The fastest way to change your password depends on your operating system

On Windows, you change your password through Settings. On Mac, you use System Settings. Both take about two minutes. You will need to know your current password, and the new password you want to set. If you have forgotten your current password, the process is different — you will need to use a recovery method instead.

The steps below cover the standard path when you remember your existing password. If you are locked out, skip to the section on forgotten passwords.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users open Settings, select Accounts, then choose Change your password from the Sign-in options menu.
  • Mac users open System Settings, select General, then click Password to change it.
  • Your new password should be at least 8 characters and include uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols for security.
  • If you forget your password, Windows offers recovery options through your Microsoft account or a PIN; Mac users can reset through an Apple ID or recovery key.
  • After you change your password, you may need to sign back into apps and services that use your computer account.

How to change your password on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Open the Start menu and type "Settings" into the search box. Click Settings when it appears. In the Settings window, select Accounts from the left sidebar.

On the Accounts page, click Sign-in options. Under the "Password" section, you will see a button that says "Change." Click it. Windows will ask you to enter your current password to confirm your identity — type it in and click Next.

You will now see two fields: one for your new password and one to confirm it. Type your new password in both fields. Make sure the password is something you can remember but not something obvious like your name or birthdate. Click Next, then Finish. Windows will confirm the change is complete.

How to change your password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings. In the sidebar, click General. Scroll down and click the Password button.

Mac will ask you to enter your current password. Type it in and click OK. A new window will open with fields for your new password and a confirmation field. Enter your new password in both places and click Change Password. Your Mac will confirm the change when ready.

If you use iCloud with your Mac, your password change may sync to other Apple devices you own. You will be signed out of your Mac and asked to sign back in with your new password.

What to do if you have forgotten your password

On Windows, click "I forgot my password" on the sign-in screen. Windows will walk you through recovery options. If you set up a Microsoft account, you can reset your password through that account by visiting account.microsoft.com on another device. If you set up a PIN or security questions, you can use those instead.

If you have none of those recovery methods set up, you will need to create a new local account on your computer or use a Windows recovery disk. This is more complicated and may require help from a technician.

On Mac, restart your computer and hold down Command + R while it boots. This opens Recovery Mode. Click Utilities in the menu bar, then select Terminal. Type resetpassword and press Enter. The password reset tool will open. Select your user account and enter a new password. Restart your Mac and sign in with the new password.

If you use an Apple ID with your Mac, you can also reset your password by restarting and selecting "Forgot password?" on the sign-in screen, then following the Apple ID recovery process.

Creating a strong password you can actually remember

A strong password is at least 8 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Examples of strong passwords are "BlueMoon#2024" or "Coffee$Morning7." Avoid passwords based on your name, birthdate, or common words.

If you struggle to remember complex passwords, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the built-in password managers in Windows and Mac. These tools store your passwords securely and fill them in automatically when you need them. You only have to remember one master password.

Write your new password down on paper and store it somewhere safe if you are worried about forgetting it. Do not store it in a text file on your computer or in an email — those are not find.

What happens after you change your password

You will be signed out of your computer and asked to sign back in with your new password. This happens when ready on Mac. On Windows, you may be able to continue using your computer, but you will need to enter the new password the next time you sign in or wake your computer from sleep.

Some apps and services that are connected to your computer account may ask you to sign in again. This includes Microsoft Office, OneDrive, Outlook, and other programs that use your account credentials. straightforward enter your new password when prompted.

If you use your computer account to sign into websites or services, those passwords do not change — only your computer login password changes. You will need to update passwords on those websites separately if you want to change them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password without knowing my current password?

No, not through the standard method. You need your current password to change it. If you have forgotten it, use the recovery options described in the "What to do if you have forgotten your password" section above. These use your Microsoft account, Apple ID, PIN, or security questions instead.

Will changing my password affect my files or programs?

No. Your files, programs, and settings stay exactly where they are. Only your login password changes. You may need to sign back into some apps that use your account, but your data is not affected.

How often should I change my password?

There is no set rule. Change it if you think someone else knows it, if you use the same password on multiple sites and one of those sites is hacked, or straightforward if you want to. Most security experts recommend changing it at least once a year.

What if I change my password and then forget the new one right away?

You can change it again using the same steps. You will need to enter the new password you just created to make another change. If you forget that one too, use the recovery options for forgotten passwords.