Change your password through your account settings
The fastest way to change your PC password is through your account settings, which takes about two minutes. On Windows, you open Settings, go to Accounts, then select "Password" and click "Change." On a Mac, you open System Settings, go to General, then Users & Groups, unlock the panel with your current password, and select "Change Password." Both paths walk you through entering your old password once, then your new password twice to confirm it matches.
You do not need to restart your computer after changing your password. The new password takes effect immediately, and you will use it the next time you log in. If you are currently logged in, you stay logged in — the change only matters when you sign out and back in later.
Key Takeaways
- Windows users go to Settings > Accounts > Password > Change to update their login password in under two minutes.
- Mac users go to System Settings > General > Users & Groups, unlock the panel, select their account, and click "Change Password."
- You must enter your current password before creating a new one, so have it ready or use a password manager to look it up.
- Your new password takes effect immediately, but you will only need it the next time you log in to your computer.
- If you forget your new password right after changing it, you can reset it using your Microsoft account (Windows) or Apple ID (Mac).
What to do before you change your password
Before you start, make sure you know your current password. If you are not sure, do not guess — a wrong entry will lock you out of the settings panel. If you use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the built-in password manager in your browser, look up your current password there first.
Also think about what your new password will be. A strong password has at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — something like "BlueMoon#2847" or "Coffee$Sunrise99." Avoid using your name, birthdate, or common words that appear in a dictionary. If you create a password you might forget, write it down in a password manager right away, not on a sticky note on your monitor.
Step-by-step for Windows 10 and Windows 11
Step 1: Click the Start button (the Windows logo in the bottom left corner) and type "Settings" into the search box. Click the Settings app when it appears.
Step 2: In Settings, click "Accounts" on the left side of the window. You will see several account-related options.
Step 3: Click "Password" in the left menu. You will see a blue button that says "Change."
Step 4: Click the "Change" button. Windows will ask you to enter your current password. Type it in and click "Next."
Step 5: Type your new password in the first box. Type it again in the second box to confirm it matches. Add a password hint if you want — this is optional and only you will see it. Click "Next."
Step 6: Windows will show a confirmation screen. Click "Finish." Your password is now changed.
Step-by-step for Mac (macOS)
Step 1: Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" on older Macs).
Step 2: Click "General" in the left sidebar, then click "Users & Groups" (or just "Users & Groups" if you do not see General first).
Step 3: You will see a lock icon at the bottom of the window. Click it and enter your current password when prompted. This unlocks the settings so you can make changes.
Step 4: Make sure your user account is selected on the left side (it will have a blue highlight). Click the "Change Password" button.
Step 5: Enter your current password in the first field. Type your new password in the second field and again in the third field to confirm. Click "Change Password."
Step 6: Your password is now changed. Close System Settings. You will use the new password the next time you log in.
What happens if you forget your new password
If you change your password and immediately forget it, you can reset it using your Microsoft account (on Windows) or your Apple ID (on Mac). On Windows, click "Reset password" on the login screen, and Windows will walk you through verifying your identity using your Microsoft account email or phone number. On Mac, restart your computer, hold Command + Q at the login screen to access account recovery, and follow the prompts to reset using your Apple ID.
This process takes longer than changing a password normally — usually 15 to 30 minutes — so it is worth writing down your new password in a password manager before you log out for the first time. If you do not have a password manager yet, consider setting one up; it stores all your passwords securely in one place so you never have to remember them.
Why you should change your password regularly
Changing your password every few months reduces the window of time that a compromised password could be used to access your computer. If you reuse the same password across multiple websites and one of those sites gets hacked, someone could try that password on your PC. A fresh password means old breaches cannot be used against you.
You should also change your password immediately if you think someone else knows it, if you used it on a website that was hacked, or if you shared it with someone who no longer needs access to your computer. These situations are more urgent than routine password changes, and changing it right away closes the security gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to restart my computer after changing my password?
No. Your new password takes effect right away. You only need it when you log in next time. If you are currently logged in, you can keep working without interruption.
Can I change my password if I do not remember my current one?
Not through the normal Settings path — you will need to reset it instead. On Windows, use the "Reset password" option on the login screen with your Microsoft account. On Mac, restart and use Command + Q at login to access recovery with your Apple ID. Both take longer than a normal change.
What if I see an error message saying my password does not meet requirements?
Your new password may be too short or missing certain character types. Windows and Mac both require passwords to have a minimum length and often require a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Try a longer password with more variety — "BlueMoon#2847" works better than "Blue123."
Will changing my password log me out of other devices?
Changing your Windows or Mac password only affects that specific computer. You will stay logged in on your phone, tablet, or other devices. However, if you use the same password for your Microsoft or Apple account across multiple devices, changing it on one device may prompt you to re-enter it on the others.
Can I change my password from my phone or tablet?
Not directly — you must change it on the actual computer. However, you can reset it using your Microsoft account (Windows) or Apple ID (Mac) from any device with internet access, then use the new password to log in on your PC.