How to change your password depends on what operating system your computer runs
The steps differ between Windows, Mac, and Chromebook because each system stores and manages passwords in its own way. Windows uses a local account or Microsoft account; Mac uses your Apple ID or local account; Chromebook uses your Google account. You will need to know your current password before you start, and you should have a backup way to sign in (like a recovery email or phone number) in case something goes wrong.
The process takes about five to ten minutes on any system. You do not need to restart your computer after changing your password, though some systems will ask you to sign out and back in to confirm the change.
Key Takeaways
- Windows users with a Microsoft account change their password through the Settings app under Accounts, not through a separate Microsoft website.
- Mac users with an Apple ID change their password through System Settings under General, then Users and Groups.
- Chromebook users change their password by signing into their Google Account settings from any browser, because Chromebooks do not store local passwords.
- You will need your current password to start the change process on Windows and Mac, but Chromebook lets you reset a forgotten password through recovery email.
- After you change your password, you may need to sign out and back in to see the change take effect on your computer.
Changing your password on Windows
On Windows 10 and Windows 11, the method depends on whether you use a Microsoft account or a local account. A Microsoft account is tied to your email address and syncs across devices; a local account exists only on that computer. You can tell which you have by looking at the Settings app.
For a Microsoft account: Open Settings, go to Accounts, then select Your info. Click the "Manage your Microsoft account" link, which opens your account page in a web browser. Sign in if prompted. On the left side, click Security, then Password. Click "Change password," enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Windows will ask you to sign out and back in to confirm.
For a local account: Open Settings, go to Accounts, then select Sign-in options. Under Password, click Change. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Confirm the change. You do not need to restart, but you will use the new password the next time you sign in.
Changing your password on Mac
Mac computers use either an Apple ID or a local account. If you use an Apple ID, you change the password through Apple's website or through System Settings. If you use a local account, you change it only through System Settings on the Mac itself.
For an Apple ID: Open System Settings, click General, then Users and Groups. Click the lock icon in the bottom left and enter your current password to unlock it. Right-click your account name and select Advanced Options. Click the "Change password" button, enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Click Change Password to confirm.
For a local account: Open System Settings, click General, then Users and Groups. Click the lock icon to unlock, right-click your account, and select Advanced Options. Click "Change password," enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Click Change Password. You will need to sign out and back in for the change to take effect.
Changing your password on Chromebook
Chromebooks do not store passwords on the device itself. Instead, they use your Google Account, so changing your Chromebook password means changing your Google Account password. This change takes effect on all devices where you use that Google Account.
Open any web browser and go to myaccount.google.com. Sign in with your Google Account email and password. On the left side, click Security. Under "How you sign in to Google," click Password. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice. Click Change Password. You will be signed out of your Chromebook and will need to sign back in with your new password.
What to do if you forget your current password
On Windows and Mac, if you cannot remember your current password, you will need to use a recovery option you set up earlier — usually a recovery email address or phone number. Windows and Mac both have recovery screens that appear when you enter the wrong password; follow the prompts to verify your identity and reset your password.
On Chromebook, go to the Google Account recovery page (accounts.google.com/signin/recovery) from another device or computer. Enter your email address and follow the prompts to verify your identity through a recovery email or phone number. Once you reset your Google password, sign back into your Chromebook with the new password.
Choosing a strong password
A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using words from the dictionary, your name, your birth date, or information that appears in your email address or social media profiles. Do not reuse passwords across different accounts.
If you have trouble remembering a strong password, consider using a password manager — a program that stores passwords securely and fills them in for you. Windows has a built-in password manager; Mac users can use iCloud Keychain; Chromebook users can use Google Password Manager. All three are free and come with your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to restart my computer after changing my password?
No. Windows, Mac, and Chromebook do not require a restart. You may need to sign out and back in to confirm the change, but the computer will not restart on its own.
What happens to my files if I change my password?
Your files remain exactly where they are. Changing your password only changes how you sign in; it does not move, delete, or lock your files. You will still see all your documents, photos, and programs after you sign back in.
Can I change my password from another device?
Yes, if you use a Microsoft account on Windows or an Apple ID on Mac. You can change these passwords through their websites from any computer or phone. For Chromebook, you change your Google Account password from any device, and the change takes effect immediately on your Chromebook.
What if I set up a recovery email but no longer have access to it?
Contact Microsoft support for Windows, Apple support for Mac, or Google support for Chromebook. They can verify your identity through other means — like a phone number or security questions — and help you regain access to your account.
Will changing my password sign me out of other apps and websites?
On Windows and Mac, changing your computer password does not sign you out of websites or apps. On Chromebook, changing your Google Account password will sign you out of Gmail and other Google services, and you will need to sign back in with your new password.