The fastest way: use Settings

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then press Enter. Go to Accounts in the left menu, then select Sign-in options. Under the "Password" section, click Change.

Windows will ask you to enter your current password first. Type it in and click Next. Then enter your new password twice — once in the "New password" field and again in the "Reenter password" field to make sure you typed it correctly. Click Next, then Finish. You'll be signed out and need to sign back in with your new password.

This method works whether you use a Microsoft account (the kind linked to Outlook or Hotmail) or a local account (one that exists only on your computer). The change takes effect immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app is the simplest route: go to Accounts, then Sign-in options, then click Change under Password.
  • You must enter your current password before you can set a new one, so you need to remember it.
  • If you forgot your password entirely, you cannot use Settings — use the password reset disk method or sign in with a different admin account instead.
  • A strong password has at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • Windows will sign you out after you change your password, and you'll need to sign back in with the new one.

Using Ctrl+Alt+Delete if Settings won't open

If Settings is frozen or won't respond, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete on your keyboard. A blue screen will appear with several options. Click Change a password.

Enter your current password, then your new password twice, and press Enter. This method bypasses the Settings app entirely and works even if your computer is running slowly. You'll be signed out immediately and need to sign back in with your new password.

Creating a password reset disk before you forget your password

A password reset disk is a USB drive or floppy disk that lets you reset your password if you forget it. You have to create it while you still remember your current password — you cannot make one after you're locked out.

Plug in a USB drive. Open Settings, go to Accounts, then Sign-in options. Scroll down to "Password" and click Create a password reset disk. Follow the wizard: it will ask you to choose the USB drive, enter your current password, and then create the disk. Keep the USB drive in a safe place.

If you ever forget your password and cannot sign in, insert the reset disk at the sign-in screen. Click Reset password, and the disk will let you create a new password without needing the old one. This only works if you created the disk before you forgot the password.

What makes a password strong enough to actually protect you

Windows 10 does not force you to use a strong password — you can set one that is just "1234" if you want. But a weak password defeats the purpose of having one. A strong password has at least 12 characters and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

For example, "BlueSky#2024Rain" is stronger than "password123" because it is longer, mixes character types, and does not use common words or patterns. Avoid passwords based on your name, birth date, or anything someone could guess from your social media.

If you use the same password on multiple websites or devices, change it on those too. A password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password can store strong passwords so you do not have to remember them all.

Changing the password for a Microsoft account versus a local account

If you sign into Windows with a Microsoft account (one linked to Outlook, Hotmail, or OneDrive), changing your password in Settings changes it everywhere — your email, OneDrive, and any other Microsoft service will all use the new password. The change can take a few minutes to sync across Microsoft's servers.

If you use a local account (a password that exists only on your computer), the change is immediate and affects only that computer. If you have multiple computers on your home network, each one has its own local account password, and you change them separately.

You can tell which type you have by opening Settings and going to Accounts. At the top, it will say either your email address (Microsoft account) or just a username (local account).

What to do if you cannot remember your current password

If you forgot your password and did not create a reset disk, you have two options. The first is to use another admin account on the same computer — if someone else set up an admin account, they can sign in and reset your password through Settings. Go to Accounts, then Other people, select your account, and click Change password.

The second option is to use your Microsoft account recovery page if you use a Microsoft account. Go to account.microsoft.com/security from another device, click Security, then Recent activity, and look for an option to reset your password. You will need to verify your identity using a backup email or phone number you set up with Microsoft.

If you use a local account and have no other admin account and no reset disk, you cannot recover the password yourself. You will need to reinstall Windows, which erases everything on the computer.

Why you should change your password periodically

Changing your password every few months does not prevent most real attacks — a hacker who has your password usually got it from a data breach, not from guessing it over time. What matters more is using a strong, unique password and not reusing it across different websites.

The one exception is if you suspect someone else knows your password — for example, if you shared it with a roommate who moved out, or if you typed it in front of someone. In that case, change it right away. Otherwise, change it when you update your password manager or when you get a new device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my password delete my files?

No. Changing your password only changes how you sign in. All your files, programs, and settings stay exactly where they are. You will just need to use the new password the next time you turn on your computer or sign out and back in.

Can I change my password if I am not an admin?

Yes. You can change your own password from Settings or Ctrl+Alt+Delete regardless of whether you are an admin. You cannot change someone else's password unless you have an admin account.

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

If you have a password reset disk, insert it at the sign-in screen and use it to create another new password. If you do not have a reset disk and use a Microsoft account, go to account.microsoft.com/security from another device and reset it there. If you use a local account with no reset disk, you will need another admin account on the computer to help you.

Does Windows 10 let me use a PIN or fingerprint instead of a password?

Yes. In Settings under Sign-in options, you can add a PIN, Windows Hello (fingerprint or face recognition), or a security key. You can use any of these instead of typing your password, though Windows still stores your password in the background for security reasons.