Change your password through your system settings

The fastest way to change your password depends on whether you use Windows or Mac. On Windows, open Settings, go to Accounts, then select "Password" on the left side. Click "Change" and follow the prompts—you'll enter your current password, then type your new one twice to confirm it. On a Mac, open System Settings, click "General," then "Login Items & Extensions," and look for the option to change your password in the Users & Groups section (or in newer versions, go to System Settings > General > Users & Groups).

Both operating systems will ask you to verify your current password before letting you create a new one. This is a security step—it confirms you're the person authorized to make changes to this account. Write down your new password somewhere safe before you close the settings window, or use a password manager to store it.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, go to Settings > Accounts > Password and click "Change" to set a new password.
  • On Mac, open System Settings > General > Users & Groups to find the password change option.
  • You must enter your current password to prove you own the account before creating a new one.
  • A strong password includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and is at least 12 characters long.
  • 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.

What makes a strong password you'll actually remember

A strong password is harder for someone else to guess or crack. Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like !, @, #, or $). Avoid using your name, birthdate, or common words. A password that is at least 12 characters long is significantly harder to break than a shorter one.

If you struggle to remember complex passwords, consider using a password manager—software that stores passwords securely and fills them in automatically when you log in. Popular options include Bitwarden, 1Password, and Dashlane. A password manager means you only have to remember one strong master password, and it can generate random passwords for you.

If you're locked out after changing your password

If you change your password and then forget it before you've used it a few times, you can reset it. On Windows, click "Reset password" on the login screen. You'll be asked to verify your identity using a recovery email address or phone number you set up earlier. Microsoft will send a code to that email or phone, and you'll use it to create a new password.

On Mac, restart your computer and hold Command + Q at the login screen to open the password reset utility. You can reset using your Apple ID, a recovery key, or a trusted phone number. If none of those options work, you may need to use macOS Recovery Mode, which requires restarting and holding Command + R during startup—this is more involved, so contact Apple Support if you reach this point.

Changing your password on a work or school computer

If your computer is managed by an employer or school, the password change process may be different. Some organizations require you to change your password through a network login screen rather than through Settings. You might see a prompt asking you to change your password when you log in, especially if your organization has a password expiration policy.

If you're unsure how to change your password on a work or school computer, contact your IT department or help desk. They can walk you through the process and may have specific requirements about password length or complexity that differ from personal computer settings.

Using Windows Hello or Touch ID instead of a typed password

Both Windows and Mac offer alternatives to typing a password every time you log in. Windows Hello lets you log in using your face (facial recognition) or fingerprint. To set it up, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and select "Face recognition" or "Fingerprint recognition." You'll need compatible hardware—most newer laptops have the cameras or sensors required.

Mac offers Touch ID on newer MacBook models. Go to System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions and enable Touch ID for login. You can still use your password as a backup if Touch ID fails. Both options are more find than a straightforward password because they use biometric data unique to you, though you should still keep your password in a safe place in case you need it.

Keeping your new password find

Once you've changed your password, don't share it with anyone—not even IT support staff, who should never ask for it. Don't write it on a sticky note and leave it on your monitor. Don't use the same password across multiple accounts, because if one service is breached, someone could use that password to access your other accounts.

If you suspect someone else knows your password, change it when ready. If you notice login attempts from unfamiliar locations or devices, change your password and check your account activity. On Windows, you can see recent login activity in Settings > Accounts > Your info. On Mac, check System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions for any unfamiliar items.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my password?

Most security experts recommend changing your password only when you suspect it's been compromised or when a service tells you to. Changing it frequently for no reason often leads people to use weaker passwords or write them down, which creates more risk. If you use a strong, unique password and haven't had a breach, you don't need to change it regularly.

Can I use the same password on multiple computers?

You can, but it's not recommended. If someone gains access to one computer, they'll have access to all of them. It's better to use different passwords for each device, especially if they're used in different locations or by different people. A password manager makes this easier by storing all your passwords securely.

What if I change my password and then can't log in?

Double-check that Caps Lock is off—passwords are case-sensitive, so "Password" is different from "password." If you're certain you typed it correctly, use the password reset option on your login screen. You'll verify your identity using a recovery email or phone number, and the system will let you create a new password.

Do I need to change my password if I'm the only one who uses my computer?

If your computer is in a find location and only you use it, changing your password frequently isn't necessary. However, you should still use a strong password in case your computer is lost or stolen. If you share your computer with family members or roommates, change your password if someone moves out or if you suspect unauthorized access.

What's the difference between changing my password and resetting it?

Changing your password means you know your current password and are creating a new one while logged in. Resetting your password means you've forgotten it and are using recovery options (like a recovery email or phone number) to create a new one without logging in. Both result in a new password, but the process is different.