Change your password through Settings
The fastest way to change your Windows 11 password is through the Settings app. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then select the Settings app from the results. Once Settings opens, click Accounts in the left sidebar, then select Sign-in options.
Under the "Password" section, you will see a button labeled Change. Click it. Windows will ask you to enter your current password first — this confirms you have permission to make the change. Type your current password and click Next.
Now you will see three fields: one for your new password, one to confirm it by typing it again, and one for a password hint. The hint is optional but useful — it appears on your sign-in screen if you forget the password, so choose something only you would understand. Type your new password in both the first and second fields (they must match exactly), add a hint if you want one, then click Next.
Windows will confirm the change and show you a success message. You are done. The next time you sign in, use your new password.
Key Takeaways
- The Settings app route (Accounts > Sign-in options > Change) is the standard method and works if you remember your current password.
- Windows requires you to type your new password twice to catch typos, and will not let you proceed if they do not match.
- A password hint is optional but appears on your sign-in screen, so make it something meaningful only to you.
- Your new password takes effect when ready on your next sign-in — you do not need to restart your computer.
- If you cannot remember your current password, you will need to use the reset process instead of the change process.
What happens if you forget to write down your new password
If you change your password and then forget it before you sign out, you can change it again using the same Settings route — just repeat the steps above. Windows will ask for your current password first, so as long as you are still signed in, you can fix the mistake.
Once you sign out or restart your computer, you will be locked out. At that point, you cannot use the Settings method anymore. You will need to use your password hint (if you created one) or go through the account recovery process, which is slower and may require a recovery email or phone number.
Using Ctrl+Alt+Delete to change your password
Windows also lets you change your password from the sign-in screen using Ctrl+Alt+Delete. Press those three keys together, then select Change a password from the menu that appears. This method works the same way as Settings — you enter your current password, then your new password twice — but some people find it faster because it skips opening Settings.
This route only works if you are still signed in to your account. If you have already signed out or restarted, you cannot use it.
Making sure your new password is strong
Windows 11 does not force you to use a strong password, but a weak one puts your account at risk. A strong password has at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or #). Avoid passwords based on your name, birthdate, or common words that appear in dictionaries.
A password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password can generate and store a strong password for you, so you only have to remember one master password. If you use a password manager, store your Windows password there after you change it — that way you have a backup if you forget it later.
Changing your password on a work or school computer
If your Windows 11 computer is connected to a work or school network (called a domain), the change password button in Settings may not appear, or it may work differently. Your organization controls password rules and may require you to change your password through a different system, like a company portal or Active Directory.
Check with your IT department or help desk before trying to change your password on a work computer. They can tell you the correct method and any rules your organization has (like how often you must change it or how complex it must be).
What to do if the Change button does not appear
If you open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and do not see a Change button under Password, your account may be set up differently than a standard local account. This happens most often if you sign in with a Microsoft account instead of a local account.
If you use a Microsoft account, you can change your password by visiting account.microsoft.com in a web browser, signing in, and selecting Security from the left menu. Look for the "Password" section and follow the prompts there. Changes made on the Microsoft website take effect on your Windows computer within a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to restart my computer after changing my password?
No. Your new password takes effect when ready. You can keep working without restarting. The next time you sign out and sign back in, or the next time you restart, you will use the new password.
Can I change my password if I am using a PIN instead?
Yes. A PIN and a password are separate. You can have both. If you want to change your password specifically, follow the steps in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password > Change. If you want to change your PIN instead, that option is also in Sign-in options, under the PIN section.
What if I type my new password wrong twice and they do not match?
Windows will show an error message and ask you to try again. The two passwords must be identical character for character. If you are unsure whether you typed it correctly, clear both fields and type it again slowly, or copy and paste it from a text editor to avoid typos.
Can I use the same password I used before?
Yes, Windows 11 allows it, though it defeats the purpose of changing your password. If you are changing your password because you think someone else knows it, choose a completely new one instead.
Will changing my password affect my files or programs?
No. Changing your password only affects how you sign in. Your files, programs, and settings stay exactly the same. You will not lose anything.