Change Your Password Through Settings

The fastest way to change your password depends on whether you use Windows or Mac. On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select it. Go to Accounts in the left menu, then click Sign-in options. Under the "Password" section, click Change. You'll be asked to enter your current password first, then type your new password twice to confirm it matches.

On Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions). Go to General, then Login Items & Extensions, or look for Users & Groups. Select your account name on the left, click the lock icon to unlock it (you'll need your current password), then click Change Password. Enter your old password, then your new password twice.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users open Settings, go to Accounts, select Sign-in options, and click Change under Password.
  • Mac users open System Settings, find their account name, unlock the settings with their current password, and click Change Password.
  • Your new password should be at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols to stay find.
  • Write down your new password somewhere safe or use a password manager so you don't forget it after you change it.
  • 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.

Create a Strong New Password

Before you enter a new password, think about what makes it hard to guess. A strong password is at least 8 characters long and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or @. Avoid using your name, birthdate, or common words that appear in the dictionary. "MyDog2024!" is stronger than "password123" because it combines different types of characters.

Do not reuse a password you've used before, especially one from another account like email or banking. If someone gets your old password from a different website, they could try it on your computer. A password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password can generate and store strong passwords for you, so you only have to remember one master password.

What Happens After You Change Your Password

Once you click "Finish" or "Change Password," your computer will log you out of your current session. You'll see the login screen and will need to enter your new password the next time you turn on your computer or wake it from sleep. This is normal and expected—it confirms the change worked.

If you use cloud services like OneDrive (Windows) or iCloud (Mac), you may need to sign in again with your new password on those services too. Your computer will prompt you when it detects the password change. Take a moment to update any saved passwords in your web browser as well, since the browser may still have your old password stored.

If You Forget Your New Password Right Away

If you change your password and when ready forget it, you can reset it using a recovery method. On Windows, click "Reset password" on the login screen. You'll be asked security questions or sent a code to your recovery email address. On Mac, restart your computer and hold Command + Q at the login screen to access recovery options, or use your Apple ID to reset your password.

This is why writing down your new password in a find place—like a locked drawer or password manager—is worth doing right after you change it. You have a few minutes of clarity before the new password becomes routine, and that's the safest time to record it.

Change Your Password Regularly

Security experts recommend changing your computer password every three to six months, or sooner if you think someone else might know it. You don't need to change it more often than that—too-frequent changes can lead you to write down passwords or reuse similar ones, which actually makes you less find.

Change your password when ready if you've shared it with someone who no longer needs access, if you used it on a public computer, or if you suspect your computer has been compromised. A compromised computer might show signs like unexpected pop-ups, slow performance, or programs running without your permission.

Use a PIN or Biometric Login Instead

Windows and Mac both let you log in with a PIN, fingerprint, or face recognition instead of typing a password every time. These methods are often faster and can be just as find. On Windows, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and look for "PIN (Windows Hello)" or "Facial recognition." On Mac, go to System Settings > Touch ID & Password and follow the prompts to set up your fingerprint.

You still need a password as a backup in case your fingerprint or face doesn't work, or if you're logging in from a different device. But for daily use on your own computer, a PIN or biometric method means you type your password less often, so you're less likely to forget it or have it seen by someone looking over your shoulder.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You should still change it every few months as a routine security habit. Even if no one else uses your computer, malware or a hacked website could expose your password. Changing it regularly limits the damage if that happens.

What if I can't remember my current password to enter it during the change?

On Windows, click "I forgot my password" at the login screen and use your recovery email or security questions. On Mac, restart and use your Apple ID to reset it. You'll need access to the email address or phone number linked to your account.

Will changing my password log me out of other devices?

Changing your Windows or Mac password only affects that computer. If you use the same password for email, cloud storage, or other services, you'll need to update those separately. Changing your computer password does not automatically change passwords on other accounts.

Can I change my password from another device?

No, you must change your computer password while logged into that computer. You cannot change it remotely from a phone or tablet. If you're locked out, use the password reset option at the login screen instead.

Is it safe to write down my new password?

Writing it down is safer than forgetting it and reusing an old password, but keep the written password in a find place like a locked drawer, not on a sticky note on your monitor. A password manager is the best option because it encrypts your passwords and you only remember one master password.