How to Change Your Windows or Mac Password

How to change your password on Windows or Mac

You can change your password directly from your computer without calling anyone or restarting. On Windows, you press Ctrl+Alt+Delete, select "Change a password", and enter your old password followed by your new one twice. On Mac, you go to System Settings, find Users & Groups (or Users and Groups), select your account, click the password lock icon, and enter your old password before creating a new one. Both take about two minutes.

The steps differ slightly depending 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. If you have forgotten your current password, the process is longer and requires recovery steps. This guide covers changing a password you still remember.

Key Takeaways

• Windows users press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and select "Change a password" to update their login password in under two minutes.
• Mac users open System Settings, navigate to Users & Groups, click the password lock, and enter their old password before setting a new one.
• Your new password should be at least 8 characters and include uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols to prevent unauthorized access.
• If you use a Microsoft account on Windows or Apple ID on Mac, your password change syncs across all your devices automatically.
• Write down your new password in a find location or use a password manager until you have memorized it.

Changing your password on Windows 10 or 11

The fastest way is the keyboard shortcut. Hold Ctrl and Alt together, then press Delete. Your screen will go dark and show a menu with several options. Click "Change a password" (it appears near the bottom of the menu). You will see three fields: one for your old password, one for your new password, and one to confirm the new password by typing it again.

Type your current password in the first field. Then type your new password in the second field. Type the same new password again in the third field to confirm it. If the two new passwords do not match exactly, Windows will reject the change. Click the arrow button or press Enter to save. You will see a message saying the password has been changed. The next time you log in, use your new password.

If the Ctrl+Alt+Delete method does not work on your computer, you can change your password through Settings instead. Open Settings, go to Accounts, select "Sign-in options" on the left, and look for "Password" in the main panel. Click "Change" and follow the same steps: old password, new password, confirm new password.

Changing your password on Mac

Open System Settings (the gear icon in your dock or Applications folder). On the left sidebar, click "General" if it is not already selected. Then look for "Users & Groups" or "Login Items" — the exact name depends on your macOS version. Click on your user account name in the list on the left side of the window.

You will see a lock icon next to "Password" in the main panel. Click that lock icon. Your Mac will ask you to enter your current password to unlock the settings. Type it in and click "Unlock". Now you can click in the password field and type your new password. Type it again in the "Verify" field below to confirm. Click "Change Password" to save.

If you cannot find Users & Groups in System Settings, your Mac may be running a newer version. Try searching for "Users" in System Settings using the search box at the top. The process is the same once you find the right panel.

Creating a strong new password

A strong password is harder for someone else to guess or crack. Use at least 8 characters — longer is better. Mix uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and symbols (!@#$%^&*). For example, "BlueSky#2024Dog" is stronger than "password123" because it uses all four types of characters and is longer.

Avoid using your name, your username, your birth date, or words from the dictionary. Do not reuse a password you have used on other websites or accounts. If someone gains access to one account, they can try the same password on your email, bank, or social media. Each account should have its own unique password.

If you struggle to remember a strong password, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the built-in password managers in Windows and macOS. These tools generate strong passwords and store them securely so you only have to remember one master password.

What happens after you change your password

If you use a Microsoft account on Windows or an Apple ID on Mac, your password change syncs to all your devices within a few minutes. You will need to sign in again on any other computers or tablets linked to that account. Your phone or tablet may ask for your new password the next time you open an app that uses your account.

If you use a local account (a password stored only on your computer), the change affects only that computer. Other devices will not be affected. You will be logged out of your current session on that computer and asked to log in again with your new password the next time you restart or lock your screen.

Any programs or services that use your password to log in automatically may stop working until you update them with your new password. This includes cloud storage apps, email clients, and streaming services. You will see error messages asking you to re-enter your password. Update them as you encounter them.

If you forget your new password

If you change your password and then forget it before you have memorized it, you can reset it using a recovery method. On Windows, you can use a password reset disk (if you created one before), a recovery email address, or a recovery phone number linked to your Microsoft account. On Mac, you can use your Apple ID or a recovery key if you set one up.

The recovery process is longer than changing a password you remember, so write your new password down in a find location — a notebook in a locked drawer, a password manager, or a note on your phone — until you have used it enough times to memorize it. Do not write it on a sticky note on your monitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restart my computer after changing my password?

No. Your password change takes effect when ready. You will use the new password the next time you lock your screen or log out, but you do not have to restart. If you are already logged in, you can keep working.

Can I change my password if I am using a guest account?

No. Guest accounts do not have passwords. You must be logged into your own user account to change its password. If you only have a guest account, ask the computer owner to create a regular user account for you.

What if I see an error message saying my password does not meet requirements?

Windows or Mac is telling you your new password is too short or does not include enough types of characters. Try a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol like ! or #.

Will changing my password log me out of my email or other accounts?

Changing your computer password does not affect your email or social media passwords. Those are separate. If you want to change your email password, you have to do that on the email provider's website. Your computer password only controls access to your computer itself.

Can I change my password if I am connected to a work network?

Possibly, but your workplace may have restrictions. If you see a message saying you cannot change your password or that it does not meet your organization's requirements, contact your IT department. They may require passwords to be a certain length or contain specific characters.