Change your password through Settings on Windows 11 and 10

On Windows, the fastest route is Settings > Accounts > Password. Click Change, enter your current password to confirm who you are, then type your new password twice. Windows will ask you to add a password hint — something only you would understand, like the street you grew up on. This hint appears on the login screen if you forget the password later.

The change takes effect the next time you log out and back in. If you are logged in right now, you can stay logged in; Windows does not force you off when ready. Your new password must be at least eight characters long if you are using a Microsoft account, though local accounts (passwords stored only on your computer) can be shorter.

If you cannot find Settings, press the Windows key and type "settings" — it will appear at the top of the menu. On older versions of Windows 10, the path may be slightly different, but Accounts and Password are always in the same place.

Change your password on a Mac

On Mac, go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions) and click General, then Login Items & Security. Look for Password and click Change. You will need to enter your current password first, then type your new one twice.

Mac passwords must be at least one character, but Apple recommends at least eight. The change takes effect when ready for new logins, though you will stay logged in on your current session. If you use iCloud, your Mac password and Apple ID password are separate — changing one does not change the other.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 11 and 10, open Settings, go to Accounts, select Password, and click Change to enter your current password and new password twice.
  • On Mac, open System Settings, find Login Items & Security, select Password, and click Change to confirm your identity and set a new password.
  • Your new password takes effect the next time you log in; you will not be forced off your computer when ready.
  • If you forget your new password, Windows shows a hint you create during the change, but Mac requires you to reset through your Apple ID.

What to do if you forgot your current password

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot use the Settings method above — the system will ask for it before letting you change it. On Windows, restart your computer and select I forgot my password on the login screen. Windows will walk you through security questions or send a code to your email or phone, depending on whether you use a Microsoft account or a local account.

On Mac, restart and hold Command + Q at the login screen to open the password reset utility. You will need your Apple ID and password. If you do not have access to your Apple ID, you will need to use another administrator account on the Mac, or take the computer to an Apple Store.

Using a password manager to store your new password

Once you have changed your password, write it down somewhere safe — a notebook in a drawer, not a sticky note on your monitor. If you use multiple computers or accounts, a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the built-in password storage in your browser can store it so you do not have to remember it.

Password managers encrypt your passwords and lock them behind a single master password. They also generate strong passwords for you — long, random combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols that are much harder to guess than something you create yourself. Most are free or cost a few dollars per month.

Why you should change your password regularly

Changing your login password every few months reduces the window of time a stolen or guessed password can be used. If someone obtains your password through a data breach at another website, a regular change means they cannot use it forever. A strong password — at least 12 characters, mixing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — is harder to guess or crack than a straightforward one.

If you suspect someone else knows your password, change it right away rather than waiting. The same goes if you have used the same password on multiple websites; change your computer login password first, then go through your other accounts and make each one unique.

Changing password on a work or school computer

If your computer is managed by an employer or school, the Settings method above may not work. Your organization may require you to change your password through a separate portal or website, often called Active Directory or a network login system. Check with your IT department or help desk for the correct procedure — they may have specific rules about password length, complexity, or how often you must change it.

Some work computers also require you to change your password at regular intervals automatically. If you see a message saying your password will expire, follow the prompt to change it before the important date, or you may be locked out of your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your new password works when ready on the computer where you changed it. If you use the same account on other computers, you may need to log out and back in on those devices for the change to take effect. Cloud-synced accounts like Microsoft or Apple ID may take a few minutes to update across all your devices.

Can I change my password without restarting?

Yes. You can change your password while you are logged in, and it takes effect the next time you log in. You do not need to restart your computer or log out when ready unless you want to test that the new password works.

What if I change my password and then forget it right away?

On Windows, the password hint you created during the change will appear on the login screen. On Mac, you can use your Apple ID to reset it. If you are locked out and cannot remember either, you will need to restart in recovery mode (Mac) or use another administrator account (Windows) to regain access.

Does changing my computer password change my email password?

No. Your computer login password and your email password are separate. Changing one does not affect the other. If you use a Microsoft account to log in to Windows, your email and computer passwords are linked, but changing one through Settings will only change the computer login password unless you go to your Microsoft account online.

Is there a way to change my password without using Settings?

On Windows, you can press Ctrl + Alt + Delete at the login screen and select Change a password. On Mac, you can use the command line in Terminal, but Settings is the standard method. Both routes accomplish the same thing; Settings is simpler for most people.