Change your password from the Microsoft account website

The fastest way to change your Microsoft account password is to go directly to the Microsoft account security page. Open a web browser, go to account.microsoft.com, and sign in with your current password. Click Security in the left menu, then find the Password section and select Change password. You'll enter your current password once more, then type your new password twice to confirm it matches.

Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity before the change takes effect. This usually means entering a code sent to your backup email address or phone number on file. Once you confirm, the password change is complete. You can then use the new password to sign into Windows, Outlook, OneDrive, Xbox, or any other service linked to that Microsoft account.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in, click Security, and select Change password to update your password from any device.
  • You must enter your current password and then type your new password twice to confirm it matches.
  • Microsoft requires identity verification, usually a code sent to your backup email or phone, before the change is saved.
  • Your new password takes effect immediately across all devices and services tied to your Microsoft account.
  • If you forget your current password, use the "Can't access your account" link on the sign-in page instead of the password change option.

What happens after you change your password

Once your new password is confirmed, you'll be signed out of the Microsoft account website. On your personal devices—your computer, phone, or tablet—you may stay signed in temporarily, but you'll need to enter the new password the next time you sign in or when the session expires.

If you use Outlook, OneDrive, or other Microsoft services on your phone or tablet, those apps may ask for your new password within a few hours. On Windows computers, you can keep using your old password to sign in locally until you update it in Settings, though Microsoft recommends changing it there too for consistency.

Change your password from Windows Settings

If you prefer to change your password directly on your Windows computer, open Settings, go to Accounts, then select Your info or Sign-in options depending on your Windows version. Look for Password and click Change. Windows will ask you to enter your current password, then your new password twice.

This method works only on the computer you're using—it doesn't change your password across all your Microsoft services. For that reason, changing it on the Microsoft website (account.microsoft.com) is more reliable. However, changing it in Windows Settings is useful if you want to update your local sign-in password at the same time.

Create a strong password Microsoft will accept

Microsoft doesn't enforce a single set of password rules, but the service does reject passwords that are too simple or that you've used before with that account. A password that works well is at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or @.

Avoid using your name, username, or common words that appear in the dictionary. Don't reuse a password you've used with this account in the past—Microsoft keeps a history and will block it. If Microsoft rejects your new password, try adding a number or symbol, or make it longer.

If you can't remember your current password

If you've forgotten your current password, you can't use the password change option. Instead, go to the Microsoft sign-in page and click Can't access your account? or Forgot my password. Microsoft will ask you to enter your email address or phone number, then send a code to verify your identity.

Once you've verified who you are, you can set a completely new password without entering the old one. This process takes a few minutes and is the standard way to regain access if you're locked out.

Two-factor authentication and password changes

If you've turned on two-factor authentication for your Microsoft account, you'll need to complete that extra verification step when you change your password. Microsoft will send a code to your phone or email after you enter your current password. Enter that code before you're allowed to create a new password.

Two-factor authentication adds security to your account, so the extra step is worth the time. If you don't receive the code, check your spam folder or use a backup verification method if you've set one up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my new password to work everywhere?

Your new password works immediately on the Microsoft website and most services like Outlook and OneDrive. On Windows computers and phones, you may stay signed in for a while, but you'll need to enter the new password the next time you sign in. Most devices update within a few hours.

Can I change my password on my phone?

Yes. Open a web browser on your phone, go to account.microsoft.com, sign in, tap Security, and select Change password. Follow the same steps as on a computer. You can also change it through the Settings app on an iPhone or Android phone if you use a Microsoft account there.

What if I change my password but still can't sign in?

Wait a few hours for the change to spread across Microsoft's servers, then try again. If you're still locked out, go to account.microsoft.com and use "Can't access your account?" to verify your identity and reset your password again. Clear your browser cache or try a different browser if the website isn't responding correctly.

Do I need to change my password on every device I own?

No. Your Microsoft account password is the same across all devices. Once you change it on the Microsoft website, it's updated everywhere. You may need to enter the new password on individual devices the next time you sign in, but you don't change the password separately on each one.