Learn how to change your Windows password on:

• Windows 7 and Vista
• Windows XP

Windows 7 and Vista

To change your Windows password using Windows 7 or Vista:

1. Click the Start button, then click Control Panel.
   
2. On the Control Panel, double-click User Accounts (see Figure 1).
   The User Accounts window appears.
   
   Figure 1.
   
3. If you are logged in with the username whose password you wish to change, click Change your password (see Figure 2).
   -OR-
   If you need to change a different account's password, do the following:
   • Click Manage another account (see Figure 2).
   • When the "Windows needs your permission" window appears, click Continue.
   • Select the account you want to change.
   • Select Change the password (see Figure 3).
     Figure 2.
     
     Figure 3.
4. Do the following (see Figure 4):
   • In Current password box, enter the password you use now.
   • In New password box, enter the password you want to change it to.
     Learn how to create a strong password.
   • In the Confirm new password box, re-enter your new password.
   • In Type a password hint box, enter a clue that will help you remember your password.
   • Click Change password.
     
     Figure 4.

Windows XP

To change your Windows password using Windows XP:

1. Click the Start button, then click Control Panel. (in Classic view: Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.)
   
2. On the Control Panel, double-click User Accounts.
   The User Accounts window appears.
   
3. Select the username that you want to change the password of and click Reset Password (see Figure 5).
   
   Figure 5.
   
4. Do the following (see Figure 6):
   • In the New password box, enter a new password.
     Learn how to create a strong password.
   • In the Confirm new password box, re-enter your new password.
   • Click OK.
     
     Figure 6.
5. On the User Accounts window, click OK.