How to Change Windows RDP Password

Changing your Windows RDP password is important for keeping your Remote Desktop connection secure. If you use a Windows VPS, dedicated server, cloud server, or remote Windows PC, you can change the password directly from the remote desktop session.

This guide explains the easiest ways to change a Windows RDP password, including methods for laptops and keyboards that do not have a dedicated End key.

What Is an RDP Password?

RDP stands for Remote Desktop Protocol. It allows you to connect to a Windows computer or server remotely.

When you connect using Remote Desktop, you normally log in with a Windows username and password. The password you use for RDP is usually the password of that Windows user account.

For example, if your Windows server username is Administrator, you normally use the password assigned to the Windows Administrator account when connecting through RDP.

Method 1 : Using Ctrl + Alt + End

The traditional way to change a Windows password through RDP is the Windows Security screen.

While connected to your Windows server:

1. Press Ctrl + Alt + End.
2. The Windows Security screen will appear.
3. Click Change a password.
4. Enter your current password.
5. Enter your new password.
6. Enter the new password again to confirm it.
7. Press Enter or click the arrow button.

Your Windows password should now be changed.

Why Ctrl + Alt + End Instead of Ctrl + Alt + Delete?

When you’re using RDP, pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete normally affects your local computer instead of the remote computer.

Microsoft therefore provides Ctrl + Alt + End to open the Windows Security screen inside the remote session.

Method 2 : If Your Keyboard Does Not Have an End Key

Many laptops and compact keyboards don’t have a dedicated End key.

Some laptops place the End function on another key, such as the Numpad 1 key.

If your keyboard shows End on the Numpad 1 key, try the following:

1. Turn Num Lock OFF.
2. Hold Ctrl + Alt.
3. Press the key combination that produces End on your keyboard.

On some keyboards, this can be:

Ctrl + Alt + Fn + 1

However, keyboard layouts vary between laptop manufacturers, so this combination may not work on every laptop.

If the shortcut doesn’t work, use one of the alternative methods below.

Method 3 : Change the Password From Control Panel

You can change the password without using the RDP keyboard shortcut.

Inside the Windows RDP session:

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type:

control

3. Press Enter.
4. Open User Accounts.
5. Select User Accounts again.
6. Click Change your password.
7. Enter your current password.
8. Enter your new password.
9. Confirm the new password.
10. Click the option to change the password.

This method is useful when Ctrl + Alt + End isn’t working.

Method 4 : Change the Password Using Command Prompt

If the graphical method isn’t available, you can change a Windows user’s password using Command Prompt.

First, open Command Prompt as Administrator.

To see the available user accounts, run:

net user

Windows will display the user accounts on the computer.

To change a specific user’s password, use:

net user USERNAME *

Replace USERNAME with the actual Windows username.

For example:

net user Administrator *

Windows will ask you to enter the new password.

The password will not be displayed while you type it. This is normal.

Enter the new password and then enter it again when Windows asks for confirmation.

If the operation is successful, Windows will display a message indicating that the command completed successfully.

Use a Strong RDP Password

When changing your password, avoid simple passwords such as:

123456
password
admin123
windows123

For an Internet-facing Windows VPS or server, use a long and unique password.

A strong password should contain a combination of:

• Uppercase letters
• Lowercase letters
• Numbers
• Special characters

For example, use a password structure that is difficult to guess rather than a common word or personal information.

Do not reuse the same password for your RDP server and other important accounts.

After Changing the Password

After changing the password, your existing RDP session may remain connected. The new password will normally be required the next time you authenticate.

If you disconnect from the server, use the new password when connecting again.

If you use an RDP client that saves your credentials, update or remove the saved password so the client does not continue trying to use the old password.

If You Forgot Your Current Password

The methods above generally require access to the Windows account or administrative access to the server.

If you have completely lost access to the account, the recovery process depends on how your Windows server or VPS is managed.

For a VPS, your hosting provider may provide a password reset, recovery console, or VNC/console access through its control panel.

Do not repeatedly guess passwords because excessive failed login attempts can trigger security protections or account lockouts.

Conclusion

Changing a Windows RDP password is straightforward once you know the correct method.

The fastest method is usually:

Ctrl + Alt + End → Change a password

If your laptop doesn’t have a dedicated End key, try the keyboard combination that produces End, such as Fn + 1 when End is assigned to the Numpad 1 key.

If the shortcut doesn’t work, you can change the password through Control Panel or use the following Command Prompt command:

net user USERNAME *

For Windows VPS and servers exposed to the Internet, always use a strong, unique password and avoid sharing your RDP credentials with other people.