5 Ways to Fix ERROR_PWD_TOO_LONG

The ERROR_PWD_TOO_LONG with error code 657 (0x291) and description The password provided is too long to meet the policy of your user account. Please choose a shorter password, indicates password you’re trying to set exceeds the maximum allowed length for your user account based on the password policy of your operating system.

How can I fix ERROR_PWD_TOO_LONG?

1. Change the maximum password length

Local Group Policy

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
2. Type secpol.msc and click OK to open the Local Security Policy window.
3. Go to Account Policies, then select Password Policy.
4. From the right pane, select an option similar Maximum password length like Relax minimum password limits.
5. Double-click it and change the value accordingly.
6. Click OK to save the changes, then restart your computer to let the changes take effect.

Active Directory (Domain Controller)

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run console.
2. Type gpmc.msc and click OK to open the Group Policy Management Console window.
3. Expand the forest, and select Domains> and click your domain name.
4. Right-click the Default Domain Policy and select Edit.
5. Navigate to this path: Computer Configuration > Policies > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Account Policies > Password Policy
6. Look for Maximum password length and adjust the value to a desired one.
7. Click OK to save the changes.

Once done, you need to open Command Prompt with admin rights, and run the gpupdate /force command on all the devices.

2. Create a shorter password

If the password you are trying to set is longer than the allowed limit, you can try to shorten it to fit in the allowed range.

You should also remember the requirements, which are including uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters to avoid errors related to password strength.

3. Modify the Password policy

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
2. Type secpol.msc and click OK to open the Local Security Policy window.
3. Go to Account Policies, then select Password Policy.
4. Double-click Minimum password length and change the value.
5. Click Apply, and OK to save the changes.

In conclusion to fix the ERROR_PWD_TOO_LONG, you can change the maximum password length, create a shorter password, or modify the password policy.

While you are here, you can check out our detailed guide on disable password complexity on Windows 11. If you want to learn about the process of setting up domain password policy; we have a separate guide for you.

If you have any questions or suggestions about the BSoD error, feel free to mention them in the comments section below.