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Quick Answer

Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, select Change a password, enter your old password, and type your new password twice to confirm.

How to Change Your Windows Password on a Domain-Joined Computer ​

Applies to: Windows 10, Windows 11 (Domain-Joined)
Article Type: How-To
Last Updated: 2026-03-08

Summary ​

This article explains how to change your Windows login password on a work computer that is joined to a corporate domain (Active Directory). You can do this any time your password is about to expire or when you want to update it proactively.

Prerequisites ​

  • Your computer must be joined to the company domain.
  • Make sure you know your current password.

DANGER

Your computer must be able to reach the domain controller to process the password change. If you are working remotely, connect to VPN first before changing your password. If you are on-site at a corporate office, you are already connected.

Instructions ​

1. Change Your Password Using Ctrl + Alt + Delete ​

This is the standard method for domain-joined Windows computers.

  1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete on your keyboard.
  2. Select Change a password from the menu.
  3. The password change screen appears with your username and domain pre-filled.
  4. Enter your Old password.
  5. Enter your New password and then Confirm password.
  6. Press Enter or click the arrow button to submit.
  7. A confirmation message will appear: "Your password has been changed." Click OK.

2. Change Your Password from Windows Settings ​

An alternative method using the Settings app.

  1. Open Settings (press Windows key + I).
  2. Go to Accounts > Sign-in options.
  3. Click Password and then click Change.
  4. Enter your Current password and click Next.
  5. Enter your New password, Confirm password, and optionally add a Password hint.
  6. Click Next, then Finish.

3. Update Saved Credentials After the Change ​

Some applications cache your old password and will need to be updated. Your Microsoft 365 password syncs down from the domain a few minutes later, which is why Outlook can keep prompting after Windows has already accepted the new password — Understanding Password Resets — Active Directory vs. Microsoft 365 explains the lag and where each reset has to happen.

  1. Lock Screen / Sign-in — The next time you lock your computer or restart, use your new password to sign in.
  2. Outlook — If Outlook prompts for credentials, enter the new password and check Remember my credentials.
  3. VPN Client — Update your saved VPN password if your VPN uses domain credentials.
  4. Mobile Email — If your phone's mail app uses your work account, update the password there as well.

Troubleshooting ​

INFO

If you are working from home and not connected to VPN, the password change will fail because your computer cannot reach the domain controller. Connect to VPN first, then retry.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
"The system cannot change your password"Not connected to domainConnect to VPN (remote) or ensure you are on the corporate network.
"Password doesn't meet requirements"Domain policy not metUse at least 8 characters with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Check with IT for specific rules.
"Change a password" option missingComputer not domain-joinedThis method is only available on domain-joined machines. Use the M365 portal to change your cloud password instead.
Account locked after password changeOld password cached in appsOpen Credential Manager from the Start menu and clear stale entries under Windows Credentials.