Change your password from the login screen

The fastest way to change your Windows password is right at the login screen, before you even open Windows. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete while you see the login screen with your username and password box. A menu will appear with several options.

Look for the option that says "Change a password" and click it. Windows will ask you to enter your current password, then ask you twice for your new password. Type carefully — Windows hides what you type for security, so you won't see the letters appear. If the two new passwords don't match exactly, Windows will tell you and ask you to try again.

Once you've entered matching passwords, click the arrow or press Enter. Windows will confirm the change worked. The next time you log in, use your new password.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete at the login screen, then select "Change a password" to update your password without opening Windows.
  • You must type your current password correctly before Windows will let you create a new one.
  • New passwords must be entered twice and match exactly, or Windows will reject them.
  • If you forget your password after changing it, you will need to use a password reset disk or contact your system administrator.
  • Changing your password from Settings takes longer but works the same way if you prefer to do it after logging in.

Change your password from Settings if you're already logged in

If you've already logged into Windows and want to change your password, you can do it through Settings. Click the Windows Start button in the bottom left corner, then type Settings and press Enter. The Settings window will open.

Look for "Accounts" in the Settings menu and click it. On the left side, you'll see several options — click "Sign-in options". Scroll down until you see a section labeled "Password" with a button that says "Change". Click that button.

Windows will ask you to enter your current password to confirm it's really you. Type it in and click "Next". Then you'll see boxes for your new password. Type your new password in the first box, type it again in the second box to confirm it matches, and click "Next". Windows will confirm the change and you're done.

What to do if you can't remember your current password

If you've forgotten your current password and can't log in, you have two main options. The first is to use a password reset disk if you created one before you forgot your password. Insert that disk into your computer, click "Reset password" on the login screen, and follow the steps to create a new password.

If you don't have a reset disk, you'll need to contact your system administrator or the person who set up your computer. They can reset your password for you. If this is your personal computer and you set it up yourself, you may need to reinstall Windows — this is a longer process, so it's worth trying the reset disk first if you have one.

To avoid this problem in the future, create a password reset disk now while you still remember your password. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, scroll down to "Password," and look for an option to create a reset disk. Follow the prompts and keep the disk in a safe place.

Make your new password strong so you don't have to change it again soon

A strong password is harder for someone else to guess or crack. Windows doesn't require you to use a strong password, but using one means you're less likely to get hacked and have to change your password in an emergency.

A strong password has at least 12 characters and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or @. For example, BlueSky$2024!Tree is stronger than password123. Avoid using your name, your username, or words from the dictionary — these are the first things someone trying to break in will try.

Don't write your password down on a sticky note or in an unencrypted file. If you need to store it somewhere, use a password manager — a program designed to keep passwords safe and encrypted. Windows comes with a built-in password manager, or you can download a third-party one.

Change your password regularly if your workplace requires it

Some workplaces and organizations require employees to change their password every 30, 60, or 90 days. If your computer is connected to a work network, your IT department may have set this requirement. You'll usually get a warning message a few days before your password expires, telling you to change it.

Follow the same steps as above — either use Ctrl + Alt + Delete at the login screen or go through Settings. The process is identical. If you ignore the warning and your password expires, you won't be able to log in until you change it, so it's easier to do it when you see the reminder.

If you're not sure whether your workplace requires regular password changes, ask your IT department or manager. They can tell you the policy and how often you need to update it.

Troubleshoot if Windows says your new password doesn't meet requirements

Sometimes Windows will reject your new password and tell you it doesn't meet the requirements. This usually means your password is too short, doesn't have enough different types of characters, or uses a word that Windows considers too common.

If this happens, try making your password longer — at least 12 characters — and make sure it includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol. Avoid words you can find in a dictionary or that are related to your username or account name. If Windows still rejects it, try a completely different password with a mix of random characters.

If you're on a work computer and Windows keeps rejecting passwords that seem strong, contact your IT department. They may have set stricter rules than the default Windows requirements, and they can tell you exactly what your password needs to include.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restart Windows after changing my password?

No. Your new password takes effect immediately. The next time you log out and log back in, use your new password. You don't need to restart your computer.

Can I change my password if I'm using a PIN or fingerprint to log in?

Yes. Your PIN and fingerprint are separate from your password. Changing one doesn't affect the others. You can change your password through Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password > Change, even if you use a PIN or fingerprint most of the time.

What if I change my password and then forget the new one right away?

You'll need to use your password reset disk if you created one, or contact your system administrator to reset it for you. There's no way to recover a forgotten password without one of these options, so write down your new password somewhere safe until you're sure you'll remember it.

Will changing my password log me out of other devices or programs?

Changing your Windows password doesn't automatically log you out of programs or websites you're signed into. However, if you use your Windows password to sign into Microsoft services like Outlook or OneDrive, you may need to sign in again on those services with your new password.

Can someone else change my password without my permission?

Only if they know your current password or have administrator access to your computer. If you share your computer with others, use a strong password and don't tell anyone what it is. If you think someone has changed your password without permission, contact your system administrator or the person who set up your computer.