Where to find the password change screen on your computer

The location of the password change screen depends on whether you use Windows or Mac. On a Windows computer, you reach it through Settings. On a Mac, you reach it through System Settings. Both paths take about 30 seconds to navigate, and you do not need any special permissions or administrator access — you can change your own password from your own user account.

The password you are changing is the one you type when you first turn on your computer or wake it from sleep. This is called your user account password or login password. Changing it does not affect passwords you use for websites, email, or apps — only the password for this specific computer.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password, then click Change.
  • On Mac, go to System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions, scroll down to find your user account, then click the lock icon and select Change Password.
  • You will need to type your current password before you can create a new one.
  • Your new password takes effect the next time you log in — your current session stays open until you sign out or restart.
  • Write down your new password somewhere safe before you close the window, because you cannot recover it if you forget it.

Changing your password on Windows 10 or Windows 11

Open the Start menu and type "Settings" into the search box, then click the Settings app. Once Settings is open, click the Accounts icon on the left side of the window. You will see several options listed under Accounts — click Sign-in options.

Under Sign-in options, you will see a section labeled Password. Click the button that says Change. Windows will ask you to type your current password to confirm your identity. Type it and click Next. You will then see two blank fields: one for your new password and one to confirm it. Type your new password in both fields — the password must be at least 8 characters long, and Windows will show you a strength meter as you type. Click Next, then Finish. Your password is now changed.

Changing your password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings. In the sidebar on the left, click General. Scroll down until you see a section for your user account — it will show your account name and picture. Click the lock icon next to your account name. Mac will ask you to type your current password. Type it and click Unlock.

Once the lock is unlocked, a menu will appear. Click Change Password. You will see three fields: one for your current password, one for your new password, and one to confirm the new password. Fill in all three fields and click Change Password. Your password is now changed and will take effect the next time you log in.

What happens after you change your password

Your new password does not take effect when ready. If you are currently logged in, you will stay logged in until you sign out, restart your computer, or put it to sleep and wake it again. The next time you see the login screen, you will type your new password instead of your old one.

If you have other devices that use the same account — such as a tablet or phone — you may need to update your password on those devices as well. Check the settings on each device to see whether it is still using your old password. Some devices will prompt you to update it automatically; others will not.

Creating a strong password you can remember

A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, your birthday, or common words that appear in the dictionary. A good approach is to use a phrase you will remember — for example, "MyDog8AteMyShoes!" — rather than a random string of characters.

Write your new password down on a piece of paper and store it somewhere safe, such as a locked drawer or a safe. Do not store it in a text file on your computer or in an email, because anyone with access to your computer can read those. If you forget your password, you will not be able to log in, and recovering access to your account is difficult and time-consuming.

What to do if you forget your new password

On Windows, you can use a password reset disk if you created one before you changed your password. If you did not create one, you will need to restart your computer in Safe Mode and use a Microsoft account recovery option, or contact Microsoft support. The process is lengthy and requires proof of identity.

On Mac, you can use your Apple ID to reset your password if your account is linked to one. Restart your computer and hold Command + Q when you see the login screen to access recovery options. If your account is not linked to an Apple ID, you will need to restart from a recovery drive or contact Apple support. Both paths require time and documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my password log me out of websites I am signed into?

No. Your computer password and your website passwords are separate. Changing your computer password does not affect any websites, email accounts, or apps you are signed into. You will stay logged in until those services time you out or you manually sign out.

Can I change my password if I do not remember my current one?

No. Both Windows and Mac require you to type your current password before you can create a new one. If you have forgotten it, you will need to use a recovery method — either a password reset disk on Windows or an Apple ID on Mac — before you can proceed.

How often should I change my password?

Most security experts recommend changing your computer password once or twice per year, or when ready if you think someone else knows it. You do not need to change it monthly unless your workplace requires it.

What if I see a message saying "Password does not meet requirements"?

Your new password is too short or does not include the right mix of characters. Windows requires at least 8 characters; Mac has similar rules. Try adding a number or a symbol, or make the password longer. The strength meter will show you when it meets the requirements.

Do I need to change my password if I just got this computer?

If you set up the computer yourself and chose your own password, you do not need to change it. If someone else set it up for you or it came with a default password, change it to something only you know before you use the computer for anything important.