How to Change or Reset Your Windows 11 Password

This article explains how to change or reset your password in Windows 11.

Forgot your Windows 11 password? No problem. Windows 11 lets you change your password easily. You can do this if you set up a security question or use an online account.

Why does this matter? Knowing how to reset passwords in Windows 11 is important if you forget your password and cannot access your computer. It’s also useful when you want to change your password for security reasons or simply because you want to use a different one.

Change Your Password in Windows 11

Windows lets you change your password using the Settings app. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open Settings

First, open the Windows Settings app.

You can do this by clicking the Start menu and selecting Settings. Or press the keyboard shortcut Windows key + I to launch Settings.

Step 2: Go to Sign-in Options

When the Settings app opens, click the Accounts button on the left. Then, select Sign-in options on the right to expand it.

Step 3: Click Password

On the Accounts > Sign-in options page, under Ways to sign in, click the Password tile to expand it.

Step 4: Select Change

Under Password, select the Change button and follow the steps.

Step 5: Enter Your Current Password

To change your current password, you will need to enter your current password. If you do not remember it, you won’t be able to change it this way.

Step 6: Complete the Process

Complete the password change process, and you’re done.

Note: The above process will only work if you know your current password. If you don’t, then continue below.

Reset Your Password in Windows 11

If you have forgotten your Windows 11 password for a local account and need to access your computer again, keep reading.

What you need to know: Some Windows 11 devices will require internet and a Microsoft account for changing and resetting passwords.

If You Use a Microsoft Account

You can reset your Microsoft account online using your registered email address. If you sign in with Microsoft, reset your account using the link below.

Microsoft account | Sign In or Create Your Account Today – Microsoft

If You Use a Local Account

If you sign in with a local account, then use the steps below:

1. On the login screen, type the password you think is correct. Select the Reset password link on the sign-in screen if it returns as incorrect.

2. To reset your password, answer the security questions you provided when you first set up your machine.

3. Enter a new password.
4. Sign in as usual with your new password.

Reset Your Computer

If you still can’t answer the security questions, you can’t reset your Microsoft online account, and you are still unable to log in, another option is to reset your device.

Important: Resetting your device will permanently delete your data, programs, and settings. Do this only as a last resort.

Steps to Reset Your Device

⚠️ Admin Privileges Required

1. Press the Shift key while you select the Power button > Restart in the lower-right corner of the screen.
2. On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
3. Select Remove Everything.

That should get you back into your machine.

Summary

Changing or resetting your password in Windows 11 is essential for maintaining security and accessibility.

• Remember your current password for a smooth change process.
• If you forget your password, use security questions or reset your Microsoft account online.
• Update your password regularly to improve security.
• In case of complete access loss, reset your computer as a last resort. Remember that this will erase all your data.