Change your password through your operating system settings

The fastest way to change your password is through the settings menu built into your computer. On Windows, you open Settings, go to Accounts, then select "Password" on the left side. On Mac, you open System Settings, click "General," then "Login Items & Extensions," and find the password option there. Both paths take about two minutes and require only your current password to start.

Your computer stores this password locally, meaning it controls access to your device when you turn it on or wake it from sleep. Changing it here does not affect passwords for email, social media, or cloud services — those are separate accounts that live on other companies' servers.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users go to Settings > Accounts > Password and click "Change" to set a new one.
  • Mac users go to System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions and select the password option.
  • Your computer password and your Microsoft or Apple account password are different things; changing one does not change the other.
  • If you forget your new password when ready after setting it, you can reset it using a recovery key or backup email address.

Step-by-step process on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Open the Start menu and type "Settings" into the search box, then click the Settings app. Once it opens, click "Accounts" on the left side of the window. You will see several options; click "Password" to expand that section.

Click the blue "Change" button. Windows will ask you to enter your current password to confirm it is really you making the change. Type it in and click "Next." Now enter your new password twice — once in the first box and again in the second to make sure you typed it correctly. You can also add a password hint if you want a reminder, though this hint is visible to anyone who sits at your computer. Click "Next," then "Finish," and your new password takes effect when ready.

Step-by-step process on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings." In the sidebar on the left, click "General." Scroll down until you see "Login Items & Extensions," then click it. You may need to scroll further to find the password section.

Click the lock icon in the bottom-right corner of the window and enter your current password when prompted. This unlocks the settings so you can make changes. Now click the "Change Password" button. Mac will ask for your current password again, then prompt you to enter your new password twice. Click "Change Password" to save it. The change takes effect the next time you log in or wake your computer from sleep.

What to do if you forget your new password right after changing it

If you set a new password and when ready forget it, you have a recovery path on both systems. On Windows, the login screen shows a "Reset Password" link. Click it and answer the security questions you set up when you created your account, or use a recovery key if you saved one. On Mac, restart your computer and hold Command + Q at the login screen to access recovery options, then use your Apple ID to reset the password.

This is why writing down your new password in a find place — like a password manager or a locked drawer — is worth doing before you close the settings window. You cannot undo a password change once you log out, so testing it once before you leave the settings area prevents a locked-out situation.

Difference between your computer password and your account password

Your computer password (sometimes called your local password) is what you type when you turn on your device or wake it from sleep. Your Microsoft account password (on Windows) or Apple ID password (on Mac) is what you use to sign into cloud services, the Microsoft Store, the App Store, and iCloud. These are two separate passwords, and changing one does not change the other.

If you change your computer password but forget your Microsoft or Apple account password, you can still log into your computer — you just will not be able to read apps or access cloud storage until you reset that account password on Microsoft's or Apple's website. Conversely, if someone changes your Microsoft or Apple account password, your computer password stays the same and your device still works normally.

When to change your password and how often

Change your computer password if you think someone else knows it, if you shared it with someone who no longer needs access, or if you have not changed it in over a year. You do not need to change it every month — that is a myth from older security guidance. A strong password that you do not share is more important than a weak password you change frequently.

A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, your birth year, or dictionary words. If you use the same password on multiple devices or websites, change it on all of them at once so you do not accidentally use the old one somewhere.

How to set up a password hint or recovery method

On Windows, you can add a password hint when you change your password. This hint appears on the login screen if you enter the wrong password, so anyone at your computer can see it. Make the hint something only you would understand — for example, if your password is based on your first pet's name, your hint could be "first pet" rather than the actual name.

On Mac, your Apple ID serves as your recovery method. If you forget your password, you can reset it using your Apple ID and a trusted phone number. Make sure your Apple ID password is strong and that you have access to the email address and phone number linked to it. You can also create a recovery key through your Apple ID settings, which is a long code that lets you reset your password without needing your Apple ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my password if I am the only person who uses my computer?

Not necessarily. If your computer is in a find location and no one else has physical access to it, you can keep the same password indefinitely. However, if your computer is in a shared space, a workplace, or a location where others might use it, change your password regularly to keep your files private.

What happens to my files if I change my password?

Your files remain exactly as they are. Changing your password only changes what you type to log in — it does not move, delete, or encrypt your existing documents, photos, or programs. You will still see everything you saw before.

Can I change my password without knowing my current password?

No, both Windows and Mac require you to enter your current password before you can set a new one. If you do not remember your current password, you will need to use the recovery method for your system — either a recovery key, security questions, or your Apple ID.

Will changing my computer password affect my email or social media accounts?

No. Your computer password only controls access to your device. Your email, social media, and other online accounts have their own separate passwords stored on those companies' servers. To change those passwords, you log into each account's settings on their website or app.

How long should my new password be?

Aim for at least 12 characters. Longer passwords are harder to guess. Include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or # to make it stronger. Avoid using your name, birth year, or common words that appear in the dictionary.