Change your password directly from your computer

You can change your computer password without any special tools or help — it takes about five minutes and works the same way whether you use Windows or Mac. The steps are different depending on which system you have, but both let you set a new password right from your settings menu.

Your computer password is the one you type when you turn on your machine or wake it from sleep. This is different from passwords for email, social media, or online accounts — changing your computer password only affects access to that specific device.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and click "Password" to change it in one place.
  • Mac users open System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions, then click the lock icon and choose "Change Password".
  • You will need to type your current password before you can create a new one.
  • Write down your new password somewhere safe before you close the settings window, because you cannot recover it if you forget it.

How to change your password on Windows 10 or 11

Open the Start menu and type "Settings" into the search box, then click the Settings app when it appears. Once Settings opens, click "Accounts" on the left side of the window.

Click "Sign-in options" in the menu that appears. You will see a section labeled "Password" with a blue button that says "Change." Click that button. Windows will ask you to type your current password to confirm it is really you — type it in and click "Next."

Now you will see two blank fields: one for your new password and one to confirm it. Type your new password in both fields. Make sure you type it the same way both times, because Windows checks that they match. Click "Next," then click "Finish." Your password is now changed.

How to change your password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Settings." In the left sidebar, click "General." Then click "Login Items & Extensions" in the main window.

Look for a lock icon near the bottom of the window and click it. Your Mac will ask you to type your current password — do this and click "Unlock." Now you will see a "Change Password" button. Click it.

Mac will ask you to type your current password one more time, then show you fields for your new password and a confirmation. Type your new password in both fields exactly the same way, then click "Change Password." You are done.

What to do if you forget your new password

If you forget your computer password after changing it, you cannot simply reset it yourself the way you can with an email account. On Windows, you will need to use a password reset disk (if you created one before you forgot the password) or contact Microsoft support. On Mac, you can use your Apple ID to reset it, but this requires that you set up password recovery before you forget it.

The best approach is to write your new password down in a safe place — a locked drawer, a safe, or a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password — before you close the settings window. Do not store it in a document on your computer, because if you forget it, you will not be able to open that document.

Why you might want to change your password

Change your computer password if you think someone else knows it, if you used the same password for a website that was hacked, or if you share your computer with someone and want to prevent them from accessing your files. You should also change it if you have not set a password at all and your computer is currently unprotected.

Changing your computer password does not change your email password, social media passwords, or any other online accounts — those stay the same. If you need to change those, you will do it through each website or app separately.

Make sure you remember your new password

Before you close the settings window, test your new password by typing it into the password field again to make sure you did not make a typo. If you get it wrong, you will be locked out of your computer.

If you are worried you might forget it, write it down in a physical notebook kept in a safe place, or use a password manager. Password managers like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass store passwords in an encrypted vault that only you can open with a master password. This is safer than writing passwords on paper or storing them in a document.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your new password takes effect immediately. The next time you turn off your computer or it goes to sleep, you will use the new password to log back in.

Will changing my computer password affect my email or social media accounts?

No. Your computer password only controls access to that device. Your email, social media, and other online accounts keep their own separate passwords and are not affected.

What if I type my new password wrong in the confirmation field?

Windows and Mac will tell you the passwords do not match and will not let you finish. You will have to type both passwords again. Make sure you type them exactly the same way, including capital letters and numbers.

Can I change my password if I forgot the old one?

No, you need your current password to change it. If you have forgotten it, you will need to use a recovery method like a password reset disk on Windows or your Apple ID on Mac. Set up recovery options before you forget your password.

Is my new password secure if I write it down?

Writing it down is safer than using the same password everywhere or using a password you can easily guess. Keep the written password in a locked drawer or safe place where only you can find it. A password manager is more secure because it encrypts your passwords.