How to change your Windows password to protect your computer, or reset the password if you've forgotten it

Man on Windows Computer

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You should periodically change your Windows password to keep your devices secure.

  • You might want to change your Windows password if there's been a publicized security vulnerability, you're worried you've been hacked, or you're following security advice to change it occasionally.
  • You can find the password controls in the Accounts section of the Settings app if you are using a modern version of Windows.
  • If you have a very old version of Windows, you'll find password settings in the User Accounts section of the Control Panel instead.
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Not only is it sometimes advisable to change your computer's password because of publicized hacks and vulnerabilities, but security experts also advise changing your computer's password on a regular basis.

The good news is that you can change your password in Windows with just a few clicks. Advertisement
Here's how to do it on any Windows computer.

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How to change your Windows password if you already know it

1. Click the Start button and then click the Settings icon (which is shaped like a gear).

2. If it's not already displaying the Home page, click "Home" near the top on the left.
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3. Click "Accounts."

4. Click "Sign-in options" on the left side of the screen.
password 1 (1)

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You can change your Windows password from the Sign-in options tab in Accounts.

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5. In the Password section, click "Change."

password 2 (1)

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You can change your password as well as your sign-in PIN from this screen.

6. Follow the instructions to enter your existing password, and then enter your new password. You'll need to type the new password a second time to confirm it. Advertisement

7. Click "Next" to complete the password change.

How to change your Windows password if you've forgotten it

If you reach the step where you need to enter your existing password and you don't remember it, click "Forgot your password?"

Depending upon how you've set up Windows, you'll have several options for recovering your password. Advertisement
You may be able to use the Microsoft Authenticator app, receive a recovery email, or get a text message. After you successfully choose one of those options, you'll be able to create your new password.

password 3 (1)

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If you've forgotten your password, Windows offers multiple ways to recover and change it, depending upon the security options you chose when you set up your computer.

How to change your Windows password if you have an older version of Windows

The steps above will work for Windows 10 and Windows 8, but if you have an older version of Windows, you should follow these steps instead. Advertisement

1. Click the Start button and then click Control Panel.

2. If you have Windows 7, click "User Accounts and Family Safety." (If you have Windows Vista or Windows XP, click "User Accounts" instead.)3. Click "User Accounts."Advertisement

4. In the Make changes to your user account section, click "Change your password."

5. Follow the instructions to enter your existing password and then enter the new password.

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