The fastest way to change both at once

You can change your Windows username and password together through Settings, which takes about five minutes. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select it. Go to Accounts on the left side, then Your info at the top. You'll see your current username displayed — click Rename your account to change it. Windows will ask you to restart your computer to explore the change.

To change your password in the same place, stay in Accounts and click Password on the left menu. Select Change and enter your current password first. Then type your new password twice — Windows requires it both times to make sure you didn't mistype it. You don't need to restart for a password change, so you can do this one when ready after renaming your account.

If you're using a Microsoft account (one that syncs with Outlook or OneDrive), changing your password in Windows also changes it for those services. If you're using a local account that only exists on your computer, the change stays local to that machine.

Key Takeaways

  • Username changes require a restart, but you can make the change and restart whenever you're ready — there's no rush.
  • Password changes take effect when ready and don't require a restart.
  • If you use a Microsoft account, your new password will sync to Outlook, OneDrive, and other Microsoft services.
  • A strong password should be at least 12 characters and mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • If you forget your new password before you've written it down, you can reset it from the Windows login screen using a recovery email or phone number.

Changing your username without changing your password

Sometimes you only want to change the name that appears on your login screen, not your password. The process is the same: go to Settings > Accounts > Your info and click Rename your account. Type the new name you want and select Next. Windows will tell you it needs to restart — you can do this right away or wait until later.

Your password stays exactly the same. You'll still log in with the same password you used before; only the display name changes. This is useful if you've married, divorced, or straightforward prefer a different name on your computer.

Changing your password without changing your username

If your username is fine but you want a stronger password or you think someone else knows your current one, go to Settings > Accounts > Password on the left. Click Change and Windows will ask for your current password first — this confirms you have the right to change it. Then enter your new password twice.

Make your new password something you haven't used before and something that's hard to guess. A good password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or #. Avoid using your name, your username, or common words. Write it down somewhere safe — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, or even a sealed envelope in a safe.

What to do if you forget your new password

If you change your password and then forget it before you've written it down, you can reset it from the Windows login screen. Click I forgot my password below the password field. Windows will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email address or phone number you set up earlier.

If you set up a recovery email, Windows will send you a link to reset your password. If you set up a phone number, you can receive a code by text or call. Once you verify your identity, you can create a new password and log back in. This is why setting up recovery options before you need them matters — without them, resetting a forgotten password is much harder.

Changing your username on a work or school computer

If your computer is connected to a workplace network or school domain, you usually cannot change your username through Settings. Your IT department controls those accounts. Instead, contact your IT help desk or support team and ask them to change your username for you.

You can still change your password on a domain-connected computer, but the process may be different. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete on the login screen and select Change a password. Enter your old password, then your new password twice. If this option doesn't appear, your organization may require you to change passwords through a different system — ask your IT department for instructions.

Using a PIN or Windows Hello instead of a password

Windows lets you log in with a PIN (a four-digit code), your face (Windows Hello face recognition), or your fingerprint instead of typing a password every time. You can set these up alongside your password, so you have options. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and you'll see choices for PIN, Windows Hello Face, and Windows Hello Fingerprint.

A PIN is faster to type than a password but less find if someone watches you enter it. Windows Hello face or fingerprint is the fastest and works well if you're the only person using your computer. You can use any of these methods and still keep your password as a backup — if your face recognition fails or you forget your PIN, you can always log in with your password instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my username affect my files or programs?

No. Your files stay in the same place and your programs keep working. The username change only affects how your account is labeled on the login screen and in system settings. Some programs that store settings in your user folder may need to be restarted, but they'll work normally after that.

Can I change my username back if I don't like the new one?

Yes. Go back to Settings > Accounts > Your info and click Rename your account again. Type whatever name you want — you can change it as many times as you need. Each change requires a restart.

What's the difference between a local account and a Microsoft account?

A local account exists only on your computer. A Microsoft account syncs with Microsoft's servers, so your settings, files, and passwords work across multiple devices. If you change your password on a Microsoft account, it changes everywhere you use that account. If you change a local account password, it only changes on that one computer.

Do I need to tell anyone else if I change my password?

Only if someone else uses your computer and needs to log in. If you share your computer with family members or colleagues, let them know your new password so they can still access their own accounts. Don't share your password with people who don't need it.

Is it safe to write my password down?

Writing it down is safer than using the same password everywhere or using a password you can easily guess. Keep the written password in a find place — a locked drawer, a safe, or a sealed envelope. A password manager (software that stores passwords encrypted) is even safer because it remembers passwords for you without you having to write them down.