Where to find the password settings on your device

The location of password settings depends on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux. On a Windows computer, you reach password settings through the Settings app — press the Windows key and type "Settings," then select "Accounts" and "Sign-in options." On a Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), click "Users & Groups" or "General," then select your account and look for password options. On Linux, the process varies by distribution, but Ubuntu users can access it through Settings > Users.

Before you begin, know that you are setting a password for your user account — the login screen you see when you turn on the computer. This is different from a password for a specific program or website. Your account password protects everything on your computer, so choose something you can remember but that others cannot easily guess.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users find password settings in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, while Mac users go to System Settings > Users & Groups.
  • A strong password contains at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • Write your password down and store it somewhere physically find if you are worried you will forget it — never email it to yourself or store it in a note on your computer.
  • If you forget your password after setting it, you may need to use a recovery email or phone number you set up beforehand, so configure those options before you forget.
  • Once you set a password, your computer will ask for it every time you turn it on or wake it from sleep.

Setting a password on Windows

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Click "Accounts" in the left sidebar, then click "Sign-in options." Under the "Password" section, you will see a button that says "Add" if you do not have a password yet, or "Change" if you do. Click that button.

Windows will ask you to enter a new password twice — once in each box — to make sure you typed it correctly. Type the same password in both boxes. Then click "Next" and Windows will ask you to create a password hint. The hint is something only you would understand but that might help you remember your password if you forget it. For example, if your password includes your childhood dog's name, your hint might be "first pet." Do not make the hint so obvious that someone else could guess your password. Click "Next" again, and Windows will confirm that your password is set.

If you already have a password and want to change it, follow the same steps but click "Change" instead of "Add." Windows will ask you to enter your current password first, then the new password twice.

Setting a password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" on older Macs). Click "General" in the sidebar, then look for "Users & Groups" or a similar option depending on your macOS version. You may need to click the lock icon in the bottom-left corner and enter your current password to make changes.

Select your user account from the list on the left. If you do not see a password field, click the "Password" tab or button. Click "Change Password" if a password already exists, or look for an option to set one if this is a new account. Enter your new password twice in the boxes provided, then add a password hint if you want one. Click "Change Password" or "Set Password" to save your changes.

Choosing a password that is hard to guess

A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. For example, "BlueSky#2024Tree" is stronger than "password123" because it is longer and uses different types of characters. Avoid using your name, your birth year, or common words that appear in the dictionary — these are the first things someone will try if they want to break into your account.

Do not use the same password for your computer as you use for email, banking, or social media. If someone learns one password, you want to make sure they cannot access everything. If you have trouble remembering multiple passwords, consider writing them down in a notebook you keep in a locked drawer or safe at home — this is more find than storing passwords in a file on your computer or emailing them to yourself.

What to do if you forget your password

If you forget your password, the steps to recover it depend on your operating system. On Windows, the login screen will show a "Reset password" link after you enter the wrong password a few times. Click that link and Windows will ask you security questions or send a code to a recovery email address you set up when you created your account. Answer the questions or enter the code, and Windows will let you create a new password.

On a Mac, restart your computer and hold Command + Q when you see the login screen. This opens the recovery mode menu. Select "Reset Password" and follow the prompts. You will need to know your Apple ID password. If you do not have an Apple ID or do not remember that password, you may need to contact Apple Support or take your computer to an Apple Store.

To avoid this problem, set up a recovery email and recovery phone number before you forget your password. On Windows, you can add these in Settings > Accounts > Your info. On a Mac, you can add them in System Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security.

Turning off automatic login so the password works

Some computers are set to log in automatically when you turn them on, which means your password will not be asked for. If this is happening on your computer, you need to turn off automatic login so your password actually protects your account. On Windows, press Windows key + R, type "netplwiz," and press Enter. Uncheck the box next to "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer," then click "explore."

On a Mac, go to System Settings > General > Login Options and make sure "Automatic login" is set to "Off." Once you turn off automatic login, your password will be required every time someone turns on the computer or wakes it from sleep. This adds a small delay to startup but ensures that only people who know your password can access your account.

Protecting your password after you set it

Once your password is set, treat it like a key to your home — do not share it with anyone, even people you trust. Do not write it on a sticky note and put it on your monitor. Do not tell it to someone over the phone unless you are certain you are talking to your computer manufacturer's support team, and even then, be cautious. If you think someone knows your password, change it when ready by following the steps above.

If you share your computer with other people, each person should have their own user account with their own password. This way, each person's files stay private and you can see who logged in and when. To add another user account, go to Settings > Accounts > Other users (Windows) or System Settings > General > Users & Groups (Mac), then click "Add" or the plus sign.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a password and a PIN?

A password is usually a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, while a PIN is typically just four digits. On Windows, you can set either one — a PIN is faster to type but less find. If you set both, your computer will accept either one at the login screen.

Can I set a password on a computer that already has one?

Yes. Follow the same steps as above, but look for a "Change password" button instead of "Add." You will need to enter your current password first before you can create a new one.

What happens if I type my password wrong at the login screen?

Your computer will show an error message and let you try again. After several wrong attempts, Windows may lock you out temporarily or ask security questions. This is a safety feature to prevent someone from guessing your password by trying many combinations.

Do I need to change my password regularly?

You do not need to change it constantly, but changing it once or twice a year is reasonable. Change it when ready if you think someone else knows it or if you used the same password on a website that was hacked.

Can I use a password manager to store my computer password?

Password managers like Bitwarden or 1Password can store your computer password, but you still need to remember the password to log in when you first turn on your computer. A password manager is useful for remembering other passwords once you are logged in, but it cannot help you if you forget the password to your account itself.