Change your password through your user account settings

The fastest way to change your login password is through your computer's built-in account settings. On Windows, open Settings (press the Windows key and type "Settings"), then go to Accounts > Sign-in options > Password. Click "Change" and follow the prompts—you'll enter your current password, then create and confirm your new one. On Mac, open System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions, then click the lock icon at the bottom left, enter your current password, and go to Users & Groups to change it.

Both systems will ask you to create a strong password. A strong password uses at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, birthdate, or common words. Write your new password down somewhere safe—a physical notebook or a password manager—before you forget it.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users change their password through Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password, while Mac users go through System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions.
  • You will need to enter your current password before you can create a new one, so have it ready.
  • A strong password contains at least 12 characters, mixing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • If you forget your new password after changing it, you may need to use a recovery email or phone number to regain access.
  • Some workplaces require password changes on a schedule; check with your IT department before changing a work computer password.

What to do if you forget your current password

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot change it through the normal settings route—the system requires you to prove you know the old one first. On Windows, restart your computer and select "I forgot my password" on the login screen. Windows will ask you to answer security questions you set up when you created your account, or it will send a code to your recovery email address. Answer the questions or enter the code, and you can then set a new password.

On Mac, restart your computer and hold Command + Q at the login screen to open the password reset utility. You will need either your Apple ID password or a recovery key you saved when you set up your account. If you do not have either, you may need to use another administrator account on the same computer, or contact Apple Support for further steps.

Using a password manager to store your new password

After you change your password, a password manager can store it securely so you do not have to remember it. Password managers like Bitwarden, 1Password, or Dashlane encrypt your passwords and fill them in automatically when you log in. Most offer free or low-cost plans. When you set up a password manager, you create one strong master password that unlocks all your stored passwords—this is the only password you need to remember.

If you use Windows Hello (facial recognition or fingerprint) or Touch ID on Mac, you can also log in without typing your password at all. These biometric methods are faster than typing and do not require you to remember anything, though you should still know your password in case the biometric system fails.

Changing your password on a work or school computer

If your computer is managed by an employer or school, you may not be able to change your password through Settings. Instead, your organization likely has its own password management system—often a web portal or a dedicated app. Check your employee handbook, student portal, or ask your IT department for the correct procedure. Some organizations require password changes every 60 or 90 days, and they may enforce rules about password length and complexity that are stricter than Windows or Mac defaults.

Changing your work or school password does not change your personal Microsoft or Apple account password—it only changes the password for that specific computer or network. If you change your work password and then forget it, contact your workplace IT support, not Microsoft or Apple.

What happens after you change your password

Once you change your password, you will need to use the new one the next time you log in. If you are currently logged in, you can stay logged in until you restart your computer or sign out manually. Any devices synced to your account—tablets, phones, or other computers—may ask you to enter your new password the next time they try to sync or access account services. This is normal and a security feature.

If you have saved your old password in a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge), the browser will usually prompt you to update the saved password when you log into a website with your new credentials. If it does not, you can manually update saved passwords in your browser settings under Passwords or Autofill.

Keeping your new password find

After you change your password, do not share it with anyone—not even IT support staff, who will never ask for it. Do not write it on a sticky note and leave it on your desk or monitor. If you must write it down, keep it in a locked drawer or use a password manager instead. Change your password when ready if you think someone else knows it, if you used it on a website that was hacked, or if you typed it on a computer you do not trust.

If you use the same password across multiple websites or accounts, change those passwords too. Using the same password everywhere means that if one account is compromised, all of them are at risk. A password manager makes it straightforward to use a different strong password for each account.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my password?

For personal computers, change your password whenever you think someone may know it or if you have not changed it in over a year. For work or school computers, follow your organization's policy—many require changes every 60 to 90 days. Changing your password too frequently can lead to weaker passwords, so balance security with practicality.

Can I use the same new password on multiple computers?

You can, but it is not recommended. If one computer is compromised, all of them become vulnerable. If you own multiple personal computers, consider using a password manager to maintain different passwords for each one, or at least use different passwords for work and personal devices.

What if I change my password and then cannot log in?

Double-check that you are typing your new password correctly—passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter. If you are certain you are typing it right, use the password recovery option on your login screen. On Windows, select "I forgot my password" and answer your security questions or check your recovery email. On Mac, use the password reset utility or your Apple ID.

Does changing my computer password change my email password?

No. Your computer login password and your email password are separate. Changing one does not change the other. If you want to change your email password (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, etc.), you must do that through the email provider's website or app, not through your computer settings.

What if my computer is password-protected but I never set a password?

If you are seeing a login screen but do not remember creating a password, you may have a default account or a password set by someone else. Try leaving the password field blank and pressing Enter. If that does not work, restart your computer and try the password recovery process. If you still cannot log in, you may need to contact the person who set up the computer or a local computer repair technician.