How to change the password on Windows 10
Here's how to change the password on Windows 10 (and reset it too)
(Image credit: ymgerman / Shutterstock )
You never know when
you'll need to know how to change the password on Windows 10. But we do know
that having unique passwords and changing them regularly is something that top
cyber-security experts pretty much unanimously recommend.
If
you’re using the same password for online accounts as your Windows 10 device
(especially if you log in via your Microsoft account) then that’s a
potential security risk, and it’s a situation you’ll want to correct
immediately. If you’re worried that you’ll never remember hundreds of different
passwords, then one of the best
password managers will
do the hard work for you.
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Changing your
password on Windows 10 is actually a pretty straightforward process, and can be
done in just a few minutes — which super useful as it’s definitely not
something you should do once and then not worry about, you should be resetting
your password at least every couple of months.
One side note: if you log-in via a Microsoft account, you'll need
to visit their site to change your password.
Also, Microsoft now lets you log into your account without a
password at
all.
PLAY SOUND
Otherwise: if you are
unsure how to go about changing your password on Windows 10, then just follow
our step-by-step instructions below and your device will be secure within
minutes.
1. Open the Start Menu and select Settings
(Image credit: Microsoft)
The Start Menu can be
found in the lower-left corner of the toolbar, just press the Windows logo to
open it. Alternatively, you can type "settings" into the search bar
to the right of the Start Menu icon.
2. Select Accounts
Now that you have the
Settings Menu open, you need to select the Accounts option. If for any reason
you’re having trouble locating it, you can also search for Accounts using the
search bar located at the top of the Settings Menu.
3. Select Sign-in options
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Running up along the
left side of the Accounts Menu, is a list of submenus. Select the one labeled
Sign-in options from the list. Once again there is also a search bar, should
you have any issues locating the Sign-in options tab.
4. Under Password, select Change
In the Sign-in
options Menu, there will be a tab labeled ‘Password’, select it, and then hit
the change button at the bottom. You can also press Ctrl + Alt + Del and choose
'Change Password' from the submenu that will subsequently open.
5. Enter your current password
You will be prompted
to enter your current password at this point. So just type in the password that
is currently set up on your Windows 10 device.
6. Enter your new password
Now you will be able
to select a new password. You’ll be asked to confirm the password as well, to
make sure it’s something you actually remember. You can also set a password
hint, a word or phrase that will jog your memory should you forget your
password.
Be careful when selecting
a password hint though, do not make your hint very obvious otherwise you’re
giving potentially unwelcome people easy access to your device.
