Changing the administrator password on a Windows PC is something every owner needs eventually — to lock down a shared family computer, hand over a machine safely, or simply replace a weak login. The steps differ depending on whether the admin account is local or a Microsoft account. Our GetMyPassword team covers every reliable way to change a Windows administrator password on Windows 10 and 11.
First, know which kind of admin account it is
An administrator account is just a user with full control of the PC. It can be a Microsoft account (an email login that syncs online) or a local account (stored only on that computer). The method you use to change its password depends on which one you have, so check under Settings → Accounts first.
The quickest way: Ctrl + Alt + Delete
- Sign in to the administrator account.
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and choose Change a password.
- Enter the old password, then the new one twice.
- Press Enter to confirm.
Other ways to change it
You can also use Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options → Password, or for a Microsoft account, change it online at account.microsoft.com. To change another local user’s admin password from your own admin account, open Computer Management → Local Users and Groups → Users, right-click the account and choose Set Password.
If you do not remember the current administrator password at all, this is a reset, not a change — use the Microsoft account recovery page online, or the local account’s security questions on the lock screen.
Make the new admin password strong
An administrator account controls the whole computer, so its password protects every file and setting on it. Do not settle for something short — generate a strong one with our password generator, and if you use a local account, set up security questions so a future lockout is easy to fix without losing data.
Frequently asked questions
How do I change the administrator password without knowing it?
That is a reset, not a change. For a Microsoft account, reset it at account.live.com/password/reset. For a local account, use the security questions on the lock screen, or sign in with another administrator account to set a new password.
Can a standard user change the admin password?
No. Only an administrator can change an administrator password. A standard user would need the admin to make the change or to be upgraded to an administrator first.
What is the difference between admin and standard accounts?
An administrator can install software, change system settings and manage other users; a standard account cannot. Using a standard account for everyday tasks is safer, as it limits what malware can do.