Change your Outlook password through your Microsoft account settings
To change the password for your Outlook email account, you log into your Microsoft account online and update it there. Outlook itself does not have a separate password system — it uses your Microsoft account credentials. Once you change your Microsoft password, that new password works for Outlook on all your devices.
The process takes about five minutes and requires you to verify your identity before Microsoft lets you set a new password. You can do this from any computer or phone with internet access.
Key Takeaways
- Your Outlook password is the same as your Microsoft account password, so you change it in your Microsoft account settings, not in Outlook itself.
- You must verify your identity by entering a code sent to your phone or recovery email before you can create a new password.
- After you change your password, you may need to sign out and sign back into Outlook on your phone or computer for the new password to take effect.
- If you forget your current password, Microsoft can send you a reset link to your recovery email or phone number.
Step-by-step instructions to change your password
Go to account.microsoft.com in your web browser and sign in with your Outlook email address and current password. Once you are logged in, look for the account menu — this is usually in the top right corner of the page, often shown as your name or a circular icon.
Click on your account menu and select Change password or Security (the exact wording varies depending on your region). Microsoft will ask you to enter your current password again to confirm your identity. Type it in and continue.
Next, Microsoft sends a verification code to your phone number or recovery email address on file. Check whichever method you chose and enter that code into the box on the screen. This step confirms that you are the account owner and not someone else trying to change your password.
Once the code is verified, you can now create your new password. Microsoft requires passwords to be at least eight characters long and recommends mixing uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Enter your new password twice to make sure you typed it correctly, then click Next or Save.
What happens after you change your password
Your new password takes effect immediately in your Microsoft account. However, if you use Outlook on your phone, tablet, or desktop computer, you may need to sign out and sign back in for those devices to recognize the new password. This usually happens automatically within a few minutes, but you can speed it up by closing the app completely and reopening it.
If you use Outlook on the web (outlook.com), you will be signed out automatically after changing your password. You will need to sign back in with your new password the next time you visit.
If you cannot remember your current password
If you have forgotten your current password and cannot sign into your Microsoft account, go to account.microsoft.com/security and click Can't access your account. Microsoft will walk you through a recovery process that uses your recovery email or phone number to verify who you are.
The recovery process can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours depending on which verification method you use. Microsoft may ask you security questions you set up when you created your account, or they may send a code to your recovery email or phone. Once you verify your identity, you can set a brand new password without needing to know the old one.
Signing back into Outlook on your devices
After you change your password, your phone, tablet, or computer may still be trying to use the old password. If you see an error message saying your password is wrong, sign out of Outlook completely on that device and sign back in with your new password.
On a Windows computer, open Outlook and go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings again. Find your email account in the list, click it, and select Change. Enter your new password and click Next. On a Mac, go to Outlook > Preferences > Accounts, select your account, and update the password field.
On an iPhone or Android phone, open the Outlook app, tap your profile picture in the top left corner, select Settings, find your account, and tap Change Password. Enter your new password and the app will update automatically.
Why you might want to change your password regularly
Changing your password periodically is one way to protect your account from unauthorized access. If you suspect someone else knows your password, or if you have used the same password on multiple websites and one of those sites was breached, changing your Microsoft password is a good step to take.
You do not need to change your password on any set schedule — Microsoft does not require it. However, if you share a computer with other people or use public computers, changing your password afterward adds an extra layer of security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my password on Outlook.com separately from my Microsoft account?
No. Outlook.com is part of your Microsoft account, so changing your Microsoft password automatically changes your Outlook password. You only need to change it in one place.
What if I change my password but Outlook on my phone still says it is wrong?
Sign out of the Outlook app completely, wait a few seconds, and sign back in with your new password. If that does not work, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app. Sometimes the app holds onto the old password in its memory and needs to be refreshed.
Can I use a password I have used before?
Microsoft does not let you reuse your last few passwords for security reasons. If you try to use an old password, the system will reject it and ask you to choose a different one.
How long does it take for my new password to work everywhere?
Your new password works immediately on outlook.com and other Microsoft services online. On your phone or computer, it usually takes a few minutes after you sign back in. If a device is still not recognizing it after 10 minutes, restart the device or the app.