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how to change password

Paula Merrill 0 Reputation points
2026-04-24T19:50:49.6533333+00:00

Password isn't working, how do I reset it - change my password?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Accounts, profiles, and login

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  1. John Jefferson Doyon 71,160 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-04-24T20:30:21.4366667+00:00

    Hi, I'm John! I will help you with this.

    1. When you say password, do you mean your Microsoft account password? If yes, is it a personal account (like Outlook, Hotmail, Live)?
    2. Or do you mean your Windows sign-in password/PIN on your PC?

    If you mean Microsoft personal account:

    • Go to the Microsoft account recovery page: https://account.live.com/password/reset
    • Select "I forgot my password", then click Next.
    • Enter the email address or phone number linked to your Microsoft account and follow the on-screen instructions.
    • If you don’t have access to any of the recovery options listed, click on “I don’t have any of these” and fill out the form as accurately as possible. Microsoft uses that information to verify your identity.

    If you have any further questions or concerns, please provide more details about the issue by answering my questions.

    Click "Add comment" to let me know.

    Regards, John J.D.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-04-24T19:51:04.11+00:00

    To change or reset a Windows 11 password, use the method that matches the type of account.

    If signing in with a local account password and not signed in (password not working):

    1. On the Windows sign-in screen, select the password entry button.
    2. Select OK, then Reset password.
    3. Answer the security questions that were set up when the account was created.
    4. Enter a new password.

    If already signed in with a local account and want to change the password:

    1. Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options (or use this shortcut: Sign-in options).
    2. Under Password, select Change.
    3. Enter the current password, then enter and confirm the new password.
    4. If the current password is forgotten, select I forgot my password, then:
      • Verify the account as prompted.
      • Answer the security questions.
      • Enter a new password.

    If signing in with a PIN but need to reset the underlying local account password:

    1. From the sign-in screen, lock the PC if needed.
    2. Select the arrow next to the password text field.
    3. Select OK, then Reset password.
    4. Answer the security questions configured when the account was created and set a new password.

    If there is another administrator account on the same PC and the password for a local account needs to be reset:

    1. Sign in with the administrator account.
    2. Open Computer Management.
    3. Expand Local Users and Groups > Users.
    4. Right-click the user that needs a new password and select Set Password....
    5. Enter and confirm the new password.

    If there is no administrator account available to reset the password, the Windows device must be reset. For that scenario, follow the guidance in Reset your PC from the referenced documentation.

    References:

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