How to Fix Error: Windows Cannot Complete The Password Change

Changing passwords regularly is crucial for maintaining online security. However, Windows users may encounter an issue where they are unable to complete the password change process successfully. This article delves into the reasons behind this error and provides solutions to troubleshoot and resolve the problem.

Why the error “Windows cannot complete the password change” pops out?

When attempting to change their passwords, users may come across different error messages that prevent them from completing the process. Some common error messages include "Windows cannot complete the password change," and error code. These messages can be frustrating and worrisome, but understanding the underlying causes can help find a resolution.

This signifies that the password does not fit the standards of the password policy. This indicates that the password you are attempting to set does not comply with the Password Policy configured on the domain side.

The administrator modifies the password policy from time to time, and your password is compatible with the previous regulations. Your previous password will continue to operate until you forget it or it expires automatically. When you attempt to reset your password, you may enter the strongest password possible, but the system will not accept it until you comply with the new policies.

How to fix the error “Windows cannot complete the password change access is denied”

If you also meet the error “Windows cannot complete the password change” and haven’t found a proper way to fix it, then this part will help you. In this part, we’ll use Computer Management, and CMD to change relevant settings to fix the problem. And we’ll also introduce you a third-party tool to help you change the password if the Windows built-in tools don’t work well.

Solution 1. Perform compmgmt.msc to fix “Windows cannot complete the password change”

Step 1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, then type compmgmt.msc and press “Enter” to open the Computer Management.

Step 2. Now, you can expand Local Users and Groups -> Users. On the right side, right-click on the user account which is not allowing you to change its password, then select Properties from the context menu.

Step 3. You need to uncheck a box “User cannot change password“. Click Apply and then OK.

Now you should be able to change or set a Windows password in Control Panel.

Solution 2. Fix “Windows cannot change the password” using Command Prompt

Step 1. Press Windows + X and then select Command Prompt (Admin) to run Command Prompt as administrator.

Step 2. Type net user /Passwordchg:yes and press Enter key. Replace the with your user name. When it displays 'The command completed successfully', the problem is fixed and you can change your user account password.

Solution 3. Change password without login Windows via third-party tool

If the above solutions are both failed, then you can also choose a third-party tool to change password. AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional is a handy disk and PC manager for Windows 11/10/8/8.1/7/XP. The “Reset Password” function can help users reset or remove password even no need to login in.

Step 1. Prepare an empty USB and connect it to a running Windows 10 computer. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant. And Click "Reset Password" in the main interface.

Step 2. In the pop-up window, click "Next" to begin to create a WinPE bootable media.

Step 3. Here we tick "USB Boot Device" and choose your prepared USB and click "Proceed" to move on.

Step 4. Note that the USB flash drive will be formatted during the process. If there is important data on it, please make a backup and redo; if not, click "OK" to continue.

Step 5. When the bootable USB is created successfully, unplug it and connect it to your Windows 10 computer. Boot the PC from this USB, and you will see the interface of AOMEI Partition Assistant. Click "Reset Password, select the Windows system you would like to operate (Here we take Windows 7 as an example), and click "Next".

Step 6. Then, select the account you would like to operate and select the feature you want to use: "Remove Account Password" or "Reset Account Password". Here we choose "Reset Account Password" and click "Next".

Step 7. Type the new password and confirm it, then click "Yes". Then, you can log into your Windows 10 system with the new password.

To sum up

In conclusion, encountering the "Windows cannot complete the password change" error can be frustrating, but it's not insurmountable. By understanding the possible causes and following the troubleshooting steps mentioned in this article, users can successfully resolve password change issues and maintain the security of their Windows accounts.

AOMEI Partition Assistant also has many other practical functions like disk cloning, app mover, extending C drive, MBR/GPT data-safe conversion, etc.