Before you start
- Your current password (or another administrator account)
Method 1 Change your own password
You can also go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password > Change.
-
Step 1: Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete
Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and click Change a password.
-
Step 2: Enter the passwords
Type your current password, then the new password twice, and press Enter.
Method 2 If you use a Microsoft account
-
Step 1: Check your account type
In Settings > Accounts > Your info, an email address under your name means it’s a Microsoft account.
-
Step 2: Change it online
Go to account.microsoft.com > Security > Password security (or Change password) and follow the steps.
-
Step 3: Sign in with the new password
Make sure the PC is online the next time you sign in so it picks up the new password. Your Windows Hello PIN keeps working.
Method 3 Change another local user’s password (as admin)
-
Step 1: Open Computer Management
Right-click Start > Computer Management > Local Users and Groups > Users (Pro editions).
-
Step 2: Set the password
Right-click the user > Set Password and enter the new one.
-
Step 3: Or use a command
On any edition, open Terminal (Admin) and run the command below.
net user "UserName" *Troubleshooting
“The password does not meet the requirements”
Your PC may require a minimum length or complexity. Use at least 8–12 characters with a mix of letters, numbers and symbols.
New Microsoft password doesn’t work on the PC
Connect to the internet and try again. If you’re offline, the old password may still work until the PC syncs.
Frequently asked questions
How do I remove the password?
Local accounts can have a blank password (enter nothing as the new password), but it’s unsafe. Microsoft accounts always need one; use a PIN or Windows Hello for quick sign-in.
Is a PIN the same as my password?
No. The PIN works only on that device. Your password is still needed in some situations.
Summary
Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete > Change a password for a local account, or change a Microsoft account password at account.microsoft.com. Admins can reset other local users with net user, with care.
