How to Change Password in Windows Server 2016 (4 Methods)

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By Victor Ashiedu

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change password windows server 2016

This guide demos 4 ways to change password in Windows Server 2016.

Options to Change Password in Windows Server 2016

This guide details how to change Password in Windows Server 2016 using these methods:

  1. Change Password with “Ctrl + Alt + Delete”
  2. Use “Edit Local Users and Groups” to Change Password
  3. Change Password with Active Directory Users and Computers
  4. Use PowerShell to Change Password for an Active Directory Account

Change Password with “Ctrl + Alt + Delete”

Change Password in Server 2016 with Ctrl + Alt + Delete

This is the easiest way to change password in Windows Server 2016. This method is applicable to change password for both local and domain accounts.

Here are the steps:

  • While logged on to the server press Ctrl + Alt + Delete.
  • Then click Change password.
change password windows server 2016
  • You will be required to provide the current password for the logged in user. Then type and retype a new password. When you finish press enter. You could also click the forward arrow (->) beside Confirm password.
If you logged on to the computer with a local account, this step will change the password for the account on the Server. But if you are logged on with a domain account, the password will be changed on the domain.

Use “Edit Local Users and Groups” to Change Password

Use "Edit Local Users and Groups" to Change Password

This method can only be used to change password for member servers (a server that is not a Domain Controller).

Here are the steps:

  • Log on to the member server. Then type users in the search bar. Finally, click Edit local users and groups.
change password windows server 2016 with "Edit Local Users and Groups"
  • When Edit local users and groups opens, click the Users node. Then right-click the user you wish to change the password and select Set Password.
  • When you receive a warning message, read the details and click Proceed.
  • Type your new password then confirm the password. When you have entered the new password into the two boxes click OK.

Change Password in Windows Server 2016 with Active Directory Users and Computers

Change Password in Windows Server 2016 with Active Directory Users and Computers

This method should be used to change passwords for domain users.

Here are the steps to use this method:

  • Login to a Domain Controller and open Server Manager.
  • From Server Manager click Tools. Then select Active Directory Users and Computers.
Change Password in Windows Server 2016 with Active Directory Users and Computers
  • When AD Users and Computers opens, navigate to the AD container where the user is. Then right-click the user and click Reset Password
Change Password in Windows Server 2016 with Active Directory Users and Computers
  • Type the password in the New password field. Then retype it in the Confirm password field. If you do not want to force the user to change the password when they login uncheck the box beside User must change password at next logon. You could also check Unlock the user’s account box if you wish to unlock a locked account. When you finish click OK.

Use PowerShell to Change Password in Windows Server 2016 for an Active Directory Users

You can also use PowerShell to change password for an Active Directory user.

Below is a sample command:

Set-ADAccountPassword -Identity <UserName> -OldPassword (ConvertTo-SecureString -AsPlainText "CC@ssw0rd" -Force) -NewPassword (ConvertTo-SecureString -AsPlainText "PWert@A23f" -Force)

To use the command, change <UserName> to the AD username for you the user you wish to change the password.

Also, replace “CC@ssw0rd” and “PWert@A23f” with the old and new password respectively.

Conclusion

You can use the 4 methods discussed in this guide to change password for users in Server 2016.

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About the Author

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Victor Ashiedu

Victor is the founder of InfoPress Media, publishers of ilifeguides.com and itechguides.com. With 20+ years of experience in IT infrastructure, his expertise spans Windows, Linux, and DevOps. Explore his contributions on Itechguides.com for insightful how-to guides and product reviews.

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