Open Outlook settings and find the password change option

The fastest way to change your Outlook password depends on which version you use. If you access Outlook through a web browser at outlook.com or outlook.office.com, you change your password through your Microsoft account settings, not through Outlook itself. If you use Outlook as a desktop application on Windows or Mac, you change the password through your Microsoft account as well — the application pulls your login credentials from there.

Start by going to account.microsoft.com in your web browser and signing in with your current Outlook email and password. Once you are logged in, look for "Security" or "Security & privacy" in the left menu. Click on "Password" or "Change password" — the exact wording varies depending on your account type and region.

Enter your current password and create a new one

Microsoft will ask you to type your current password first as a security check. This confirms that you are the person who owns the account. Type it carefully — if you make a mistake, you will have to start over.

Next, create a new password. Microsoft requires at least 8 characters and recommends mixing uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using your name, email address, or any password you have used before on this account. Write the new password down somewhere secure, or use a password manager to store it, before you submit the change.

Confirm the change and update your devices

After you submit your new password, Microsoft will send a confirmation email to your recovery email address (the backup email you set up with your account). Open that email and follow the link to confirm the change. This step protects your account in case someone else tried to change your password without permission.

Once the change is confirmed, you will need to update the password on any device where you use Outlook. On a Windows or Mac desktop, open Outlook and you will be prompted to sign in again with your new password. On a phone or tablet, remove the Outlook account from the app settings and add it again using the new password. If you use Outlook in a web browser, you will be signed out automatically and will sign back in with the new password the next time you visit.

What to do if you forget your current password

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot change it through the normal process — Microsoft requires you to enter it first. Instead, go to account.microsoft.com and look for "Can't access your account" or a similar link on the sign-in page. Follow the recovery steps, which usually involve confirming your identity through a recovery email or phone number.

Microsoft will walk you through resetting your password rather than changing it. A reset creates an entirely new password, whereas a change requires you to know the old one. The recovery process takes the same security steps — you will receive a confirmation email — but it is the route to use when you have lost access to your current password.

Troubleshooting when the password change does not work

If you enter your current password correctly but the system says it is wrong, wait a few minutes and try again. Sometimes Microsoft's servers are slow to process the request. If the problem continues, clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try from a different browser or a private browsing window.

If you see an error message about your account being locked or suspended, contact Microsoft Support through account.microsoft.com. Do not try to change your password repeatedly — too many failed attempts can trigger a temporary lock on your account for security reasons. If you are locked out, wait at least 24 hours before trying again, or use the account recovery process instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in, and select "Security" or "Security & privacy" to find the password change option.
  • You must enter your current password before creating a new one, so have it ready before you start.
  • Microsoft will send a confirmation email to your recovery address — open it and follow the link to complete the change.
  • After you change your password, sign out and sign back in on every device where you use Outlook, including phones, tablets, and desktop applications.
  • If you forget your current password, use the account recovery process at account.microsoft.com instead of trying to change it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the password change to work on all my devices?

The change takes effect immediately on account.microsoft.com, but each device needs to sign out and sign back in separately. Desktop Outlook usually prompts you to re-enter your password within a few minutes. Mobile apps may take longer — up to an hour — to sync the change. If a device does not prompt you, remove the account manually and add it again with the new password.

Will changing my password sign me out of Outlook on my phone?

Yes. After you change your password, Outlook on your phone will show an error or ask you to sign in again. Open the Outlook app, tap your account, and enter your new password. If the app does not prompt you automatically, go to Settings, find your Outlook account, remove it, and add it again with the new credentials.

Can I change my password if I use Outlook through my work or school account?

No. Work and school accounts are managed by your organization's IT department, not by Microsoft directly. Contact your IT help desk or your organization's support team to change a work or school password. They may have different security rules or a different process than personal Microsoft accounts.

What should I do if I do not receive the confirmation email?

Check your spam or junk folder — confirmation emails sometimes end up there. If you still do not see it after 10 minutes, go back to account.microsoft.com and try the password change again. If the email arrives after you have already restarted the process, you can ignore it. If you never receive a confirmation email after multiple attempts, contact Microsoft Support.