Change Your Password Directly in Outlook

The fastest way to change your Outlook password is through the account settings in Outlook itself. Open Outlook on your computer or phone, go to File (or the menu icon on mobile), then select Account Settings or Info. Look for an option labeled Change Password or Security. Click it, enter your current password, then type your new password twice to confirm. The change takes effect immediately.

On the web version at outlook.com, sign in and click your profile picture in the top right corner. Select View Account or Settings, then find Security or Password. You will be asked to verify your identity — usually by entering a code sent to your phone or recovery email — before you can set a new password.

If you use Outlook through your workplace or school, your organization may have locked this option. In that case, contact your IT department or help desk. They control password changes for accounts on their network.

Key Takeaways

  • Desktop Outlook users go to File > Account Settings > Change Password and enter their current password plus the new one twice.
  • Outlook.com users click their profile picture, select Settings, find Security or Password, and verify their identity before setting a new password.
  • Work or school accounts may require you to contact your IT department because the organization controls password changes.
  • Your new password takes effect right away in Outlook, but may take a few minutes to sync across other devices or apps using that account.
  • If you forget your current password, use the "I forgot my password" link on the sign-in screen instead of trying to change it from within Outlook.

What Happens When You Change Your Password

Once you change your password in Outlook, you are signed out of all other devices and apps using that account. This is a security measure. You will need to sign back in with your new password on your phone, tablet, laptop, or any other place you use Outlook or access your email.

The sign-out happens within a few minutes on most devices. If you have Outlook open on multiple computers, close and reopen it on each one. If you use the Outlook app on your phone, you may see a prompt asking you to re-enter your password. Do that, and the app will sync normally again.

Creating a Strong New Password

Microsoft requires passwords to be at least eight characters long. A strong password includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or @. Avoid using your name, email address, or common words that appear in the dictionary.

A password like "BlueSky2024!" is stronger than "password123" because it mixes character types and does not rely on predictable patterns. Write your new password down in a secure place — a password manager, a locked notebook, or a safe at home — so you do not forget it.

If You Cannot Access the Change Password Option

Some versions of Outlook do not show a change password button. This usually means your account is managed by your employer, school, or organization. In that case, you cannot change the password through Outlook. Contact your IT department or the help desk that manages your account.

If you use an older version of Outlook (2010 or earlier), the steps may be different. Update to a newer version if possible, or contact Microsoft Support for instructions specific to your version.

Syncing Your New Password Across Devices

After you change your password, Outlook on your computer updates right away. Your phone or tablet may take a few minutes to sync. If you see an error message saying your password is wrong, wait five to ten minutes and try signing back in again.

If a device still will not accept your new password after waiting, sign out completely, then sign back in. On most phones, go to Settings > Accounts > Outlook, remove the account, then add it again with your new password. On a computer, go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings again, find your email address, click Change, and enter your new password.

What to Do If You Forget Your New Password

If you change your password and then forget it, go to the Outlook sign-in page and click Can't access your account? or Forgot password? Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email address or phone number you set up earlier. Once verified, you can create another new password.

This is why setting up a recovery email and phone number is important. Without them, you may not be able to regain access to your account. If you have not done this yet, add them to your account as soon as you can. Go to your account settings and look for Security Info or Recovery Options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my Outlook password?

Microsoft does not require you to change your password on a schedule. Change it if you think someone else knows it, if you used the same password on another site that was hacked, or if your organization's policy requires it. Most people change their password once or twice a year as a precaution.

Will changing my password affect my email or files?

No. Changing your password does not delete your email, contacts, or files. It only changes how you sign in. All your data stays in your account and will be there when you sign back in with your new password.

Can I change my password on my phone?

Yes. On the Outlook mobile app, tap the menu icon, go to Settings, find your account, and look for Password or Security. The exact steps vary by phone type, but the option is usually in the account or security section. You can also change it on outlook.com from any web browser on your phone.

What if I get an error message when I try to change my password?

Common errors include "Password does not meet requirements" (use uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a symbol) or "You cannot change your password right now" (try again in a few minutes, or contact your IT department if it is a work account). If the error persists, try changing your password on outlook.com instead of the desktop app.