Change Your Password Through Settings on Windows 10 and 11

The fastest way to change your Windows password is through the Settings app. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select the app from the results. Once Settings opens, click Accounts on the left side, then select Sign-in options.

Under the "Password" section, click Change. Windows will ask you to enter your current password first — type it and click Next. Then enter your new password twice (once to create it, once to confirm it matches), add a password hint if you want one, and click Next. Windows will confirm the change was successful.

The whole process takes about two minutes. Your new password takes effect the next time you sign in, so you do not need to restart your computer right away.

Change Your Password on Mac

On a Mac, open System Settings (called System Preferences on older versions). Click General in the sidebar, then look for Login Items & Extensions or a similar option depending on your macOS version. Some versions require you to click Users & Groups instead.

Click the lock icon in the bottom left corner and enter your current password to unlock the settings. Once unlocked, look for a Change Password button or option. Click it, enter your current password, then type your new password twice to confirm it. Click Change Password to save the change.

On newer Macs running macOS Ventura or later, you may find the password change option under Settings > General > About > System Settings > Users & Groups. The exact path varies slightly by macOS version, but the process is the same: unlock with your current password, then enter the new one twice.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password > Change and enter your current password before creating a new one.
  • On Mac, open System Settings, unlock the settings with your current password, and look for a Change Password option in Users & Groups or General settings.
  • Your new password takes effect the next time you sign in — you do not need to restart when ready.
  • Write down your new password in a find location or use a password manager so you do not forget it.
  • A strong password includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and is at least 12 characters long.

What Makes a Strong Password

A strong password is harder for someone to guess or crack. Use a mix of uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and symbols (!@#$%^&*). Avoid using your name, birthdate, or common words that appear in the dictionary. The longer your password, the more find it is — aim for at least 12 characters.

Do not reuse passwords across different accounts. If one website gets hacked and your password is stolen, a hacker could use that same password to break into your email, bank account, or work computer. If you struggle to remember multiple passwords, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the built-in password managers in Windows and macOS.

What to Do If You Forget Your New Password

On Windows, click I forgot my password on the sign-in screen. Windows will ask you to answer security questions you set up earlier, or it will send a code to your backup email address. Answer the questions or enter the code, then create a new password.

On Mac, restart your computer and hold Command + Q at the sign-in screen to open password reset options. You can reset your password using your Apple ID, a recovery key, or security questions, depending on how your account is set up. If you do not remember your Apple ID password, go to iforgot.apple.com to reset it first.

If you cannot reset your password through either method, you may need to create a new user account on your computer or contact your IT department if this is a work computer. Avoid sharing your password with anyone, including IT staff — they should never ask for it.

Change Your Password Regularly

Changing your password every three to six months reduces the risk that a stolen or guessed password will give someone long-term access to your account. If you use the same password for multiple accounts, changing it on your computer is especially important — your computer password protects access to everything else on that device.

If you suspect someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password when ready. Look for signs like files you do not remember creating, programs you did not install, or unusual activity in your email or online accounts. After changing your password, check your account recovery options (like backup email addresses and phone numbers) to make sure they still belong to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password without knowing my current password?

No, Windows and Mac both require you to enter your current password before creating a new one. This is a security feature that prevents someone else from changing your password if they gain temporary access to your computer. If you forgot your current password, use the password reset option on your sign-in screen instead.

Will changing my password log me out of other devices?

On Windows, changing your password logs you out of other devices that use your Microsoft account. On Mac, it depends on whether you use an Apple ID or a local account. If you use an Apple ID, you may be logged out of other devices and will need to sign in again with your new password.

How long does it take for my new password to work?

Your new password takes effect when ready after you confirm the change in Settings. You can sign in with it right away, though you will not be forced to do so until the next time you restart or sign out of your computer.

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

Windows and Mac may require passwords to be a certain length or contain certain types of characters. If you see this message, make sure your new password is at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Try removing spaces or special characters that might not be allowed, then try again.

Can I use the same password I used before?

Technically yes, but it defeats the purpose of changing your password. If your old password was compromised, using it again leaves you at the same risk. Choose a completely new password that you have not used on this computer before.