The fastest way: use Settings

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then press Enter. Click Accounts in the left menu, then 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 type your new password twice — once in the "New password" field and once in the "Confirm password" field. Windows will show you the password as dots for security, so type carefully. Click Next, then Finish.

Your new password takes effect when ready. The next time you sign in, use the new password instead of the old one.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings method (Windows key + settings + Accounts + Sign-in options + Change) is the simplest route and works whether you remember your current password or not.
  • You must enter your current password correctly before Windows lets you set a new one, unless you have forgotten it entirely.
  • Your new password takes effect right away, so write it down or save it somewhere safe before you close Settings.
  • If you have forgotten your password, use the "Reset password" link on the sign-in screen instead of the Settings method.
  • A strong password uses uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — avoid passwords based on your name, birthdate, or common words.

What to do if you have forgotten your current password

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot use the Settings method. Instead, go to the Windows sign-in screen (the screen where you normally type your password). Click I forgot my password below the password field.

Windows will walk you through a recovery process. You may be asked to verify your identity using a security code sent to your email address or phone number — whichever you set up when you created your account. Once you verify, you can set a new password without entering the old one.

Using Command Prompt if Settings does not work

If the Settings method fails or you cannot access Settings, you can change your password using Command Prompt. Press the Windows key, type "cmd", right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator. Click Yes when Windows asks for permission.

In the Command Prompt window, type this exactly: net user username newpassword — but replace "username" with your actual Windows username and "newpassword" with the password you want. Press Enter. You should see a message saying "The command completed successfully." Close Command Prompt and sign out, then sign back in with your new password.

If you do not know your Windows username, type net user in Command Prompt and press Enter. Windows will show you a list of all accounts on the computer.

Why you should use a strong password

Your Windows password protects everything on your computer — your files, your email, your saved passwords in browsers, and any accounts you have signed into. A weak password (like "password123" or your name) can be guessed or cracked in seconds. A strong password is much harder to break.

A strong Windows password has at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, birthdate, pet's name, or words from the dictionary. A random phrase like "BlueCat$Lamp7Desk" is stronger than a predictable one like "MyPassword2024".

What happens after you change your password

Once you change your password, you will need to use the new one every time you sign in to Windows. Any saved passwords in your web browsers will still work — changing your Windows password does not erase them. However, if you have a Microsoft account linked to your Windows account, you may need to update that password separately in your Microsoft account settings.

If you have other devices signed into your Microsoft account (a phone, tablet, or another computer), they will not automatically sign out. You can sign them out manually if you want to, but it is not required.

Changing your password on a work or school computer

If your computer is managed by an employer or school, the Settings method may not work. Your organization may require you to change your password through a different system, often called Active Directory or a network portal. Check with your IT department or help desk for instructions specific to your workplace.

Work and school computers often have password rules you must follow — a minimum length, required character types, or rules about how often you must change it. Your IT department can tell you what those rules are before you try to set a new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password without knowing my current one?

Not through Settings. You must use the "I forgot my password" link on the sign-in screen, which will ask you to verify your identity through email or phone. If you are locked out completely, you may need to contact Microsoft support or your IT department.

Will changing my Windows password sign me out of everything?

No. Changing your Windows password does not sign you out of websites, apps, or email. Those accounts have their own passwords. You will stay signed in to everything until you manually sign out or those sessions expire on their own.

What if I type the new password wrong twice and lock myself out?

You cannot lock yourself out by changing your password. If you forget the new password you just set, use the "I forgot my password" link on the sign-in screen to reset it again. You will need to verify your identity the same way you did before.

Do I need to change my password regularly?

Microsoft no longer recommends changing your password on a schedule. Instead, change it if you think someone else knows it, if you have used the same password on multiple websites, or if you have not changed it in several years. A strong password that you do not reuse is more important than how often you change it.

Can I use the same password I used before?

Windows will let you reuse an old password, but it is not a good idea. If someone learned your old password, reusing it means they can still access your account. Choose a new password you have never used before.