The fastest way: use Settings on your computer

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then press Enter. 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 create your new password — it can be any combination of letters, numbers, and symbols you choose. Type it twice to confirm you did not make a typo, add a password hint if you want one (though this is optional), and click Next to finish.

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

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app is the standard way to change your password and takes about two minutes from start to finish.
  • Windows requires you to enter your current password before letting you set a new one, as a security check.
  • Your new password must be typed twice so Windows can confirm you did not make a mistake.
  • If you forget your new password after changing it, you can reset it using a recovery email or phone number linked to your account.

What to do if you forgot your current password

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot use the Settings method above — Windows will reject it at the first step. Instead, you need to reset your password using a recovery method.

On the Windows sign-in screen, click I forgot my password. Windows will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email address or phone number you set up earlier. If you have access to that email or phone, follow the link or code Windows sends you, and you can create a new password without entering the old one.

If you do not have access to your recovery email or phone, or you never set one up, you will need to create a new local account on the computer and transfer your files to it. This is more involved — see the section below on local accounts versus Microsoft accounts.

Local accounts versus Microsoft accounts

Windows sign-in passwords work differently depending on whether you use a local account (a password stored only on your computer) or a Microsoft account (linked to Microsoft's servers and your email address).

If you sign in with an email address and password, you have a Microsoft account. Changing your password through Settings will update it everywhere you use that Microsoft account — on your phone, in Outlook, on OneDrive, and on any other device signed in with that account. If you forget the password, you can reset it from any computer or phone by going to account.microsoft.com and clicking Can't access your account.

If you sign in with just a username (not an email), you have a local account. The password change only affects that one computer. If you forget it, you cannot reset it online — you will need to create a new local account or contact someone who has administrator access to the computer.

Creating a strong password you will remember

A strong password is harder for someone else to guess or crack. Windows does not force you to use uppercase letters, numbers, or symbols, but using a mix of all three makes your password much stronger. Avoid using your name, birthdate, or common words like "password" or "123456".

One method that works well is to take a phrase you know well — like a line from a song or a childhood memory — and use the first letter of each word, mixed with a number or symbol. For example, "My dog ate three socks in July" becomes "Mdatis!J7". This is much harder to crack than a single dictionary word, and the personal connection makes it easier to remember.

Write your new password down and store it somewhere safe — a locked drawer, a safe, or a password manager app — until you are confident you have memorized it. Do not email it to yourself or leave it in a text file on your desktop.

Troubleshooting when the change does not work

If you click Change in Settings and nothing happens, or you get an error message, the most common cause is that your keyboard or mouse input is not being recognized. Try clicking in the password field again and typing slowly, or use a different keyboard if you have one available.

If you see an error saying "The password does not meet the complexity requirements", Windows is telling you the new password you chose is too straightforward. Add at least one uppercase letter, one number, or one symbol and try again.

If you are signed in with a Microsoft account and the change fails, check your internet connection — Windows needs to contact Microsoft's servers to update your password. Restart your computer and try again. If the problem continues, sign out and sign back in, then try the change once more.

Changing your password on other devices

If you use a Microsoft account, changing your password on one Windows computer will not automatically update it on your phone or tablet. You will need to sign out and sign back in on those devices to use the new password.

On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Mail > Accounts, tap your Microsoft account, and update the password there. On an Android phone, go to Settings > Accounts, select your Microsoft account, and choose Password. On a Mac, open System Preferences > Internet Accounts, select your Microsoft account, and update the password.

If you use a local account that is not linked to Microsoft, the password only exists on that one computer, so there is nothing to update elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password without knowing the old one?

No, not through Settings. If you know your current password, use Settings to change it. If you forgot it, use the "I forgot my password" option on the sign-in screen and verify your identity with a recovery email or phone number. If you have neither, you will need to create a new account.

How often should I change my password?

There is no single rule that applies to everyone. If you use the same password on multiple websites or devices, change it if you hear about a data breach. If your password is unique to Windows and you use a strong one, changing it once a year is reasonable. Change it when ready if you think someone else knows it.

What happens to my files if I change my password?

Your files stay exactly where they are. Changing your sign-in password does not move, delete, or encrypt your documents, photos, or programs. You will just need the new password to sign in and access them.

Can I use the same password I used before?

Windows will let you reuse an old password, but this defeats the purpose of changing it. If someone learned your old password, reusing it leaves you at the same risk. Choose something new.

Do I need to tell anyone else about my new password?

No. Your password is personal to you. If someone else needs to use the computer, they should have their own account and password. If you share the computer with family members, each person should sign in with their own account.