How to Create or Change a Password on Windows 10 or 11

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Secure your PC with a password for a local or Microsoft account
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Setting a password on a Windows computer is a relatively quick and easy process that will greatly increase the security of your files. Security is important, and now you can learn to safeguard your files, along with a great security tip from technology specialist Brandon Phipps.

Setting a New Windows Password

  1. Open the Start Menu on your Windows desktop screen.
  2. Select Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options .
  3. Find the Password section and click Add or Change .
  4. Enter a new password and reenter it in the "Confirm password" field.
  5. Click Next , then Finish . Your Windows password is now set.
Section 1 of 4:

Using the Settings App in Windows 11

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  1. 1
    Press ⊞ Win + I . This will open the Settings app automatically. You can also open the Settings app from the Start menu, if you prefer.
    • These steps work whether you sign in with a local account or a Microsoft account.
  2. 2
    Click Accounts . It's in the left-hand menu, and it has a green icon of a person.
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  3. 3
    Click Sign-in options . It's under the "Account settings" header, and it has an icon of a key.
  4. 4
    Click Password . It's under the "Ways to sign in" header at the top of the page, and it also has an icon of a key.
    • If you don't see this option, make sure For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device (Recommended) is not toggled on. If it is, toggle it off, exit the menu, then enter this menu again.
  5. 5
    Click Change . Type your new password when prompted. You'll also need to include your old password, if you had one. Once you've finished adding a new password, save it to finish the process. [1]
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Section 2 of 4:

Using the Settings App in Windows 10

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  1. It is in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen.
    • These steps work whether you sign in with a local account or a Microsoft account.
  2. You can do this by clicking the gear icon on the left-hand side of the Start menu.
    • Alternatively, you can press ⊞ Win + I to open the Settings app.
  3. It has an icon of a person.
  4. It has an icon of a key.
  5. It is under the Password section.
  6. This window will allow you to set your password and add a password hint.
    • Type the password that you want into the New password box, and then reenter it in the Reenter password box. [2]
    • Type a password hint into the Password hint box. This hint will be displayed if you ever enter your password incorrectly. Type something in this box that can help you remember what your password is if you ever forget it. Remember not to make the password hint show your password.
    EXPERT TIP

    Brandon Phipps

    Technology Specialist
    Brandon Phipps is a Technology Specialist based in Bakersfield, CA. He is the owner of Second Star Technologies and specializes in Managed IT Services for small and mid-sized businesses in Bakersfield, CA. With over 23 years of experience, he offers expert cloud computing, cybersecurity, and network management solutions. Brandon is a committed community member and coach who leads and innovates in tech and sports coaching. His dedication to local businesses and communities is evident in his hands-on, tailored approach to IT solutions.
    Brandon Phipps
    Technology Specialist

    Secure your digital life with online password best practices. Choose a long, easy-to-remember passphrase as your password. You should also avoid using the same password for multiple services or websites.

  7. It is at the bottom of the blue box that opened up.
  8. You now have a password set on your computer. Whenever you log in, you will have to enter it.
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Section 3 of 4:

Using Ctrl + Alt + Delete

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  3. If you do not have a password, then leave this box blank.
  4. You will have to enter it twice to make sure that you did not type it wrong.
  5. It is the arrow that is at the end of the Confirm password box.
  6. You now have a password set on your computer. Whenever you log in, you will have to enter it.
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Section 4 of 4:

Using Microsoft's Website

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  1. 1
    Sign in to your Microsoft account online. If you use a Microsoft account to sign in to your computer, you can change your password online.
  2. 2
    Click Security on the left-hand side of the page. Under your name, there will be a number of menu tabs you can open. Click Security , which has an icon of a shield.
  3. 3
    Click Change password in the upper-right corner of the screen. The page will show you when you last changed your Microsoft account password.
  4. 4
    Enter your current password. You'll need to know your current account password if you have one set up.
  5. 5
    Enter your new password. Type your new password in the correct field.
  6. 6
    Click Save . You can now sign in to your Microsoft account on your computer and online with the new password you've just set. [3]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    What if the user option is not there?
    Community Answer
    If you use a computer, then you must have a user name. It may not be obvious, but it's there. Depending on the Windows version you use, search for "User Account," and you'll get directed to the right options to change password, name, picture, etc.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 15
  • Question
    How do I set a password on my tablet?
    Community Answer
    Go to settings and press security. Then press swipe, or none, and then press password and set it.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 11
  • Question
    How can I set up an account picture?
    Community Answer
    If you are using Windows 10, go to the start menu, and in the lower left corner there should be a icon of a human. Click on it , and then click Change Account Settings. Then, scroll down to Create Account Picture. Choose either Camera (if your PC has a webcam) or upload a picture.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Warnings

      • Windows account passwords are known to be easy to remove, especially by a secure hacker. Enabling BitLocker will make the password much more difficult to remove.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/change-or-reset-your-password-in-windows-8271d17c-9f9e-443f-835a-8318c8f68b9c
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1gvDtr-q0I
      3. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/change-your-microsoft-account-password-fdde885b-86da-2965-69fd-4871309ef1f1

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