When managing Windows accounts, having a password is crucial for security as it provides access to your user account. This detailed guide will assist you in changing your account password on Windows devices.
When initiating your primary user account or adding another account on a Windows device, you will be asked to establish a password. Omitting to set a password during this phase will not impede the account setup.
Configuring a local Windows account during the initial setup has grown more intricate due to alterations by Microsoft, yet it is still feasible in most instances.
There are various reasons why you may need to alter your password:
- Your password may have been compromised, and you wish to enhance your PC’s security.
- You may have chosen a feeble password and desire to switch to a more robust one.
- You may opt for logging in without requiring a password.
Note: It is essential to differentiate between the Windows password and the Windows PIN. Both can be utilized for logging in, but there are notable distinctions, particularly between the PIN and Microsoft account passwords.
Steps to Modify Your Windows Password
The subsequent steps are relevant to both local accounts and Microsoft accounts, allowing you to update the password of the account you are presently logged in with on the system. If you are using a Microsoft account, you can adjust the password for that account. Similarly, if you are logged in with a local account, you can alter the password for that account.
- Access the Start menu and opt for Settings from the app list.
- Proceed to Accounts > Sign-in options > Password.
- Tap the downward arrow icon to expand the Password section.
- Click on the Change option.
- Input your current user password (leave blank if no password is set).
- Enter the new password twice.
- Incorporate a password hint.
- Upon completing the aforementioned steps, click on the Next button.
- Select Finish to confirm the changes.
The new password will take effect immediately. It will be necessary to utilize it the next time you log into your Windows account on the device.
Special Scenario: If you do not observe the Password section as outlined above in Settings, follow these instructions:
- Scroll down on the Sign-in options page in the Settings app.
- Disable the setting “For enhanced security, solely allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device”.
Subsequently, you should be able to view the password option on the page.
Moreover, you can also generate a Windows Hello PIN for your account, which can be deployed for signing in once configured.
Suggestion: You can also adjust the Windows account name and user profile folder.
Concluding Remarks
The methodology provided is applicable to both Windows 10 and Windows 11. For more proficient users, there are diverse tools accessible for changing or resetting passwords.
- One such tool is netplwiz, enabling password resets.
- The net user command is an additional alternative for defining user passwords utilizing the format “net user”.
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