Change Account Password CMD: Change User Password from the Command Prompt

How can I change my user-account password from a Command Prompt?

You can change a Windows User Account password that is on any Windows computer from any other Windows computer regardless of whether the User Account is on a workstation, a stand-alone server, or a Windows domain controller. Additionally, it makes no difference whether the password is being changed from a workstation, a stand-alone server, or a Windows domain controller. This is true for any NT 4.0, W2K, XP Pro and Windows Server 2003 computer.

To change account password CMD, log on as an administrator and type:

​net user danielp * /domain

(This is only an example, use your own username)

When you are prompted to type a password for the user, type the new password, not the existing password. After you type the new password, the system prompts you to retype the password to confirm. The password is now changed.

Alternatively,

Change Account Password CMD Method:

​net user danielp 123456 /domain

When you do so, the password changes without prompting you again. This command also enables you to change passwords in a batch file.

Note: If you type these commands on a member server or workstation and you don’t add the /domain switch, the command will be performed on the local SAM and NOT on the DC SAM.

For example, to change the administrator’s password type:

​net user administrator 123456

Note: Non-administrators receive a “System error 5 has occurred. Access is denied” error message when they attempt to change the password.

FAQs

How do I change multiple user passwords at once using CMD commands?

To change account passwords for multiple users, create a batch file containing the net user commands for each account. This allows bulk password changes through a single execution of the script, making it efficient for system administrators managing numerous accounts.

Can I schedule automatic password changes using CMD commands?

Yes, you can schedule automatic password change tasks using Windows Task Scheduler combined with a batch file containing the necessary net user commands. This helps maintain security through regular password updates.

What are the password complexity requirements when using CMD to change passwords?

When changing account passwords from the command prompt, the new password must meet your system’s complexity requirements, typically including minimum length, special characters, numbers, and both upper and lowercase letters. These requirements can be viewed using the net accounts command.

Is it possible to change a Windows account password remotely?

Yes, you can remotely change account passwords by using PsExec or PowerShell remoting, combined with the net user command. This requires administrative privileges and proper network connectivity to the target machine.

What happens if the change account password command fails?

If the change account password cmd operation fails, check the error code displayed, verify your administrative privileges, ensure network connectivity for domain accounts, and confirm that the account name is spelled correctly. The system log also provides detailed error information.

Related articles

You may find these related articles of interest to you:

• Excel Password Recovery
• Forgot the Administrator’s Password?
• Forgot the Administrator’s Password? – Alternate Logon Trick

Links

How to Change User Password at Command Prompt- 149427