Change your password directly on the remote computer

The simplest way to change your Remote Desktop password is to do it while you are logged in to the remote computer itself. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete on the remote machine, then select Change a password from the menu that appears. You will be prompted to enter your current password, then type your new password twice to confirm it. This method works on Windows 7, Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server versions.

If you are already connected via Remote Desktop, you can use this same keyboard shortcut. The Ctrl + Alt + Delete command will explore to the remote computer, not your local machine, so the password change happens on the system you are accessing. After you change the password, you will be logged out automatically. The next time you connect, use your new password in the Remote Desktop Connection dialog.

This approach is the fastest because it does not require administrator access or additional tools. You only need to know your current password and have an active Remote Desktop session open.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete while logged into the remote computer and select Change a password to update it when ready.
  • You will need to know your current password before you can set a new one through this method.
  • After changing your password, you will be logged out and must use the new password to reconnect.
  • If you cannot remember your current password, you will need to reset it through your domain administrator or local account recovery options instead.
  • The password change takes effect right away across all Remote Desktop connections to that computer.

Change your password through Settings on Windows 10 and 11

Windows 10 and Windows 11 let you change your password through the Settings app while you are logged in remotely. Open Settings, go to Accounts, then select Sign-in options from the left sidebar. Under the Password section, click Change. You will be asked to enter your current password first, then create a new one and confirm it by typing it again.

This method works whether you are sitting at the computer or connected through Remote Desktop. The advantage is that you stay logged in after the change — you do not get forced out like you do with the Ctrl + Alt + Delete method. However, if you are connecting from another computer via Remote Desktop, your next connection will require the new password.

If you are using a Microsoft account rather than a local account, changing your password through Settings will update your Microsoft account password across all your devices. If you use a local account, the change affects only that computer.

Reset a forgotten password through account recovery

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot use either of the methods above. Instead, you will need to use the password reset or recovery options available on the login screen. On Windows 10 and 11, click I forgot my password on the sign-in screen. You will be guided through recovery steps that may involve answering security questions, using a recovery email, or using a recovery code you set up earlier.

For a local account, the recovery process depends on what you configured when you created the account. If you set up security questions, you can answer them to reset your password. If you provided a recovery email address, Windows will send you a link to reset it. If neither option is available, you may need to contact your system administrator or use Windows installation media to reset the password, which is a more complex process.

For a domain account (used in workplaces), you cannot reset your own password from the login screen. You must contact your IT department or domain administrator to reset it for you. They have the tools to do this without requiring your current password.

Update your password on a domain-connected computer

If your computer is part of a workplace domain, changing your password through Ctrl + Alt + Delete or Settings will update your domain password, not just the local computer. This means the new password will work for Remote Desktop connections to any computer on that domain, as well as for email, file shares, and other domain resources.

Domain administrators can also reset your password remotely if you forget it. When this happens, you will receive a temporary password that you must change the next time you log in. The administrator does not need your current password to do this — they have the authority to override it.

If you work in an organization with a domain, check with your IT department about password policies. Many workplaces require passwords to be changed every 60 or 90 days, and they may have rules about password length or complexity. These rules are enforced automatically when you try to set a new password.

What happens after you change your password

Once you change your password, any saved Remote Desktop connections on other computers will stop working until you update them with the new password. When you try to connect, the Remote Desktop Connection dialog will ask for your password again. Type your new password and, if you want, check the box to save it so you do not have to type it every time.

If you have multiple computers or devices you use to connect via Remote Desktop, you will need to update the saved password on each one. On Windows, you can manage saved credentials through Control Panel > Credential Manager > Windows Credentials. Find the Remote Desktop entry for that computer and click Edit to update the password.

If you are using Remote Desktop on a Mac or mobile device, you will need to update the password in the Remote Desktop app settings for that device as well. The process varies slightly depending on the app, but all of them store credentials separately.

Prevent lockouts when changing your password remotely

If you are changing your password while connected via Remote Desktop and you make a typo, you risk locking yourself out of the remote computer. To avoid this, type your new password into a text editor first, copy it, and then paste it into the password fields. This reduces the chance of a typo that would lock you out.

If you do get locked out after changing your password, you will need to contact your system administrator or use another method to regain access. On a domain, an administrator can unlock your account remotely. On a standalone computer, you may need physical access to the machine or recovery media to reset the password again.

Another safety step is to keep a backup way to access the computer. If you have administrator access to another account on the same machine, you can use that account to reset the password on your main account. This is why many people keep a separate administrator account for emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restart the computer after changing my password?

No, you do not need to restart. The password change takes effect when ready. You will be logged out if you used the Ctrl + Alt + Delete method, but the computer itself does not need to restart. Your next Remote Desktop connection will use the new password right away.

Can I change my password if I am not connected to the internet?

Yes, if you are using a local account on a standalone computer. If you are using a Microsoft account or a domain account, you need internet access to sync the password change. For domain accounts especially, the change must reach the domain controller, which requires a network connection.

What if I change my password but Remote Desktop still asks for the old one?

This usually means the saved credentials on your local computer have not been updated. Go to Credential Manager in Control Panel, find the Remote Desktop entry for that computer, and delete it. The next time you connect, you will be prompted to enter your new password, and you can save it then.

Can someone else change my Remote Desktop password?

Only a system administrator can change your password without knowing your current one. If you are on a domain, your IT department can reset it. On a standalone computer, only someone with administrator access can do this. This is a security feature to prevent unauthorized password changes.

Will changing my password affect my Remote Desktop files and settings?

No, changing your password does not affect your files, desktop settings, or any data on the computer. It only changes the credential you use to log in. All your documents, applications, and preferences remain exactly as they were.