How to Change Minimum Password Length for Local Accounts in Windows 10

information   Information
The Minimum password length policy setting determines the least number of characters that can make up a password for a local account. You can set a value of between 1 and 14 characters, or you can establish that no password is required by setting the number of characters to 0.

This tutorial will show you how to change the minimum password length for local accounts in Windows 10.

You must be signed in as an administrator to change the minimum password length.


CONTENTS:
  • Option One: To Change Minimum Password Length for Local Accounts using Local Security Policy
  • Option Two: To Change Minimum Password Length for Local Accounts using Command Prompt


EXAMPLE: "The password you entered doesn't meet password policy requirements" error
Change Minimum Password Length for Local Accounts in Windows 10-password_doesnt_meet_requirements.png






OPTION ONE

To Change Minimum Password Length for Local Accounts using Local Security Policy


Note   Note
Local Security Policy is only available in the Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

All editions can use Option Two below.


1. Press the Win+R keys to open Run, type secpol.msc into Run, and click/tap on OK to open Local Security Policy.

2. Navigate to Account Policies and Password Policy in the left pane of Local Security Policy. (see screenshot below)

Change Minimum Password Length for Local Accounts in Windows 10-minimum_password_length_secpol-1.jpg

3. In the right pane of Password Policy, double click/tap on the Minimum password length policy. (see screenshot above)

4. Type in a number between 0 and 14 for how many characters you want a password must at least have, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)
Note   Note
The default setting is 0 characters.


Change Minimum Password Length for Local Accounts in Windows 10-minimum_password_length_secpol-2.png

5. When finished, you can close the Local Security Policy window if you like.

6. If you like, you can force local accounts to change their password at next sign-in to enforce your changes to minimum password length.






OPTION TWO

To Change Minimum Password Length for Local Accounts using Command Prompt


1. Open an elevated command prompt.

2. Enter the command below into the elevated command prompt, press Enter, and make note of the current minimum password length. (see screenshot below)

net accounts

Change Minimum Password Length for Local Accounts in Windows 10-net_accounts.jpg

3. Enter the command below into the elevated command prompt, and press Enter. (see screenshot below)

net accounts /minpwlen:NumberOfCharacters

Note   Note
Substitute NumberOfCharacters in the command above with a number between 0 and 14 for how many characters you want a password must at least have.

The default setting is 0 characters.


Change Minimum Password Length for Local Accounts in Windows 10-minimum_password_length-command.png

4. When finished, you can close the elevated command prompt if you like.

5. If you like, you can force local accounts to change their password at next sign-in to enforce your changes to minimum password length.


That's it,
Shawn


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