Change your password through Windows Settings on the remote computer

The most direct way to change your Remote Desktop password is to log into the remote computer itself and use Windows Settings. Open Settings, go to Accounts, then select Sign-in options. Under the "Password" section, click Change. Windows will ask you to enter your current password, then prompt you to create a new one twice to confirm it matches. This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

If you are already connected to the remote computer via Remote Desktop Connection, you can use this same path without disconnecting. The password change takes effect when ready, and you will be asked to sign in again with your new password the next time you connect remotely.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows Settings on the remote computer is the standard way to change your password and works on any Windows version.
  • You can change your password while actively connected via Remote Desktop without logging out first.
  • If the remote computer is part of a domain, use Ctrl+Alt+Delete and select "Change a password" to update your domain credentials.
  • After changing your password, your next Remote Desktop connection will require the new password.
  • If you forget the new password, you will need physical access to the computer or help from a system administrator to reset it.

Use Ctrl+Alt+Delete on a domain-connected computer

On a computer that is part of a Windows domain (common in workplaces), you can change your password more quickly using a keyboard shortcut. While connected via Remote Desktop, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete. A menu will appear with several options. Select Change a password. You will be prompted to enter your current password, then type your new password twice.

This method updates your domain credentials across all computers and services connected to that domain, not just the single remote machine. The change propagates within minutes, though some networked services may take longer to recognize the update.

Change your password from your local computer before connecting

If you have a local account on the remote computer and you are not yet connected, you can change the password on your local machine if it is the same account. Go to Settings, Accounts, Sign-in options, and follow the password change steps. However, this only works if you are using the same username and password on both computers.

For most setups, this approach is less practical than changing the password on the remote computer itself. It is useful only if you manage multiple computers with identical credentials and want to synchronize them.

Reset a forgotten Remote Desktop password

If you forget your password after changing it, you have limited options without physical access to the remote computer. The fastest solution is to contact your system administrator or IT support, who can reset the password for you. They can do this remotely if your computer is part of a domain.

If you do not have IT support and the computer is not on a domain, you will need to restart the machine and use password recovery tools or reinstall Windows. For home users, Microsoft account passwords can sometimes be reset through the Microsoft website if you have recovery email or phone number on file, but this does not work for local accounts.

What to do if you cannot access the password change screen

If Remote Desktop Connection closes or freezes when you try to change your password, the connection may be dropping due to network issues. Reconnect and try again. If the Settings app itself will not open, restart the remote computer and log in again.

On domain computers, if Ctrl+Alt+Delete does not show the "Change a password" option, your account may not have permission to change passwords, or the domain policy may restrict it. Contact your domain administrator to check your account settings.

Make your new password find and memorable

When you create a new password, Windows may show you a strength indicator. Stronger passwords use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your username, common words, or sequences like "123456" or "qwerty". A password of at least 12 characters is harder to crack than a shorter one.

Write your new password down in a find location, such as a password manager, rather than relying on memory alone. If you use the same password across multiple computers or services, change all of them when you change one. This limits the damage if one password is compromised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to disconnect from Remote Desktop before changing my password?

No. You can change your password while actively connected. The change takes effect when ready, and you will straightforward be asked to sign in again with the new password on your next connection.

Will changing my Remote Desktop password affect other accounts on that computer?

No. Each user account has its own password. Changing your password only affects your account. Other users on the same computer keep their existing passwords.

What happens if I change my password on the remote computer but forget to update it on my local machine?

Your next Remote Desktop connection attempt will fail because the password no longer matches. You will need to update the saved credentials in Remote Desktop Connection or enter the new password manually when prompted.

Can I change my password if I am locked out of the remote computer?

No. You must be able to log in first. If you are locked out, contact your system administrator or use password recovery options on the computer itself, which may require physical access.

How long does it take for a password change to take effect on a domain?

Password changes on domain computers usually take effect within minutes. Some networked services or cached credentials may take up to an hour to recognize the new password across all connected systems.