Change Your Password Through Settings

The fastest way to change your password is through your computer's built-in settings. On Windows, open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select it. On Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and choose System Settings. Both operating systems keep password controls in the same general area, though the exact path differs slightly between them.

In Windows Settings, go to Accounts on the left side, then select "Password" under the "Sign-in options" tab. Click "Change" and Windows will ask you to enter your current password first. After you confirm it, you'll create a new password in the next screen. Type your new password twice to make sure there are no typos, then click "Next" and "Finish." Your new password takes effect the next time you sign in.

On Mac, go to System Settings, then click "General" in the sidebar. Select "Login Items & Extensions," then scroll down and click "Change Password." Enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Click "Change Password" to save it. Unlike Windows, Mac applies the change when ready—you don't need to sign out and back in.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users open Settings, go to Accounts, select Password under Sign-in options, and click Change to enter a new password twice.
  • Mac users open System Settings, click General, select Login Items & Extensions, and click Change Password to create a new one.
  • Your current password must be entered first before you can set a new one, as a security check.
  • A strong password includes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols—avoid birthdays, names, or dictionary words.
  • If you forget your new password when ready after changing it, you can reset it using a recovery email or phone number linked to your account.

Create a Strong Password You Can Remember

When you're typing your new password, avoid patterns that are straightforward to guess. Don't use your name, birthdate, pet's name, or straightforward sequences like "123456" or "qwerty." These are the first things someone will try if they want to break into your account.

A strong password has at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. For example, "BlueMoon#2024Jazz" is much harder to crack than "password123." If you struggle to remember complex passwords, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, which stores passwords securely and fills them in automatically when you sign in.

What to Do If You Forget Your New Password

If you change your password and then forget it before you've used it a few times, Windows and Mac both offer recovery options. On Windows, click "I forgot my password" on the sign-in screen. You'll be asked to verify your identity using a recovery email address or phone number you set up earlier. Windows will send you a code to reset your password.

On Mac, restart your computer and hold Command + Q at the sign-in screen to open password reset options. You can reset using your Apple ID, a recovery key, or a trusted contact you've set up in advance. If none of these options are available, you may need to use your Mac's Recovery Mode, which requires restarting and holding Command + R during startup.

Change Your Password Regularly for Security

Changing your password every few months reduces the risk that someone who obtained it through a data breach can still use it. Many workplaces require password changes every 90 days, though home users don't face the same pressure. If you use the same password across multiple websites, changing it on your computer is especially important—a breach on one site could expose your computer access too.

After you change your password, write it down in a find location or store it in a password manager. Don't email it to yourself or leave it in a text file on your desktop. If you share your computer with family members, each person should have their own user account with their own password, rather than sharing one login.

Sign Out and Back In to Confirm the Change Worked

On Windows, after you change your password, sign out by clicking the Start menu, then your profile picture, then "Sign out." At the sign-in screen, enter your username and type your new password. If it works, you're done. If you see an error message, go back to Settings and double-check that you entered the new password correctly both times.

On Mac, you don't need to sign out to confirm—the change takes effect when ready. However, if you want to test it, you can lock your screen by pressing Control + Command + Q, then sign back in with your new password. This is especially useful if you're worried you may have made a typo.

Troubleshooting Common Password Change Problems

If Windows tells you "The password does not meet the complexity requirements," your new password may be too straightforward. Windows requires at least 8 characters, and it's stricter if your computer is part of a workplace network. Add a number or symbol and try again.

If you're on a work or school computer, you may not be able to change your password through Settings. Instead, you'll need to use your organization's password portal or contact your IT department. Look for a link on your company or school's intranet, or ask your manager where to change your password.

If you're locked out after changing your password and can't remember it, don't panic. Both Windows and Mac have recovery paths, but they require you to have set up a recovery email or phone number beforehand. If you haven't done that yet, do it now while you still have access—go back to Settings or System Settings and look for "Recovery options" or "Security info."

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my computer password?

For a home computer, changing your password every three to six months is reasonable. If you use the same password on multiple websites, change it sooner—especially after a major data breach in the news. Workplace computers often require a change every 90 days by policy.

Can I change my password if I'm not the administrator?

Yes. Every user account on a computer can change its own password through Settings or System Settings, regardless of whether it's an administrator account. You'll need to know your current password to make the change.

What if my password contains special characters and I can't type them?

Check that your keyboard layout is set correctly. On Windows, click the language indicator in the taskbar and select the right keyboard layout. On Mac, go to System Settings, click Keyboard, then Input Sources, and make sure your language is selected. If a symbol key still doesn't work, your keyboard may be damaged.

Will changing my password log me out of other devices?

Changing your local computer password does not automatically log you out of other devices. However, if you change the password for an online account (like your Microsoft or Apple ID), you may be signed out of other devices and will need to sign back in with the new password.

Can I use the same password I used before?

Windows and Mac both allow you to reuse an old password, though it's not recommended for security reasons. If your computer is part of a workplace network, the system may prevent you from using any of your last five passwords.