Change your password through your operating system's built-in settings
The fastest way to change your computer password is through the settings menu on your machine. On Windows, Mac, and Linux, the password change tool is built in — you do not need software or a third-party service. The steps differ slightly by operating system, but the process takes about five minutes on any of them.
Your computer password is different from passwords you use for websites or email accounts. Changing your computer password does not affect those other accounts. It only changes the password you type when you first turn on or wake up your machine.
Key Takeaways
- Windows users open Settings, select Accounts, then choose Change your password under the Sign-in options tab.
- Mac users go to System Settings, select General, then Accounts, and click the lock icon to make changes to their login password.
- Linux users open a terminal and type passwd at the command line, then enter their current password and new password twice.
- You will need to know your current password before you can set a new one on any operating system.
- After you change your password, you must use the new password the next time you log in or wake your computer from sleep.
How to change your password on Windows 10 and Windows 11
Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Click on Accounts in the left sidebar. Select Sign-in options from the menu on the right side of the screen.
Under the "Password" section, click Change. Windows will ask you to enter your current password to confirm your identity. Type it in and click Next. Now enter your new password in the first box, then type it again in the second box to confirm you spelled it correctly. Click Next, then Finish. Your password is now changed.
If you forget your new password before you write it down, you can reset it using a password reset disk or a Microsoft account recovery option, but that process is more complicated. Write down your new password in a safe place before you close the Settings app.
How to change your password on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings. Click General in the sidebar, then click Accounts. You will see a list of user accounts on your Mac. Click on your own account name.
You will see a lock icon next to "Password" — click it to unlock the password settings. Your Mac will ask you to enter your current password. Type it in and click Unlock. Now click the Change Password button. Enter your current password once more, then type your new password in the "New password" field. Type it again in the "Verify" field to make sure it matches. Click Change Password to save your changes.
How to change your password on Linux
Open a terminal window. You can usually do this by right-clicking on your desktop and selecting "Open Terminal" or by searching for "Terminal" in your applications menu. Type the word passwd and press Enter.
Linux will ask you to enter your current password. Type it in and press Enter — the text will not appear on screen as you type, which is normal. Next, type your new password and press Enter. Linux will ask you to type the new password a second time to confirm it. Press Enter again. If the passwords match, your password is changed. If they do not match, Linux will tell you and ask you to try again.
What makes a strong password you can actually remember
A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like !, @, #, or $. The longer your password, the harder it is for someone to guess or crack it. Avoid using your name, your birthday, or words from the dictionary — these are the first things someone will try.
A password you can remember is better than a password you have to write down. One method is to take a sentence you know well and use the first letter of each word plus a number and symbol. For example, "My dog ate three socks on Friday" becomes Mdatso F!3. Another method is to use a passphrase — a string of random words like purple-elephant-keyboard-42 — which is long but easier to remember than a random string of characters.
If you use the same password on your computer as you do on websites or email accounts, change those passwords too. Your computer password should be unique to your machine.
What to do if you forget your new password
On Windows, you can use a password reset disk if you created one before you forgot your password. If you did not, you can reset your password using your Microsoft account if your computer is connected to the internet. Click "I forgot my password" on the login screen and follow the steps to verify your identity through email or phone.
On Mac, you can reset your password using your Apple ID if your account is linked to one. Click the question mark next to the password field on the login screen. Mac will ask you security questions or send a reset link to your Apple ID email address.
On Linux, you will need to boot into recovery mode or use a live USB to reset your password. This process is more technical than on Windows or Mac. If you are not comfortable with the command line, you may need to contact your system administrator or the person who set up your Linux machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my computer password affect my email or social media accounts?
No. Your computer password only controls access to your machine. It does not change passwords for email, social media, banking, or any other online accounts. Those passwords are stored separately and must be changed through each service's own settings.
How often should I change my computer password?
Most security experts recommend changing your password once a year or whenever you suspect someone else may have learned it. You do not need to change it every month unless your workplace requires it.
Can I change my password if I am not the administrator of my computer?
Yes, you can change the password for your own user account even if you are not the administrator. However, if you are trying to change the administrator password and you do not know it, you will need to contact the person who set up the computer or your IT department.
What happens to my files if I change my password?
Your files remain exactly where they are. Changing your password does not move, delete, or hide any of your documents, photos, or programs. You will still see everything when you log in with your new password.
Do I need to restart my computer after changing my password?
No. The new password takes effect when ready. The next time you log out or your computer goes to sleep, you will use the new password to log back in.