Do you want to change the password you type before logging into Windows 10/11? Want to change the lock/login screen password in Windows 10/11? This guide will show you how to change the lock/login screen password in Windows 10/11.
The password you type in Windows 10 and 11 on the lock/login screen is nothing but the user account password.
If using a local user account (an account that is not a Microsoft account), you can change the password right from the Settings app. For a Microsoft account, you can use a web browser.
Change lock/login screen password in Windows 10/11 for local user accounts
IMPORTANT: To change the password, you must use your current password. This method cannot help you change the password if you do not remember the current password.
Step 1: In Windows 10 or 11, open the Settings app. Go to Accounts > Sign-in options.
Step 2: Here, click on the Password option to see the Add/Change button.
NOTE: The Add button shows up if the account is not password protected.
Step 3: Click the Add/Change button to open the Create a password flyout.
Step 4: Type your current password (if using one) and then click the Next button.
You will not see this screen if your local account does not have a password.
Step 5: Type the new password and then confirm it by typing again in the Confirm password field. If you would like to see a password hint on the login screen, type the hint in the Password hint field before clicking the Next button. Ensure that the password hint does not easily give clues about the actual password.
NOTE: Never ever use a weak password for your computer. Your password should include alphabets, numbers, and special characters. The
Step 6: Finally, click the Finish button. From now onwards, type your new password to sign in to your Windows 10/11 local user account and start using your computer.
Change the lock screen password for the Microsoft account
This method cannot be used to reset the forgotten Microsoft account password. Please refer to our how-to reset Microsoft account password guide if you do not remember the current password.
Unlike the local user account password, the Microsoft account password cannot be changed within the Settings app. Instead, you need to use a web browser to change your Microsoft account password. Here is how.
Step 1: Visit this page of Microsoft in a web browser of your choice.
Step 2: Sign in with your Microsoft account email and password.
Step 3: Click on Password security.
Step 4: Now, you might be asked to verify your identity with a security code. Select your alternative email address, Microsoft Authenticator app, or phone number to receive the security code, and then enter the same to verify your identity.
Step 5: Next, type your current and new passwords in their respective fields. Click on the Save button. That’s it! You have successfully changed your Microsoft account password.
From now onwards, you will have to use your new password to sign in to your Windows 10/11 PC.
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