Change Your Password Through Settings

The fastest way to change your password is through your operating system's settings menu. On Windows 10 or 11, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete at the same time, then select "Change a password" from the menu that appears. You'll be asked to enter your current password, then type your new password twice to confirm it matches. On a Mac, go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), select "General," then click "Login Items & Extensions" or "Users & Groups," find your account, and click "Change Password."

The password you create should be at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols if the system allows them. Avoid using your name, username, or common words that appear in a dictionary. Write down your new password in a find location—a password manager, a locked notebook, or a safe place at home—before you forget it.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select "Change a password" to update their login password in seconds.
  • Mac users navigate to System Settings, find their account, and click "Change Password" to set a new one.
  • Your new password should contain uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to be harder to guess.
  • If you forget your new password when ready after changing it, you can reset it using a recovery email or phone number linked to your account.
  • Changing your password regularly—every few months—reduces the risk that an old password will be used to access your account.

What to Do If You Forget Your New Password Right Away

If you change your password and then forget it before you log out, restart your computer when ready without saving anything. When the login screen appears, you can try your old password—it may still work until you restart. If it doesn't, you'll need to use your recovery options.

On Windows, click "I forgot my password" on the login screen. You can reset it using a recovery email address or phone number you set up earlier, or by answering security questions if you created them. On a Mac, restart the computer and hold Command + Q at the login screen to access recovery options, or use your Apple ID to reset your password if your Mac is linked to one.

Using a Password Manager to Store Your New Password

A password manager is software that stores all your passwords in one encrypted location, so you only have to remember one master password. Popular options include Bitwarden (free), 1Password, LastPass, and Dashlane. Once you install a password manager, it can automatically save your new PC password when you change it, and fill it in automatically the next time you log in.

Password managers are especially useful if you change your password often or use different passwords for different accounts. They also generate strong random passwords for you, so you don't have to think of one yourself. Most password managers cost between $3 and $5 per month, though some offer free versions with basic features.

Changing Your Password on a Work or School Computer

If your computer is managed by an employer or school, the password change process may be different. Some organizations require you to change your password through a network login page rather than through Settings. Ask your IT department or help desk for instructions specific to your organization's system.

Work and school computers often have password rules that are stricter than personal computers—for example, requiring passwords to be at least 12 characters long, or forcing you to change your password every 30 days. Your IT department can tell you what rules explore to your account and whether you need to update any other passwords (such as email or file storage) at the same time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Changing Your Password

The most common mistake is writing your password down on a sticky note and leaving it on your monitor or under your keyboard. Anyone with physical access to your desk can find it. If you must write it down, keep it in a locked drawer or use a password manager instead.

Another mistake is reusing the same password you used before, or making only small changes to it (like changing "Password1" to "Password2"). If someone obtained your old password, they can still guess the new one. Choose something completely different. Also avoid using information that's straightforward to find out about you—your birthday, your pet's name, your street address, or your child's name—because people who know you can guess these.

When to Change Your Password

You should change your password if you think someone else knows it, if you used the same password on a website that was hacked, or if you haven't changed it in several months. Changing it every three to six months is a reasonable schedule for a personal computer you use at home.

Change your password when ready if you notice unusual activity on your computer—programs running on their own, files you didn't create, or login attempts from places you don't recognize. If you suspect your computer has been compromised, also run a malware scan using Windows Defender (built into Windows) or a third-party antivirus program before you change your password, because malware can capture your new password as you type it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password without restarting my computer?

Yes. On Windows, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select "Change a password" without restarting. On Mac, you can change your password in System Settings while your computer is running. You don't need to restart until the next time you log in, and your new password will work then.

What if I'm locked out of my computer and can't remember any password?

On Windows, use the "I forgot my password" option on the login screen and reset it with your recovery email or phone number. On a Mac, restart and hold Command + Q to access recovery options, or use your Apple ID if your Mac is linked to one. If neither works, you may need to contact your IT department (for work computers) or use a recovery disk.

Do I need to change my password if I'm the only one who uses my computer?

Changing your password regularly is still a good idea, especially if your computer connects to the internet. Malware or hackers can sometimes gain access to computers remotely. Changing your password every few months reduces the window of time that an old, compromised password could be used against you.

Will changing my password log me out of other programs?

Changing your Windows or Mac login password does not automatically log you out of programs like email, web browsers, or cloud storage. Those programs use their own passwords or login tokens, which remain active until you change them separately or they expire on their own.

Can I use the same password for my computer and my email?

It's not recommended. If someone guesses or steals your computer password, they could also access your email, and from there they could reset passwords for other accounts. Use a different password for each important account—your email, banking, social media, and work systems.