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Changing a password is one of the most basic security habits, yet the exact steps vary depending on whether you're updating a device login, an email account, or a third-party app. The common thread is always the same: navigate to your account settings, locate the security or password section, confirm your current credentials, and enter a new password twice to confirm it.
For Windows, open Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options and click Change under Password. On a Mac, go to System Settings → Users & Groups, select your account, and click Change Password. Both flows ask for your old password first as a verification step before accepting the new one.
For online accounts like Google or Apple ID, visit the account's Security settings page directly. Google keeps this under myaccount.google.com → Security → Password. Apple ID changes happen at appleid.apple.com. Social networks like Instagram or Facebook have a similar path under Settings → Security → Password.
A strong password is at least 12 characters long and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid dictionary words, birthdays, or anything a person who knows you could guess. A password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password can generate and store these automatically so you don't have to memorize them.
If you've forgotten your current password, every major service has a "Forgot password?" or "Reset password" link on the login page that sends a reset link to your email or phone. Use that flow before contacting support.