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Password Change Shortcut Key for Windows

WindowsWindows 10 and 11PIN and passwordChecked 2 Nov 2026

Security screen

CtrlAltDelete

Then choose Change a password

Settings route

WinI

Accounts, then Sign in options

Mac

CommandSpace

Open Users and Groups settings

The password change shortcut key in Windows is Ctrl + Alt + Delete. On the blue screen that appears, choose Change a password, type your old password once and the new one twice, then press Enter. It works for local accounts and for most office domain accounts.

Many Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers sign in with a PIN rather than a password. The PIN is changed in Settings: press Win + I, then Accounts, then Sign in options.

Quick facts

  • Change password

    Ctrl + Alt + Delete, Change a password

  • Change PIN

    Win + I, Accounts, Sign in options

  • Lock first

    Win + L

  • Online account

    Change it on the account's security page

  • Forgot it

    Use the reset link on the sign in screen

  • Mac

    System Settings, Users and Groups

Password change shortcut key, step by step

  1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete. The security screen opens.
  2. Choose Change a password with the arrow keys and Enter.
  3. Type your current password, then the new password, then the new password again.
  4. Press Enter. Windows confirms the change.

If Change a password is missing, your computer signs in with an online account; change it on that account's security page in a browser instead.

Shortcut to change password in Windows: which account type

Where to change it
Account typeHow to change
Local accountCtrl + Alt + Delete, Change a password
Office domain accountCtrl + Alt + Delete, Change a password (follows company rules)
Online Microsoft accountOn the account's website, then sign in again
Windows Hello PINWin + I, Accounts, Sign in options, PIN, Change

Choose a strong password

Use at least 12 characters with a mix of words, numbers and symbols, such as a short sentence you can remember. Do not reuse your email or bank password for Windows. On shared office computers, never write it on a sticky note on the monitor. Office systems may force a change every few months and block reuse of old passwords.

A PIN is tied to that one computer, so it is safer than a password even if it is shorter. Someone who learns it cannot use it on another device.

If you forgot the password

On the sign in screen, click I forgot my password or Reset PIN, and follow the steps with your phone or email. For local accounts, the security questions set during setup are used. At work, contact IT; they can reset it from the server. Locking your screen with Win + L when you step away reduces the need to change passwords after someone has seen yours; see the lock screen shortcut key.

When the change fails

Problems and fixes
ProblemFix
Password does not meet requirementsMake it longer, add a number and a symbol
Old password rejectedCheck Caps Lock and the keyboard language
Option missing on the blue screenOnline account; change it on the website
Cannot reuse a passwordOffice policy blocks recent passwords; choose a new one
A bank employee gets a prompt that her password expires tomorrow. She presses Ctrl + Alt + Delete, picks Change a password, and sets a new long passphrase before logging out for the day.

Frequently asked questions

What is the password change shortcut key in Windows?
Ctrl + Alt + Delete, then Change a password.
How do I change my Windows PIN?
Win + I, Accounts, Sign in options, PIN, Change.
Why is Change a password missing?

You use an online account; change it on the account website.

Can I change my password without the old one?

Not from this screen. Use the reset option on the sign in screen or ask IT.

How long should a Windows password be?

At least 12 characters is a good rule.

How do I change the password on a Mac?

System Settings, Users and Groups, then change the password.