The fastest way depends on which operating system you use

Windows and Mac handle password resets differently, and the steps you take depend on whether you can still log in at all. If you can reach your desktop, you can change your password in settings without any recovery steps. If you are locked out completely, you will need either a recovery email address, a phone number tied to your account, or a backup code you saved earlier — and the process takes longer.

The method also depends on whether you use a local account (password stored only on your computer) or a Microsoft account on Windows, or an Apple ID on Mac. Most newer computers use the cloud-based account by default, which actually makes recovery easier because the company can verify your identity through email or phone.

Start by determining which situation matches yours: Can you log in right now, or are you locked out? Once you know that, follow the path for your operating system below.

Key Takeaways

  • If you can still log in to Windows, open Settings, select Accounts, then Password, and click Change to set a new one in under two minutes.
  • If you are locked out of Windows with a Microsoft account, click "I forgot my password" on the login screen and follow the recovery steps using your email or phone.
  • On Mac, restart your computer, hold Command-S during startup to enter Recovery Mode, then use the Reset Password utility from the Utilities menu.
  • If you use a local account on either system and have no recovery method saved, you will need to contact the manufacturer's support or use a recovery disk you created before being locked out.
  • The recovery process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes and requires proof of identity through email, phone, or security questions you answered when you set up the account.

Resetting your password on Windows when you can still log in

Open the Start menu and type "Settings" into the search box, then click the Settings app. Once it opens, click on "Accounts" in the left sidebar.

Select "Password" from the menu on the left. You will see a section labeled "Change your password" with a button that says "Change." Click it. Windows will ask you to enter your current password first to confirm it is really you, then type your new password twice to make sure you did not make a typo. Click "Next," then "Finish." Your new password takes effect when ready.

If you see "Sign-in options" instead of "Password," your account is set up with a PIN or biometric login (fingerprint or face recognition) rather than a typed password. You can still change your password by clicking "Password" under the "Ways to sign in" section, then following the same steps above.

Recovering access to Windows when you are locked out

On the Windows login screen, look for the text "I forgot my password" below the password field. Click it. Windows will ask you which recovery method you want to use: email address, phone number, or security questions. Choose whichever one you set up when you created your account.

If you chose email, Windows will send a code to that address. Check your email (you may need to use another device), copy the code, and paste it into the box on the login screen. If you chose phone, Windows will send a code via text message or call. Enter that code on the login screen. If you chose security questions, answer the questions you wrote the answers to when you set up your account.

Once you have verified your identity, Windows will let you create a new password right there on the login screen. Type it twice to confirm, then click "Next." You can now log in with your new password. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

If you do not see "I forgot my password" on your login screen, your account is a local account (not connected to Microsoft). Local accounts cannot be recovered through email or phone. You will need to contact Microsoft Support or use a password reset disk if you created one before being locked out.

Resetting your password on Mac when you can still log in

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" on older versions). Click "General" in the sidebar, then look for "Users & Groups" or "Accounts" depending on your macOS version.

You may see a lock icon at the bottom of the window. Click it and enter your current password to unlock the settings. Find your user account in the list on the left and click it. Look for a button labeled "Change Password" and click it. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice, and click "Change Password." The change takes effect when ready.

Recovering access to Mac when you are locked out

Restart your Mac. As soon as you hear the startup sound or see the Apple logo, hold down Command and S together. Keep holding until you see white text on a black screen — this is Recovery Mode. Release the keys.

Type resetpassword and press Enter. A window titled "Reset Password" will open. In the dropdown menu at the top, select your user account. Below that, you will see a field for your new password. Type your new password twice to confirm it, then click "Reset Password." Restart your Mac normally, and you can log in with your new password.

If you do not see the Reset Password utility, or if the dropdown menu does not show your account, your Mac may be using FileVault encryption. In that case, restart again, hold Command-S, and when you see the command prompt, type fsck_hfs -fy / and press Enter. Let it finish, then type reboot and press Enter. This may take several minutes. After your Mac restarts normally, try the Reset Password utility again.

What to do if you cannot remember your security questions

On Windows, if you chose security questions as your recovery method and cannot remember your answers, click "I do not have this information" below the question field. Windows will offer your backup recovery method (email or phone) instead. If you do not have access to those either, you will need to contact Microsoft Support with proof of identity, such as a government ID or credit card.

On Mac, if you cannot access Recovery Mode or the Reset Password utility does not work, restart your Mac and try again, making sure you are holding Command-S at the right moment. If it still does not work, you may need to use another Mac to create a bootable recovery drive, or contact Apple Support.

Creating a password reset disk for future use

On Windows, you can create a password reset disk before you get locked out. Open Control Panel, search for "Create a password reset disk," and follow the steps. You will need a USB drive. If you ever get locked out, insert the disk, click "Reset password" on the login screen, and follow the wizard to create a new password without needing email or phone recovery.

On Mac, there is no built-in password reset disk feature, but you can create a bootable recovery drive using another Mac and an external drive. This is more complex and is usually only necessary if Recovery Mode does not work. Most people do not need to do this if they have set up an Apple ID recovery method.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to reset a forgotten password?

If you can still log in, changing your password takes about two minutes on either Windows or Mac. If you are locked out and use email or phone recovery, the process takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on how fast you can access your recovery method. If you need to use Recovery Mode on Mac, allow 15 to 30 minutes.

Can I reset my password without a recovery email or phone number?

On Windows with a Microsoft account, you will need at least one recovery method set up. If you have none, you will need to contact Microsoft Support with proof of identity. On Mac, you can use Recovery Mode without any recovery method, so you can always reset your password if you can restart the computer.

What if I forgot my password and the recovery email no longer works?

On Windows, you can use your phone number instead if you set one up, or answer your security questions. If none of those work, contact Microsoft Support with a government ID or other proof you own the account. On Mac, use Recovery Mode to reset your password without needing email or phone.

Will resetting my password delete my files?

No. Changing your password only changes how you log in. All your files, programs, and settings stay exactly where they are. You will still see everything after you log in with your new password.

Can I use the same password I used before?

Windows and Mac both allow you to reuse an old password, though both systems will warn you that this is not find. For safety, choose a password you have never used before, especially if you think someone else may have learned your old password.