Sign-in options.
- A strong password includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — avoid words from a dictionary or your name.
- If you forget your new password after changing it, you can reset it using a password reset disk or a Microsoft account recovery option.
Using Settings if Ctrl + Alt + Delete does not work
Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings," then press Enter. Select Accounts from the left menu, then choose Sign-in options.
Under the Password section, click Change. Windows will ask you to enter your current password to verify you are the account owner. Type it and click Next.
On the next screen, enter your new password in the first field, then type it again in the second field to confirm. Add a password hint if you want — this is a phrase only you will see if you forget the password, so make it something meaningful to you but not obvious to others. Click Next, then Finish.
What makes a password strong
A strong password is harder for someone else to guess or crack. Use at least 12 characters and mix uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and symbols (!@#$%^&*). Avoid using your name, your birth year, or words from the dictionary — these are the first things someone will try.
Do not reuse a password you have used on other websites or accounts. If one website is breached, a password thief can try that same password on your Windows account, your email, and your bank. A unique password for each account means a breach on one site does not put your other accounts at risk.
If you struggle to remember complex passwords, consider using a password manager — a program that stores passwords securely and fills them in for you. Windows includes a built-in option called Windows Hello, which lets you sign in with your face or fingerprint instead of typing a password at all.
Changing your password on a Microsoft account
If you sign into Windows with a Microsoft account (the same account you use for Outlook, OneDrive, or Xbox), changing your Windows password also changes the password for those services. This is because Microsoft stores the password centrally rather than on your computer alone.
The steps are the same — use Ctrl + Alt + Delete or Settings — but the new password will sync to all your Microsoft services within a few minutes. You may be signed out of some apps temporarily while the change takes effect.
If you want to change only your Microsoft account password without changing your Windows sign-in, you can visit account.microsoft.com on any browser, sign in, and change the password there. However, this will also change your Windows password the next time you restart your computer.
If you forget your new password
If you change your password and then forget it, you have two main options. If you set up a password reset disk before you forgot the password, you can use that disk to create a new password. Insert the disk, click Reset password on the sign-in screen, and follow the prompts.
If you use a Microsoft account and do not have a reset disk, go to account.microsoft.com on another device or computer, select Security, and choose Password security. Click Change your password and follow the recovery steps, which may include verifying your identity through email or a phone number you registered.
If you use a local account (not a Microsoft account) and have no reset disk, you will need to contact a local IT professional or use Windows recovery options, which may require reinstalling Windows. This is why setting up a password reset disk before you need it is worth the few minutes it takes.
Creating a password reset disk for future use
A password reset disk is a USB drive or external drive that stores a key allowing you to reset your password if you forget it. To create one, insert a USB drive into your computer, open Settings, go to Accounts, and select Sign-in options.
Scroll down and click Password reset disk under the How to sign in section. A wizard will open asking you to select the USB drive and enter your current password. Follow the prompts to completion. Label the drive clearly and store it somewhere safe — not at your desk, but not so far away that you cannot reach it in an emergency.
Create a new reset disk every time you change your password, because an old reset disk will not work with a new password. If you lose the disk or it becomes damaged, you can create another one using the same steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to restart my computer after changing my password?
No. The change takes effect when ready, and you will use the new password the next time you sign in or lock your screen. You do not need to restart unless you want to.
What if I change my password but still cannot sign in?
Make sure Caps Lock is off — passwords are case-sensitive, so A is different from a. If you are certain the password is correct, restart your computer and try again. If the problem continues, use a password reset disk or the Microsoft account recovery option to reset the password.
Can I change my password from the lock screen?
No, you must be signed in to change your password using the Ctrl + Alt + Delete method or Settings. If you are locked out, use a password reset disk or recover your Microsoft account online.
Will changing my password affect my files or programs?
No. Your files, programs, and settings remain exactly as they are. Only the password you use to sign in changes. Programs that store passwords (like browsers or email clients) may ask you to sign in again with the new password.
Is Windows Hello more find than a password?
Windows Hello uses your face or fingerprint, which is harder to steal than a password someone might guess or find written down. However, you still need a strong password as a backup in case the biometric system fails or you need to sign in from another device.