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, navigate to Accounts, then select Password. On a Mac, you go to System Settings, then Users & Groups, unlock the panel with your current password, and select Change Password. Both routes take about two minutes and require only your current password — you do not need to restart your computer or contact anyone.

Your computer password is different from passwords you use for websites or email accounts. Changing it here affects only the password you use to log into your device itself, not your Microsoft account, Apple ID, or any online services. If you have forgotten your current password entirely, the process is more involved and depends on whether you have a recovery email or phone number set up.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users open Settings > Accounts > Password and enter their current password before creating a new one.
  • Mac users go to System Settings > Users & Groups, unlock the panel, and select Change Password from the dropdown menu.
  • Your computer password is separate from your Microsoft account or Apple ID password and only controls login to your device.
  • If you have forgotten your current password, you will need a recovery email or phone number that you set up beforehand.
  • A strong password contains at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Step-by-step for Windows 10 and Windows 11

Open the Start menu and type "Settings" into the search box, then click the Settings app. Once it opens, select Accounts from the left sidebar. Click Password, then select Add. Windows will ask you to enter your current password first — this confirms you have permission to make the change. After you enter it, you will see three fields: New password, Reenter password, and Password hint.

Type your new password into the first field. Make it something you have not used before and something that is not written down anywhere obvious. Retype it in the second field to confirm there are no typos. The Password hint field is optional but useful — it can be a phrase that reminds you of your password without revealing it to someone else. For example, if your password is "BlueSky#2024", your hint might be "color I see at noon". Click Next, then Finish. Your new password takes effect when ready the next time you log in.

Step-by-step for Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. In the sidebar, click Users & Groups. You may see a lock icon at the bottom of the window — if so, click it and enter your current password to unlock the panel. Once unlocked, make sure your user account is selected in the list on the left, then click the Change Password button.

A dialog box will appear asking for your old password first. Enter it, then type your new password twice to confirm it matches. You can leave the password hint field blank or add one if you want a reminder. Click Change Password to save your new credentials. The change takes effect the next time you log out and log back in, or you can restart your computer when ready if you prefer.

What makes a strong password

A strong password is at least 12 characters long and contains a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. For example, "Tr0pical!Sunset42" is stronger than "password123" because it uses different character types and is longer. Avoid using your name, your birth year, or common words that appear in the dictionary — these are the first things someone trying to guess your password will try.

Do not reuse a password you have used on other devices or websites. If someone gains access to one account, they may try the same password on your computer. A password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password can generate and store strong passwords so you do not have to remember them all. If you write your password down, keep the paper in a locked drawer, not on a sticky note on your monitor.

If you have forgotten your current password

On Windows, restart your computer and select "I forgot my password" on the login screen. Windows will ask security questions or send a code to your recovery email address. You must have set up a recovery email or phone number before you forgot your password — if you did not, you will need to contact Microsoft support or use a password reset disk if you created one earlier.

On a Mac, restart and hold Command + Q to bring up the login screen. Click the question mark icon, and macOS will ask you to enter your Apple ID email and password. If you do not remember your Apple ID password, you can reset it at iforgot.apple.com. After you reset it, you can use it to unlock your Mac and set a new computer password.

Changing your password regularly

Changing your password once a year is a reasonable practice for most people. If you suspect someone else has used your computer or knows your password, change it when ready. You do not need to change it every month unless your workplace or school requires it — frequent changes can lead to weaker passwords because people resort to predictable patterns like "Password1", "Password2", and so on.

After you change your password, you may need to enter it again on other devices that were logged into your computer account. For example, if you have a tablet synced to your computer, you may need to update the password there as well. Check the settings on any connected devices and update them if prompted.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 separate passwords that you change through their own settings. If you want to change those passwords too, you do it on each website or app individually.

What if I type my new password wrong and lock myself out?

On Windows, use the password hint you created to help you remember it, or select "I forgot my password" on the login screen to reset it. On a Mac, use your Apple ID to unlock your account. If you still cannot remember it, you will need to contact support or use a recovery method you set up beforehand.

Can I change my password without restarting my computer?

Yes. On both Windows and Mac, you can change your password through Settings without restarting. The new password takes effect the next time you log in, but you can keep working on your current session until then.

Should I tell anyone my new password?

No. Keep your computer password private. If someone else needs to use your computer, create a separate user account for them instead of sharing your password. This keeps your files and settings separate from theirs.

What if my computer is part of a workplace network?

Your IT department may have rules about password length, complexity, or how often you must change it. Check with them before changing your password, as some network systems require you to change it through a different method or may override your local password with a network password.