Thanks to Windows'

command, you can change your PC’s user account passwords right from your Command Prompt window. This lets youset a new password for your chosen accountwithout navigating any setting menus. We’ll show you how.

What to Know When Changing Passwords From Command Prompt

The

commandrequires admin access, which means you must be using an admin account to use the command. You can then use it to change passwords for your own account as well as for others' accounts.

Also note that this command only lets you change your local account password. If you use a Microsoft account with your PC, you’ll have touse another method to change your password.

Select “Run as Administrator” on the right.

Related:How to Change Your Windows Password

Use the net user Command to Change a Windows Account Password

If you’re ready to change the password, then first, open the “Start” menu. In this menu, search for “Command Prompt”. Then, on the right, select “Run as Administrator.”

On the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter. In this command, replaceUSERNAMEwith the username whose password you want to change and

Change the password with the net user command.

with the new password you want to use.

Not sure who’s who on your system? You canget a list of all user accountsby using the following command in Command Prompt:

If your username has spaces, make sure to enclose it with double quotes. Like so:

Password successfully changed with the net user command.

Are you making these password changes in a public place? People around you (or looking through security cameras) could take a look at your password while you’re typing it. In this case, use the following command.

Make sure to replaceUSERNAMEin the command with the username whose password you want to update.

You’ll be asked to type in the new password twice, but you won’t see any text appear on the screen. Then Command Prompt will display a success message indicating your password was successfully changed.

And that’s all.

When you now log in to your account on your Windows PC, you’ll use the newly created password. Enjoy!

Want to learn a few otheruseful Windows commands? Take a look at our dedicated guide.