How to Change Your Windows Password or PIN

If you share your computer with family, or simply want to refresh your sign-in details, you may want to change your Windows password. Windows 11 also lets you sign in with a PIN, which is a short code used on that particular device.

A password and a PIN are not the same thing, so it helps to know which one you are changing. This guide shows you how to update either option in Windows 11, and what to do if you cannot remember your current sign-in details.

Step 1: Understand the difference between a password and a PIN

Your Windows password is linked to your account. If you use a Microsoft account, the same password may also be used for Microsoft services such as Outlook or OneDrive.

A Windows Hello PIN is a code you use to unlock a particular Windows device. It is tied to that device and is not the same as your Microsoft account password.

1. If you sign in with an email address, you may be using a Microsoft account.
2. If you sign in with a local account created just for this PC, you have a local Windows password.
3. If you enter a short number or code at the sign-in screen, you are probably using a PIN.
4. You can check the available sign-in methods in Settings under Accounts and Sign-in options.

Tip: If you only want to change the short code you enter when you turn on the PC, change your PIN. You do not need to change your Microsoft account password.

Step 2: Change your Windows Hello PIN

If you know your current PIN and want to replace it, Windows 11 lets you do this in Settings.

1. Select Start, then open Settings.
2. Select Accounts.
3. Select Sign-in options.
4. Under Ways to sign in, select PIN (Windows Hello).
5. Select Change PIN.
6. Enter your current PIN.
7. Enter your new PIN, then enter it again to confirm.
8. Select OK.

Windows may offer an option to include letters and symbols as well as numbers. If you see this option, choose a code that is not easy for someone else to guess.

Careful: Avoid easy-to-guess PINs such as repeated digits or a simple sequence. Do not share your PIN with anyone who should not have access to your computer.

Step 3: Change your Microsoft account password

If you use a Microsoft account to sign in to Windows, you can change its password through your account settings. This may also change the password you use for other Microsoft services.

1. Open Settings from the Start menu.
2. Select Accounts.
3. Select Sign-in options.
4. Under Password, select Change.
5. Follow the instructions to verify your identity.
6. Enter your current password, then enter and confirm your new password.
7. Complete the prompts to save the change.

If the Change option is not shown, or Windows directs you to your Microsoft account online, follow that link or open account.microsoft.com in a browser. Sign in and use the account security options to change your password.

Good to know: Changing your Microsoft account password can affect other devices and services that use the same account. You may need to enter the new password the next time you use them.

Step 4: Change the password for a local Windows account

A local account is an account stored on your PC rather than signed in through a Microsoft account. If you use one, you can change its password in Settings.

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Accounts.
3. Select Sign-in options.
4. Under Password, select Change.
5. Enter your current password and select Next.
6. Enter your new password and confirm it.
7. Add a password hint if Windows asks you to.
8. Select Next, then Finish.

Choose a password that is difficult for others to guess but that you can remember. Avoid using personal details such as your birthday or a family member’s name.

Step 5: If you have forgotten your PIN or password

The steps are different if you cannot remember your current sign-in details. Do not keep guessing repeatedly; Windows may temporarily restrict sign-in after too many attempts.

If you forgot your PIN:

1. On the Windows sign-in screen, select I forgot my PIN, if it appears.
2. Follow the identity verification steps.
3. If asked, sign in with your Microsoft account password.
4. Set up a new PIN.

You can also open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options after signing in another way and use the available PIN reset option.

If you forgot your Microsoft account password:

1. On the sign-in screen, select I forgot my password, if available.
2. Follow Microsoft’s identity verification process.
3. Or use the official Microsoft password reset page from another device.
4. Once you have reset it, use the new password to sign in.

If you forgot a local account password: Select Reset password on the sign-in screen, if offered, and answer the security questions you set up. If another administrator account exists on the PC, its owner may be able to help manage the local account.

Step 6: Check that your new sign-in details work

After changing your PIN or password, make sure you can sign in successfully. Save your work first, then lock the computer and test the new details.

1. Save any open documents.
2. Press Windows key + L to lock your PC.
3. Enter your new PIN or password.
4. Check that Windows opens your desktop normally.

If you use a Microsoft account, remember that the account password may be needed for other Microsoft services too. Update any saved sign-in details when prompted.

Troubleshooting: If you cannot change your password or PIN

If an option is missing or the change does not work, try these checks:

• Check which account you use. Microsoft account and local account password settings are different.
• Connect to the internet. Microsoft account verification may require an internet connection.
• Use the recovery option. If you do not know your current password or PIN, choose the relevant forgotten-details link instead of trying to change it normally.
• Check for workplace restrictions. A work or school PC may be managed by an administrator who controls sign-in settings.
• Search Settings. If a menu looks different after a Windows update, use the Settings search box to find Sign-in options.

For more help, visit Microsoft’s Change or reset your Windows password guidance.

Keep your sign-in details up to date

Changing a Windows PIN or password is a small task that can help you keep control of access to your computer. Make sure you know whether you are changing a device PIN or an account password, and keep your new details somewhere secure.