How to Change Windows 11 Password: A Step-by-Step Guide

Changing your password regularly is one of the simplest ways to keep your PC safe from unauthorized access. Whether you’ve forgotten your old password, want to improve your security, or just feel it’s time for an update — Windows 11 makes the process quick and easy.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to change your Windows 11 password using multiple methods — including Settings, Ctrl + Alt + Delete, Command Prompt, Control Panel, and even your Microsoft account online.

Why You Might Need to Change Your Windows 11 Password

There are several good reasons to change your Windows password:

• 🔐 Security concerns: If you think someone else might know your password.

• 🔄 Routine maintenance: Experts recommend updating passwords every few months.

• 🧠 Forgot your password: You want to reset or change it.

• 👨‍💻 Switching users: You’re sharing your device and need to create a new one.

• 💼 Microsoft account security: Changing your password secures all linked services (Outlook, OneDrive, Teams, etc.).

Changing your password regularly keeps your data protected — especially if you use your Microsoft account for syncing files and credentials across devices.

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2. Types of Accounts in Windows 11

Before changing your password, it’s important to understand which type of account you’re using.

The method you use to change your password depends on which type of account you have. Let’s start with the most common one — through Windows Settings.

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3. Before You Change Your Password: Key Things to Know

Before you proceed:

• ✅ Make sure you remember your current password.

• ✅ Save any open work — changing credentials may sign you out.

• ✅ If you use a Microsoft account, ensure you have internet access.

• ✅ For organizational accounts, contact your system administrator if you lack permission.

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4. How to Change Windows 11 Password from Settings

This is the easiest and most common method.

Step 1: Open Settings

• Press Win + I on your keyboard, or

• Click Start → Settings.

Step 2: Navigate to Sign-in Options

Go to:

Step 3: Select Password

Under the “Ways to sign in” section, click Password → Change.

Step 4: Verify Your Identity

You’ll be asked to enter your current password for security reasons.

Step 5: Enter New Password

You’ll see three fields:

• Current password

• New password

• Confirm password

You can also add a password hint (optional).

Step 6: Finish Setup

Click Next → Finish.

✅ Done! You’ve successfully changed your Windows 11 password.

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5. How to Change Password Using Ctrl + Alt + Delete

If you’re already logged in, this shortcut provides a quick way to update your password.

Steps:

1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete on your keyboard.

2. Select Change a password.

3. Enter your old password, then the new one, and confirm it.

4. Press Enter.

You’ll see a confirmation message:

“Your password has been changed.”

This method works for both local and Microsoft accounts (if connected).

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6. How to Change Password via Control Panel

While the Control Panel is slowly being phased out, it still provides password management for local accounts.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type:

   control userpasswords2


   or

   netplwiz


   and press Enter.

2. Select your account from the list.

3. Click Reset Password.

4. Enter a new password and confirm.

5. Click OK.

📝 Note: You must be logged in as an administrator to reset another user’s password this way.

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7. How to Change Microsoft Account Password Online

If you use your Microsoft account to sign in, you’ll need to update it online — this will change your password across Windows, Outlook, OneDrive, and Xbox.

Steps:

1. Open your browser and go to:
   👉 https://account.microsoft.com/security

2. Sign in using your Microsoft account.

3. Under Security, select Password security.

4. Click Change my password.

5. Enter your current password, then your new password twice.

6. Click Save.

After changing it, sign out and back into your Windows 11 PC with the new credentials.

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8. How to Change Password Using Command Prompt

For tech-savvy users, you can change your password directly via the Command Prompt.

Steps:

1. Press Win + S, type cmd, and choose Run as administrator.

2. Type the following command:

   net user <username> <newpassword>


   Replace <username> with your account name and <newpassword> with your desired password.

   Example:

   net user John newpass123


3. Press Enter — you’ll see:

   “The command completed successfully.”

That’s it! Your password has been updated instantly.

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9. How to Reset Password If You Forgot It

Forgot your password? Don’t panic — there are several recovery methods.

Option 1: Use the Reset Password Link

If your PC uses a Microsoft account, you can reset it online:

• Go to https://account.live.com/password/reset

• Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your identity via email or phone.

• Create a new password.

Option 2: Reset Local Account Password (Offline)

If it’s a local account, use a password reset disk (if created before).

If not, you can use the Safe Mode + Command Prompt method to reset it with admin privileges — but this should be done carefully.

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10. How to Remove Password Entirely (Optional)

If you’re the only one using your PC and prefer convenience, you can remove your Windows 11 password.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type:

   netplwiz


2. Uncheck “Users must enter a username and password to use this computer.”

3. Click Apply.

4. Enter your credentials once to confirm.

Now you’ll log in automatically at startup — but remember, this reduces security.

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11. How to Create a Strong and Secure Password

A weak password is like leaving your door half open.

Here’s how to make a strong one:

💡 Tip: Use a trusted password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or LastPass to store them safely.

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12. How to Use a PIN or Picture Password Instead

Windows 11 also offers alternative sign-in options if you prefer convenience over typing a long password.

Option 1: Setup a PIN

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options.

2. Under PIN (Windows Hello), click Set up.

3. Enter your Windows password, then create a PIN.

Option 2: Picture Password

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options → Picture Password.

2. Click Add.

3. Choose a picture and draw gestures (circles, lines, or taps).

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13. Fix “Can’t Change Password” Errors in Windows 11

If Windows refuses to change your password, try these solutions:

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14. How to Change Password for Another User

If you’re the administrator, you can change another user’s password easily.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Accounts → Other users.

2. Click the user account you want to modify.

3. Choose Change account settings → Reset password.

4. Enter the new password and click OK.

Alternatively, use the Command Prompt:

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15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I change my Windows 11 password without knowing the old one?

If you’re using a Microsoft account, yes — use the password reset option online. For a local account, you’ll need administrator access.

2. Does changing my Windows password affect OneDrive or Outlook?

Yes, if you use a Microsoft account. The new password applies across all linked services.

3. How often should I change my Windows password?

Every 3–6 months is recommended for better security.

4. Why can’t I find the “Change password” option?

It may be hidden due to group policies or if your device is managed by an organization.

5. What’s the difference between a PIN and password?

A password works across devices; a PIN is local to that specific device and more secure with Windows Hello.

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16. Summary — Key Takeaways

In short:
To change your Windows 11 password, go to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options → Password → Change, or use Ctrl + Alt + Delete → Change a password.
If you’re using a Microsoft account, change it online to keep all linked services secure.

A few clicks are all it takes to make your PC safer — so don’t delay updating your password today.