Either way, your password is your primary means of protecting your account from compromise. For that reason, you may want to change your password periodically, or at least change it now to something stronger and more secure. So how and where do you modify your password via Windows 11? Also: How to change your username on Windows 11 Let’s go through the steps for both a local account and a Microsoft account.
How to change your account password in Windows 11
Change the password for a Microsoft account
You can change your Microsoft account password either directly in Windows or at your account website. The Windows process works similarly to the one for a local account. However, there is one setting you need to disable if it’s enabled. Before you create the new password, though, you’ll have to follow certain rules and regulations, courtesy of Microsoft. Also: Unblock streaming services and secure your downloads with these Windows VPNs The password can’t contain your account name or more than two consecutive characters from your full name. It must contain at least six characters. And it must include characters from three of the following four categories: 1. Uppercase characters A-Z, 2. Lowercase characters a-z, 3. Digits 0-9, or 4. Special characters (!, $, #, %, etc.). You’ll need to add numbers or special characters to the phrase, for example, a dash between each word. The website Use a Passphrase can generate passphrases for you and tell you how long it would take to crack it. For instance, Hello-I-must-be-going would take 102 centuries to crack.
Change the password in Windows
In Windows 11, go Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. Also: How to downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10 Under Additional settings, there’s one that says, “For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device.” If this setting is on, turn it off. Sign out of Windows and then sign back in. Return to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and you should now see the option for Password. Select it and then click the Change button. Verify your identity if prompted. For a Microsoft account, your password must contain at least eight characters and include characters from two of the following four categories: 1. Uppercase characters A-Z, 2. Lowercase characters a-z, 3. Digits 0-9, or 4. Special characters (!, $, #, %, etc.). Otherwise, follow the usual advice for creating a strong password or passphrase. Also: How to control Windows 11 with your voice Type your current password and then the new one. Click Next. You’ll be told that your password has been changed. Click Finish.
Change the password online
To change your password online, browse to your Microsoft account website. Click the option at the top for Change password. At the Change your password screen, type your current password, and then type and retype the new password. When done, click Save. Remember to use your new password when you log in to Windows 11, as well as Microsoft’s various sites and services.
