You can use Windows 11 with either a Microsoft account or a local account — although Microsoft doesn’t make it easy to choose a local account.
In any case, your password is your main means of protecting your account against intrusion. It is for this reason that it is advisable to modify it regularly. You should even replace it now with a more secure password.
You don’t know how to change your password on Windows 11? Here are the steps.
How to change your local account password on Windows 11?
1. Go to settings
To change your local account password in Windows 11, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. Select option Passwordthen click the button Edit.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET.
2. Log in
In the first window, type your current password and click Following.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET.
3. Change password
In the next window, type then retype the new password, and add a password hint.
Before creating the new password, however, you must follow certain rules, provided by Microsoft.
The password cannot contain your account name or more than two consecutive characters of your full name. It must also contain at least six characters, and include characters from three of the following four categories: uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET.
4. Secure your new password
Also keep in mind the usual tips. You need a strong, crack-resistant password, i.e. long, complex or both.
The passphrase can be a good option. Composed of several words, it is more secure than a simple password. For example, you can choose the phrase “Hello I have to go”. You must then include numbers or special characters. For example, you can add hyphens between each word, resulting in the following pass phase: “Hello-I-have-to-go”.
If you need help, the Use a Passphrase website generates passphrases for you. It also tells you how long it would take to crack them. For example, it would take more than 13 billion centuries to decipher the phrase “Hello-I-have-to-go”.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET.
5. Save changes
The next screen asks you to use your new password the next time you log on to Windows. Click on To end.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET.
6. Log in again to test your new password
Log out of Windows, then log back in with the new password to verify that it works.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET.
How to change your Microsoft account password on Windows 11?
You can change your Microsoft account password either directly in Windows or on your account website. The Windows process works similar to that of a local account. However, there is a setting you need to disable if it is enabled.
In Windows 11, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
In the additional settings, there is a setting that says, “For enhanced security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device.” » If this setting is enabled, disable it.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET.
Log out of Windows, then log back in. Back in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and you should now see the option Password. Select it, then click the button Edit. Verify your identity if prompted.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET.
For a Microsoft account, your password must contain at least eight characters and include characters from two of four categories: uppercase, lowercase, numbers, or special characters. Otherwise, follow the usual tips for creating a strong password or the previous tips for creating a passphrase.
Type your current password, then the new one. Click on Following. The system tells you that your password has been changed. Click on To end.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET.
How to change your password online?
To change your password online, visit your Microsoft accounts website. Click on the option at the top of the page Change password.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET.
On the screen Change your password, type your current password, and then type and retype the new password. When you’re done, save.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET.
Now use your new password when logging in to Windows 11 and various Microsoft sites and services.
Source: ZDNet.com