Change your password through Settings or the login screen

The fastest way to change your Windows password is through the Settings app. Open Settings, go to Accounts, then select Password on the left side. Click "Change" and follow the prompts — you'll enter your current password once, then type your new password twice to confirm it matches. This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

If you're locked out or prefer not to use Settings, you can change your password at the login screen instead. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete on the login screen, select "Change a password," and enter your old password followed by your new password twice. This route bypasses Settings entirely and works the same way.

Both methods change the password you use to sign into your computer. If you use a Microsoft account (the kind linked to Outlook or Hotmail), the change syncs across all your devices. If you use a local account (one created just for this computer), the change only affects this machine.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, go to Accounts, select Password, and click Change to update your password in about two minutes.
  • You can also press Ctrl+Alt+Delete at the login screen and select "Change a password" without opening Settings.
  • Your new password takes effect immediately, and you'll use it the next time you sign in.
  • If you forget your new password before you write it down, you cannot recover it through Windows — you'll need to reset your account instead.
  • Microsoft accounts sync password changes across devices, while local accounts only change the password on that one computer.

Step-by-step: changing your password in Settings

Step 1: Open Settings. Press the Windows key and type "Settings," then click the Settings app. On Windows 11, you can also click the Settings icon in the taskbar if it's pinned there.

Step 2: Go to Accounts. In Settings, click "Accounts" on the left side. You'll see several options including "Your info," "Email & accounts," and "Password."

Step 3: Select Password and click Change. Click "Password" on the left, then click the blue "Change" button. Windows will ask you to confirm your identity by entering your current password.

Step 4: Enter your current password. Type the password you use right now to sign in. Click "Next." If you enter it wrong, Windows tells you immediately and you can try again.

Step 5: Create your new password. Type a password you haven't used before. Windows doesn't require a certain length or special characters, but a stronger password includes uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Type it again in the second box to confirm it matches. Click "Next."

Step 6: Finish the change. Windows shows a confirmation screen. Click "Finish" and you're done. Your new password is active immediately.

Changing your password at the login screen

If you're already at the login screen and want to change your password without opening Settings, use the keyboard shortcut. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete together — this opens a menu with several options including "Change a password."

Click "Change a password" and you'll see three boxes: one for your current password, one for your new password, and one to confirm the new password. Enter your current password first, then type your new password in both remaining boxes. Press Enter or click the arrow button to apply the change.

This method is useful if you're signing in for the first time or if you want to change your password without navigating through Settings. The process is identical to the Settings method — you're just using a different entry point.

What to do if you forget your new password

If you change your password and then forget it before you write it down, Windows cannot show it to you or recover it. Passwords are stored as encrypted codes, not as readable text, so even Microsoft support cannot retrieve it.

Your only option is to reset your account. On the login screen, click "I forgot my password" below the password box. Windows will ask you to verify your identity using a security key, phone number, or email address — whichever you set up when you created your account. Once you verify, you can set a new password.

If you don't have access to any of those recovery methods, you'll need to contact Microsoft support or use a local account recovery option if one is available on your computer. This is why writing down your new password somewhere safe before you close Settings is worth the extra 10 seconds.

Microsoft accounts versus local accounts

A Microsoft account is linked to an email address (usually Outlook, Hotmail, or Gmail) and syncs your settings across all your Windows devices. When you change your password on a Microsoft account, the change applies to every computer, tablet, or phone signed in with that account.

A local account exists only on one computer and is not linked to an email address. When you change a local account password, it only changes on that machine. If you have the same local account on multiple computers, you'd need to change the password separately on each one.

You can tell which type you have by opening Settings and going to Accounts. If it shows your email address at the top under "Your info," you're using a Microsoft account. If it shows a username without an email, you're using a local account.

Making your new password stronger

Windows doesn't force you to use a strong password, but a stronger one protects your account better. A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or @.

Avoid passwords based on your name, birthdate, or common words. Avoid repeating the same character (like "1111") or typing keys in order (like "qwerty"). If you use the same password on multiple websites, change it to something unique — if one website is hacked, attackers can try that password on your Windows account.

If you have trouble remembering a complex password, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password. These tools store passwords securely and fill them in for you, so you only need to remember one master password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password if I'm not the administrator?

Yes. Any user account can change its own password through Settings or the login screen. You don't need administrator rights to change the password you use to sign in. If you need to change someone else's password, you do need administrator access.

Will changing my password sign me out of other devices?

On a Microsoft account, changing your password does not automatically sign you out of other devices. You'll still be signed in on your phone, tablet, or other computers. If you want to sign out everywhere for security reasons, you can do that manually in your Microsoft account settings online, but changing the password alone won't do it.

What if I see a message saying "You can't change your password right now"?

This usually means your account is syncing with Microsoft's servers or there's a temporary connection issue. Wait a few minutes and try again. If the message persists, restart your computer and try once more. If it still doesn't work, your account may have a security hold — check your Microsoft account online to see if there's a notification.

Do I need to restart my computer after changing my password?

No. Your new password takes effect immediately. The next time you sign out and sign back in, you'll use the new password. You don't need to restart unless Windows prompts you to.

Can I change my password from another computer?

If you have a Microsoft account, yes. Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in, and look for "Security" or "Password" in the menu. You can change your password there, and it will update across all your devices. For a local account, you can only change the password on that specific computer.