- Password expiration in Windows 11 It is configured in different ways depending on the type of account and edition.
- Expiration management can be done from the system or, for Microsoft accounts, from the official website.
- In professional environments, password expiration and history policies are set by the administrator at the domain level.
Have you encountered him annoying message that your password is going to expire soon Windows 11Many users, whether for privacy, security, or simple convenience, seek to change the mandatory password change frequency or even disable expiration completely. Keeping your password expiration settings clear can prevent surprises and even prevent unexpected account lockouts.
In this extensive article you will discover All the available options to change the password expiration date in Windows 11, whether you use a local account, a Microsoft account, are part of a domain, or have one of the different editions of the system. We'll review detailed instructions, warnings, and alternatives so you can adapt security to your real needs, without losing sight of the best practices recommended by experts in ciberseguridad.
Why do passwords expire in Windows 11?
La periodic password expiration It is a policy that has existed since ancient times in Windows systems, especially in professional environments. Its main objective is force users to update their password regularly, making it difficult for potential attackers to obtain it through brute force techniques or by stealing old data.
However, according to the latest security studies, Forcing frequent password changes can be counterproductiveMany users end up choosing weaker passwords, reusing old ones, or following predictable patterns. Therefore, it is currently recommended to complement or even prioritize other measures, such as multi-factor authentication, rather than a strict expiration policy.
Still, Windows 11 retains the option to configure when passwords expireBy default, it's usually disabled on home accounts, but for business or educational accounts, it may be set to a specific period, typically between 30 and 90 days.
Differences depending on the user type and version of Windows 11
Before you rush into changing your password validity, it is crucial that identify your account type and the edition of Windows 11 you use. Why? Because the steps and possibilities vary depending on whether it is a local account, a Microsoft account (email), you are within a domain (Active Directory) or you use a Home, Professional, Enterprise or Education edition.
- Local account: This is a typical user account that doesn't rely on a Microsoft email account. You can manage the expiration date from your own computer.
- Microsoft account: If you log in with your Microsoft email (Hotmail, Outlook, etc.), the expiration is mainly managed online from your account website.
- Business domains: If your computer is joined to a domain (Active Directory), policies are up to system administrators.
- System Edition: Windows 11 Home does not include some advanced tools to modify the expiration; however, there are alternatives via the online helpline. commands.
How long is it recommended to set the expiration date?
Microsoft suggests that the maximum password lifespan be between 30 and 90 days.Although you can choose from 1 to 999 days, it's always a good idea to tailor it to your needs and exposure level. In domestic accounts, it is not usually necessary to force frequent changes, but in professional or educational environments it is good practice to have some control.
How to check and change password expiration in Windows 11
We explain step by step how to view and change password expiration, breaking down the process by account type and system edition.
For local accounts on Windows 11 Professional, Enterprise, and Education
- Access user management: Press Windows + R and type lusrmgr.msc. Press Enter.
- Find the user: In the left column, click “Users” and select your username on the right.
- Modify the expiration: Right-click on the user and select “Properties.” Check or uncheck the box. 'The password never expires'If you check this box, you will never be asked to change your password.
This method is quick and easy, but you'll only find it in Professional, Enterprise, and Education editions.If you're using Home, read on.
For Windows 11 Home and local accounts without access to lusrmgr.msc
- Using command line as administrator:
- Press the Windows key, type CMD, right click on “Symbol of the system” and select “Run as administrator”.
- To disable password expiration run:
net accounts /maxpwage:unlimited - If you prefer to set a number of days (between 1 and 999), run for example:
net accounts /maxpwage:60 (this requires changing your password every 60 days)
With this you will have control over when Windows requires you to update your key.
Modify the validity using PowerShell
If you prefer or need to use PowerShell, the commands are virtually identical. Open PowerShell as an administrator and run the above command as you prefer.
Another alternative for any version: WMIC
- Open the terminal as administrator (CMD or PowerShell).
- Run:
wmic path Win32_UserAccount WHERE Name='your_user' set PasswordExpiries=false
Replace 'your_user' with the exact name of your Windows user.
This command disables expiration for a specific userIf you set it back to “true,” it will expire again according to the established policy.
Using the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc)
One of the most powerful options in Professional, Enterprise and Education editions is the Local Group Policy EditorHere you can set not only the maximum password age, but also advanced password options.
- Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc and hit Enter.
- Browse by:
Computer Configuration → Windows Settings → Security Settings → Account Policies → Password Policy - double click on Maximum password lifetime and set the number of days you prefer. The default is usually 42 days.
- You can configure other options such as minimum length, requiring password history, etc.
Don't have gpedit.msc? You're probably using the Home edition. Use the commands seen previously.
How does expiration work on Microsoft accounts?
If your Windows user logs in using a Microsoft email, Password expiration is controlled online:
- Accede to https://account.microsoft.com and log in.
- Go to section Security and then to Change Password.
- You will find the option 'Make me change my password every 72 days'. Activate or deactivate it according to your preferences and click save.
- This setting only affects Microsoft accounts, not local accounts.
Configuration on computers within a domain (companies/organizations)
In businesses, schools and other domain environments, Expiration is determined by the system administrator through group policies (GPO) in Active Directory:
- The administrator modifies these policies from the administration console (gpmc.msc) on the Default Domain Policy.
- You can set the maximum password age, the history of previous keys, minimum length, and other security parameters.
- The changes apply to all users in the domain, and in some cases, users may not be able to modify the expiration themselves.
If you have any questions, please contact your organization's technical support.
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