How to Change Your Desktop Password on Windows or Mac

Computer basics, in plain English · Updated November 3, 2026

Want to change the password you use when you turn on your desktop or laptop? You can usually do it in a few minutes if you know your current password. Here are the steps for Windows and Mac, with separate instructions for a Windows PIN.

How to change your password in Windows 11 or Windows 10

1. Click the Start button (the Windows logo).
2. Open Settings (the gear icon). You can also press Windows key + I.
3. Choose Accounts, then Sign-in options.
4. Find Password and choose Change.
5. Enter your current password, then follow the prompts to enter and confirm a new one.
6. Complete the process, then make sure you can sign in again.

The menus are similar on Windows 10 and 11, though their appearance can differ. If you sign in with a Microsoft account rather than a local account, changing the account password can affect your sign-in to other Microsoft services. Some passwordless accounts or managed computers may show different choices.

Can’t find “Password”? Look for other sign-in options or check whether your Windows account uses passwordless sign-in. If the PC belongs to your employer or school, the administrator may control password changes.

Windows PIN vs. password: which one do you want to change?

If you usually type a short set of numbers at the lock screen, you may be using a Windows Hello PIN. Your PIN is a sign-in method for that device; it is not your Microsoft account password.

1. Open Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options.
2. Choose PIN (Windows Hello).
3. Select Change PIN, enter the old PIN, then choose and confirm a new one.

If you forgot the PIN, look for I forgot my PIN and follow the identity-verification instructions. On some local accounts or configurations, you may need to sign in with your account password first. Do not assume changing a PIN changes the account password too.

How to change your desktop login password on a Mac

1. Click the Apple menu () in the upper-left corner.
2. Open System Settings.
3. Choose Users & Groups.
4. Click the information button next to your user account, then choose Change.
5. Enter your old login password and your new password twice.
6. Add a hint that helps you remember it without revealing the actual password, then click Change Password.

On some macOS versions, the controls may look a little different. Your Mac login password unlocks the computer and is not automatically the same as the password for your Apple Account (used for iCloud and other Apple services).

What if you forgot your desktop password?

Changing a password you remember is different from resetting one you have forgotten.

• Windows local account: On the sign-in screen, select the password sign-in option and look for Reset password. Answer the security questions you previously configured, or use an existing password reset disk if offered.
• Windows Microsoft account: Use Microsoft’s official account-recovery or “I forgot my password” process. Expect identity-verification steps. Visit Microsoft’s password reset page.
• Mac: Check for the question mark or reset options on the login screen. Follow Apple’s official forgotten Mac login password guide. Available recovery methods depend on your setup.

Important: Avoid random “password unlock” downloads, paid recovery pop-ups, and videos promising to bypass computer security. If it is a work or school computer, contact your IT department before attempting recovery.

How to choose a better password

• Use a long, unique password or passphrase that you do not reuse on other accounts.
• Consider a reputable password manager to store passwords securely.
• Turn on two-factor authentication for online accounts where available.
• Never share your password or one-time verification code with someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
• Before signing out, confirm any account-recovery methods still work.

Common questions

Will changing my desktop password erase my files?

Normally, changing your own password while signed in does not delete files. A password reset performed through a different recovery method can have additional consequences, especially for encrypted information or saved credentials. Follow the official recovery prompts carefully.

Does a new Windows password also change my PIN?

No. The Windows Hello PIN and Microsoft account password are different sign-in methods, and you manage them separately.

Should I change my password on a shared computer?

Change only the password for your own account. If several people use one login, consider setting up separate user accounts so each person has their own sign-in and files.

Official help

• Microsoft: Change or reset a Windows local account password
• Microsoft: Change or reset a Windows PIN
• Apple: Change your Mac login password

For more easy security tips, visit our passkey explainer or what to do if your email has been hacked.