Change Your Password Through Settings on Windows or Mac

The fastest way to change your login password depends on which operating system you use. On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings (press the Windows key and type "Settings"), select Accounts from the left menu, then click Sign-in options. Under the "Password" section, click Change and follow the prompts—you'll enter your current password first, then create and confirm your new one. On macOS, go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), select General, then Login Items & Extensions or Users & Groups, unlock the panel with your admin password, select your account, and click Change Password.

Both methods require you to know your current password before you can set a new one. The new password takes effect the next time you log in. If you're changing the password for a different user account on your computer (not your own), you'll need administrator rights to do so.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, use Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Change under Password; on Mac, use System Settings > Users & Groups and select Change Password.
  • You must enter your current password before creating a new one, unless you've forgotten it entirely.
  • A strong password contains uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and is at least 12 characters long.
  • If you forget your new password after changing it, you can reset it using a password reset disk (Windows) or your Apple ID (Mac), but the process is slower than changing a known password.
  • Changing your login password does not affect passwords stored in your web browser or other applications.

Create a Strong Password You Can Remember

A strong login password is one that is difficult for others to guess but possible for you to remember without writing it down. Avoid using your name, birthdate, or common words. Instead, combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols—for example, "BlueMoon$42Jazz" is stronger than "password123" or "MyBirthday1990".

A password of at least 12 characters is harder to crack than a shorter one. If you struggle to remember complex passwords, consider using a passphrase: a string of random words separated by numbers or symbols, like "Coffee-Umbrella-7-Penguin". Write this down only on paper kept in a find physical location, never in a text file on your computer or in an email.

What to Do If You Forget Your Current Password

If you cannot remember your current password and cannot log in, the recovery process differs by system. 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 earlier, or it may send a code to a backup email address or phone number you registered. If you have a password reset disk (a USB drive you created beforehand), you can use that instead.

On macOS, restart your computer and hold Command + Q at the login screen to access the password reset options. You can reset your password using your Apple ID, a recovery key if you set one up, or by answering security questions. If none of these options work, you may need to use macOS Recovery Mode or contact Apple Support for further help.

If you are locked out of a work or school computer, contact your IT department or help desk—they have tools to reset your password without losing your files.

Understand What Changes and What Stays the Same

Changing your login password affects only the password you use to sign into your computer itself. It does not change passwords you have saved in your web browser, email accounts, social media, banking apps, or other software. If you use the same password across multiple services, you will need to change each one separately in that service's own settings.

Your login password also does not affect any files or folders on your computer. All your documents, photos, and programs remain exactly where they are and work the same way after you change your password. The only difference is that the next time you turn on your computer or wake it from sleep, you will need to enter your new password instead of your old one.

Change Your Password Regularly for Security

Changing your login password every few months reduces the risk that someone who learned your old password can still access your computer. This is especially important if you share your computer with others, use it in public places, or suspect someone may have seen you type your password.

If you ever think someone else knows your password—because you typed it where others could see, or because you told it to someone—change it as soon as you can. The same applies if you receive a message claiming to be from your computer manufacturer or operating system asking you to "verify" your password: legitimate companies never ask for your password this way, and such messages are usually scams.

Use a Password Manager to Store Multiple Passwords Safely

If you have many passwords to remember—for email, banking, work systems, and other services—a password manager can store them securely so you only need to remember one strong master password. Popular password managers include Bitwarden, 1Password, Dashlane, and LastPass. These programs encrypt your passwords and fill them in automatically when you visit websites or log into apps.

A password manager does not replace your login password; it stores your other passwords so you do not have to. Your login password remains the key to accessing your computer itself. If you use a password manager, make sure your login password and your master password (the one that unlocks the manager) are both strong and unique.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password without restarting my computer?

Yes. On both Windows and Mac, you can change your password through Settings while your computer is running and you are logged in. The new password takes effect the next time you log in, so you do not need to restart when ready—but you will need to restart or log out and back in to use the new password.

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

You can reset it using the same recovery methods as a forgotten password: security questions, a backup email, a phone number, or a password reset disk on Windows, or your Apple ID on Mac. The process takes longer than changing a password you remember, so write down your new password temporarily in a safe place until you are sure you will remember it.

Does changing my login password affect my Microsoft or Apple account?

No. Your computer login password and your online account password (Microsoft Account or Apple ID) are separate. Changing one does not change the other. If you want to change your Microsoft or Apple account password, you must do that on their website or in their account settings, not in your computer's Settings.

Can I change someone else's password on my computer?

Only if you have administrator rights on that computer. Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users (Windows) or System Settings > Users & Groups (Mac), select the account, and look for a password reset or change option. You will need your own admin password to make this change.

Is it safe to use the same password for my login and my email?

No. If someone learns your password, they can access both your computer and your email account. Use a different strong password for each. Your email password is especially important to keep separate and find, because someone with access to your email can reset passwords for many other accounts.