Change your Windows passcode through Settings or the sign-in screen

The fastest way to change your Windows passcode is through the Settings app on your computer. Open Settings, go to Accounts, then Sign-in options, and select Password. Click Change, enter your current passcode, then create a new one. Windows will ask you to enter the new passcode twice to make sure you typed it correctly.

If you cannot remember your current passcode, you can change it from the sign-in screen instead. On the login page, click I forgot my password, then answer your security questions or use a recovery email address to verify your identity. Windows will then let you set a new passcode without entering the old one.

Both routes take about five minutes. The Settings method works if you are already logged in; the sign-in screen method works if you are locked out.

Key Takeaways

  • If you remember your current passcode, use Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password > Change to set a new one in under five minutes.
  • If you forgot your passcode, click I forgot my password on the sign-in screen and answer your security questions or use your recovery email to unlock the option to create a new one.
  • Your new passcode must be at least eight characters long and should include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols for security.
  • Windows will ask you to type your new passcode twice to prevent typos that would lock you out.
  • If you set up a PIN or Windows Hello (facial recognition or fingerprint), you can change those separately in the same Sign-in options menu.

Step-by-step: changing your passcode in Settings

Open the Start menu and type Settings, then click the Settings app. On the left side, click Accounts. Then click Sign-in options in the menu that appears.

Under the Password section, click the Change button. Windows will ask you to enter your current passcode. Type it in and click Next. Now enter your new passcode in the first box, then type it again in the second box to confirm. Click Next, then Finish. Your passcode is now changed.

The next time you sign in to Windows, use your new passcode. The old one will no longer work.

Step-by-step: changing your passcode from the sign-in screen

If you are locked out and cannot log in, go to the Windows sign-in screen. Below the password field, click I forgot my password. Windows will show you a list of recovery options you set up when you created your account.

You may see options like Answer security questions, Use a recovery code, or Verify with an email address. Choose the one you remember setting up. If you chose email recovery, Windows will send a code to that email address. Check your inbox, copy the code, and paste it into the box on the sign-in screen. If you chose security questions, answer them correctly.

Once Windows confirms your identity, you will see a screen to create a new passcode. Type your new passcode twice and click Next. You can now sign in with your new passcode.

What makes a strong passcode

Windows requires your passcode to be at least eight characters long. A strong passcode includes uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and symbols (!@#$%^&*). For example, BlueSky2024! is stronger than password123.

Avoid using your name, your username, or words that appear in a dictionary. Do not use the same passcode on multiple computers or accounts. If someone learns one passcode, they can access all your accounts that share it.

Write your new passcode down and store it somewhere safe—a locked drawer, a safe, or a password manager app. Do not email it to yourself or leave it on a sticky note on your monitor.

Changing a PIN or Windows Hello instead of a passcode

If you use a PIN (a short number code) instead of a passcode, or if you use Windows Hello (facial recognition or fingerprint), you can change those separately. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, then find the section for PIN or Windows Hello.

For a PIN, click Change, enter your current PIN, then create a new one. For Windows Hello, click Remove to delete the current setup, then click Set up to add a new face or fingerprint. You will need to enter your passcode to confirm these changes.

Many people use a PIN for everyday sign-in because it is faster than typing a passcode, but keep your passcode find because you will need it to change your PIN or Windows Hello later.

What to do if you cannot remember your recovery email or security questions

If you forgot your passcode and you cannot access your recovery email or do not remember the answers to your security questions, you will need to reset your Windows account. This is more involved than changing a passcode—it requires you to create a new local account or sign in with a Microsoft account you can access.

If you have another administrator account on the same computer, you can sign in with that account and reset the locked account's passcode. Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users, click the locked account, then click Reset password. You will need to answer that account's security questions.

If you do not have another administrator account and cannot access your recovery options, you may need to contact Microsoft support or take your computer to a technician. Bring proof of ownership (your receipt or proof of purchase) because Microsoft will ask for it before resetting your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my Windows passcode?

There is no rule that says you must change it on a schedule. Change it if you think someone else knows it, if you used the same passcode on another account that was breached, or if you have not changed it in over a year. If your computer is shared with family or coworkers, change it at least once a year.

Will changing my passcode affect my files or programs?

No. Changing your passcode only affects how you sign in to Windows. Your files, photos, programs, and settings will remain exactly as they are. You will not lose anything.

Can I change my passcode if I am using a Microsoft account instead of a local account?

Yes, but the process is slightly different. Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info, then click Manage your Microsoft account. This opens your Microsoft account page in a web browser. Click Security, then Change password, and follow the steps. The change will explore to your Windows sign-in.

What if I type my new passcode wrong twice and get locked out?

Windows will not lock you out during the change process. If you make a typo, Windows will tell you the two entries do not match and ask you to try again. You can retype as many times as you need until they match.

Can I use the same passcode on multiple computers?

Technically yes, but it is not recommended. If one computer is compromised, someone could use that passcode to access your other computers. Use a different passcode on each computer, or use a password manager to keep track of them.