How to change account password on Windows 11
Yes, it’s possible to change your account password on Windows 11, and in this guide, I’ll show you how.
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OnWindows 11, your account password is the key to your digital kingdom. It’s the mechanism that safeguards your files, pictures, emails, and online activities from prying eyes and malicious individuals. As a result, a strong password is your first defense against cyber threats.
Typically, after setting an account password, you’re not required to change it (unless you’re in an organization that applies different security protocols). However, you may still need to change this information occasionally for various reasons, including if your account gets compromised.
If you’re on the latest version, Windows 11 provides multiple ways to change your password, whether the account is configured with a Microsoft account or you use a local account.
In thishow-to guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to change your password on Windows 11.
How to change Microsoft account password on Windows 11
On Windows 11, if you use a Microsoft account, it’s not possible to change the account password directly from the Settings app. Instead, you have to update your Microsoft account password online. It’s possible to change the password from the Sign-in screen, but again, you will be changing the password of your Microsoft account.
Settings app
To change your account password when using a Microsoft account, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the Microsoft account password will change for all your online services (such as Outlook, Xbox, etc.). As a result, the new authentication information will be the new credentials to sign in to your Windows 11 account (when needed).
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If you’re using the passwordless feature on your Microsoft account, you may or may not be able to change your password.
Sign-in screen
To change your account password when using a Microsoft account, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the password for your Windows 11 account will change, as well as the password to access your Microsoft services.
How to change account PIN on Windows 11
A PIN is more important since it’s more secure and only relevant to the device locally.
Settings app
To change the account PIN from the Settings app, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the PIN for your Windows 11 account will change, and you can start using it to sign in to your account. This process will not affect your Microsoft account password or online services.
Sign-in screen
To change the account PIN from the Sign-in screen on Windows 11, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the new PIN will be on the computer without affecting your Microsoft account.
How to change local account password on Windows 11
If you use a local account, the process to change the password is a little more straightforward. It’s also possible to change the password from the Sign-in screen, providing the answers to your security questions. You can even set and reset the PIN for your local account, but you can only do this from the Settings app, not from the Sign-in screen.
Settings app
To change the local account password on Windows 11, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, you can start using the new password to sign into your account.
Change PIN for local account
To change the local account PIN, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the system will change the settings, and you will be able to start using the PIN to log in to your Windows 11 local account.
Sign-in screen
To change the local account password from the Sign-in screen, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the new PIN will be set on your local account.
Change picture password
After you complete the steps, you can start using the new picture password gesture to sign into the account.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
