You can change an administrator password in Windows 10, but the correct method depends on whether you are changing your own password or managing another local account. A Microsoft account password is managed differently from a local Windows password.
Change your own password from Settings
- Open Start > Settings > Accounts.
- Select Sign-in options.
- Under Password, choose Change.
- Verify your current credentials and follow the prompts to set the new password.
If you sign in with a Microsoft account, changing its password affects that Microsoft account rather than only this PC. Make sure you know the new password before signing out.
Change another local user’s password
An authorized administrator can manage a local account through Control Panel. Open Control Panel > User Accounts > User Accounts > Manage another account, select the local account, and use the password-change option that Windows provides.
Be cautious when an administrator resets another local user’s password rather than having that person change it while signed in. Windows warns that an administrative reset can cause loss of access to certain encrypted files, stored passwords, or personal certificates associated with that account.
If the administrator forgot the password
Do not use password-bypass scripts or hidden-account tricks. For a Microsoft account, use Microsoft’s account recovery process. For a local account, use the password-reset options Windows presents at the sign-in screen, such as security questions when they were configured. Another existing authorized administrator may also be able to reset a local account.
On a work or school PC, contact the organization’s administrator because account recovery may be controlled by company policy or a directory service.
Password and PIN are not the same thing
A Windows Hello PIN is tied to the device and is separate from the account password. If the problem is only a forgotten PIN, use the PIN recovery option rather than changing the account password unnecessarily.
Windows 10 support context
Windows 10 reached its standard free-support endpoint on October 14, 2025, which matters when maintaining the system described here. Password management still works, but an unsupported operating system carries increasing security risk. Move an eligible PC to a supported Windows release or follow the requirements of an applicable extended-security program.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.