You can change the password used by your Windows 11 account from Settings. The exact process depends on whether you sign in with a Microsoft account or a local account.
Change your Windows 11 password
- Open Settings.
- Select Accounts.
- Choose Sign-in options.
- Expand Password and select Change.
- Verify your current credentials, enter the new password as requested, and finish the prompts.
If you use a Microsoft account, Windows may direct you through Microsoft’s account-security process because that password also protects Microsoft services associated with the account.
Password versus Windows Hello PIN
Changing your account password does not automatically change your Windows Hello PIN. A PIN is a separate sign-in credential tied to the device. If you only want a different PIN, use the PIN (Windows Hello) section under Sign-in options instead.
If you forgot the password
Use the supported password-reset or account-recovery option shown by Windows or Microsoft. For a Microsoft account, identity verification may be required. For a local account, available recovery options depend on how that account was configured.
A work or school PC can be governed by organizational password policies, so some choices may be unavailable or your administrator may require a particular password length or change schedule.
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.