How to change your PC password

The steps depend on whether you use Windows or Mac, and whether you remember your current password. If you remember it, you can change it yourself in about two minutes through your system settings. If you've forgotten it, the process is longer and requires either a password reset disk you made earlier, a recovery email address linked to your account, or access to another admin account on the same computer.

Your PC password is the code you enter when you turn on your computer or wake it from sleep. Changing it regularly is a practical security step — it limits the window of time someone could use a stolen or guessed password to access your files, email, and any accounts you stay logged into on that machine.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can change a password through Settings > Accounts > Your info > Password, and the process takes about two minutes if you know your current password.
  • Mac users go to System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions, then click the lock icon and enter their current password to make changes.
  • If you've forgotten your password, Windows offers a reset option on the login screen, but you'll need a recovery email, phone number, or a password reset disk created beforehand.
  • Mac users who forget their password can use Apple ID to reset it, or boot into Recovery Mode if they don't have access to their Apple ID.
  • After changing your password, write it down somewhere secure or use a password manager so you don't lock yourself out.

Changing your password on Windows 10 or 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select the app. Go to Accounts on the left sidebar, then select Your info. Look for the Password section and click Change.

Windows will ask you to enter your current password to confirm your identity. Type it in and click Next. Then enter your new password twice — once in the "New password" field and once in the "Confirm password" field. Windows will show you a strength indicator; aim for a password that mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Click Next, then Finish. You'll be asked to sign in again with your new password the next time you restart or lock your computer.

If you use a PIN or Windows Hello (facial recognition or fingerprint), you can change those the same way through the same Accounts menu. The process is identical: confirm your identity, enter the new credential, and confirm it again.

Changing your password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. Scroll down and click General, then select Login Items & Extensions from the sidebar. Look for the lock icon in the bottom-left corner of the window and click it, then enter your current password when prompted.

Once the lock is open, you'll see a Change Password button. Click it. Mac will ask for your current password again, then prompt you to enter your new password twice. After you click Change Password, the new password takes effect immediately. You'll use it the next time you log in or wake your Mac from sleep.

If you've forgotten your Windows password

On the Windows login screen, click "I forgot my password." Windows will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email address, a phone number, or a security key linked to your Microsoft account. If you set up a password reset disk before you forgot your password, you can use that instead — insert the disk and follow the on-screen prompts.

If you don't have any of those options, you can try signing in with a different admin account on the same computer, then use Settings to reset the forgotten password. If no other admin account exists and you have no recovery method, you may need to reinstall Windows, which erases your files. This is why creating a password reset disk or linking a recovery email to your account is worth doing as soon as you set up a new computer.

If you've forgotten your Mac password

Restart your Mac and hold down Command + R while it boots to enter Recovery Mode. Once Recovery Mode loads, click Utilities in the menu bar, then select Reset Password. Select your user account from the dropdown, then choose how you want to reset it — you can use your Apple ID, a recovery key, or a contact who can help you regain access.

If you use an Apple ID linked to your Mac, you can also reset your password by going to the login screen, clicking the question mark icon next to the password field, and following the prompts to reset via Apple ID. This method is faster than Recovery Mode and works without restarting your computer.

Using a password manager to avoid lockouts

After you change your password, consider storing it in a password manager — a program that securely saves and fills in passwords for you. Popular options include Bitwarden, 1Password, and Dashlane. A password manager means you only have to remember one strong master password, and the program handles the rest.

Password managers also generate strong passwords for you and alert you if a password has been exposed in a data breach. If you change your PC password and then forget it again, a password manager won't help you log in to your computer itself, but it will protect you from having to remember dozens of other passwords across websites and apps.

What to do if you're locked out of your computer

If you've changed your password and can't remember the new one, the recovery steps are the same as forgetting any password — use a recovery email, phone, or password reset disk on Windows, or use Apple ID or Recovery Mode on Mac. The key difference is that you won't be able to use your old password as a fallback.

Before you change your password, write the new one down in a secure location — a locked drawer, a safe, or a password manager. This sounds obvious, but it's the most common reason people get locked out of their own computers. You can also set up a password hint that appears on the login screen, though the hint should be something only you would understand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my PC password?

There's no single rule that applies to everyone. If you're the only person who uses your computer and it never leaves your home, changing it once a year is reasonable. If you share your computer, use it at work, or take it to public places, changing it every three to six months adds a practical layer of security. Change it immediately if you think someone else knows it.

Can I use the same password for my PC and my email?

You can, but it's risky. If someone guesses or steals your PC password, they'll also have access to your email, which they can use to reset passwords on other accounts. Use a different strong password for your email and your PC, and use different passwords across important accounts like banking and social media.

What makes 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 common patterns like "123456" or "qwerty." A random mix like "Kx#9mP2$vL4w" is stronger than "Password123."

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

No. The new password takes effect immediately on Windows and Mac. You'll use it the next time you log in or lock your screen, but you don't have to restart to make the change active.

What if I see a message saying my password doesn't meet requirements?

Your system is enforcing a password policy — usually a minimum length or a requirement to include certain types of characters. Windows and Mac both show you what the requirements are. Common ones are at least 8 characters, at least one uppercase letter, and at least one number. Create a password that meets all the listed requirements and try again.