Remove the "Change a password" option from the Windows 7 logon screen
There are several ways to change your Windows 7 password, or to change the password of another user: one of the less commonly known ones is to go through the Windows Security Screen (the "logon screen" you see when pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del on your keyboard while logged into a user account). Just press that keystroke, and you'll be able to change your password, or another user's; but, just like most everything else in Windows, this feature can be customized: namely, you can disable and hide this button from the security screen (and hide other buttons using the same steps, as you'll guess how below). Note that the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit) will affect all Windows users, not just the one you're logged into.
Customize your Windows 7 logon screen settings
There are several settings you can configure for the logon screen you see when pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del in Windows 7 (which is different from the logon screen you see when logging in or logging out). The steps outlined below assume that you are either logged in as an administrator, or have the admin password:
- To launch the "Local Group Policy Editor": open the start menu, and type "gpedit.msc" in the search field - press Enter or click on the matching search result at the top.
- Windows 7 will launch the program, with a "table of contents" listing of node in the resizable pane on the left hand side. Follow these steps to customize the Windows logon screen:
• Double-click on "User Configuration" to expand it.
• Double-click on "Administrative Templates".
• Double-click on "System".
• Click once to show the settings available under "Ctrl+Alt+Del Options". - Windows 7 now shows options on the right: either select "Remove Change Password" and click on the "Edit policy setting" link, or simply double-click on "Remove Change Password".
- In the dialog that opened, select the "Disabled" radio button, (optionally add a comment if you want to document your reasons), and click "OK" to apply the setting. This will permanently disable and hide the "Change a Password" button (until the feature's manually re-enabled).
Testing new setting, and alternate technique
You can now double-check your new setting by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del: the "Change a Password" button should now be hidden. There is also another way to hide this button, using regedit (advanced users only!) - the key in is "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System".
Tip: note that removing the "Change a password" button from the Windows security screen applies to all users on this PC. Also note that they'll still be able to change their password by other means - to turn off the feature altogether, learn how you can prevent Windows 7 users from changing their password.
Reset Change Windows 7 Password is not affiliated with Microsoft; Windows 7, the Windows logo, and other Windows-related brands mentioned on this site are registered trademarks of Microsoft and/or other companies. Always use best judgment when changing Windows 7 password and other credentials or security settings on your computer, laptop, or PC. Information on change your Windows 7 password is provided "as is", without warranties of any kind. Keep your Windows 7 passwords safe and never share them.