Changing your Outlook password is an important security step that keeps your email account safe from unauthorized access. Many users struggle with finding where to update their password, especially after Microsoft’s frequent interface updates. To change your Outlook password, you’ll need to access your Microsoft account security settings, select “Change my password,” enter your current password, and then create a new one.
Keeping your email password current helps protect your personal information and prevents hackers from accessing your account. Microsoft recommends updating passwords regularly as part of good security practices. Whether you’re using Outlook on the web, desktop application, or mobile device, the process follows similar steps that connect to your overall Microsoft account settings.
How to Change Outlook Password: Step-by-Step Guide
Changing your Outlook password depends on whether you’re using Outlook with a Microsoft account (like @outlook.com, @hotmail.com) or through a work/school account tied to Microsoft 365. Here’s how to do both:
🔐 For Microsoft Accounts (Outlook.com, Hotmail.com, Live.com)
- Go to the Microsoft Account Security Page
- Visit https://account.microsoft.com/security and sign in with your Microsoft credentials.
- Click on “Password security”
- You may be asked to verify your identity via email, SMS, or an authenticator app.
- Enter Your Current Password
- Then type your new password and confirm it.
- Click “Save”
- Your new password will now be active for Outlook and all Microsoft services linked to your account (e.g., OneDrive, Skype, Xbox).
- Update Password in Outlook App (If Needed)
- If you use the Outlook desktop or mobile app, you may be prompted to re-enter your new password the next time you open it.
🏢 For Outlook with Work or School Account (Microsoft 365)
- Visit the Microsoft 365 Portal
- Go to https://portal.office.com and sign in with your work/school email and password.
- Click on Your Profile Icon (Top Right)
- Then select “View Account” or “My Account.”
- Go to “Security Info” or “Password”
- In the account settings, find the password or security settings tab.
- Change Your Password
- Enter your current password, then type and confirm the new one.
- Click “Submit”
- Once changed, your new password will apply across all linked Microsoft services.
- Restart Outlook if Needed
- Outlook may ask you to sign in again with the updated password.
💡 Extra Tips
- Use a strong password with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
- Turn on two-step verification for added security (available under account security settings).
- If your account is managed by an organization, your admin may enforce password rules or handle changes for you.
Key Takeaways
- Changing your Outlook password requires accessing Microsoft account security settings rather than making changes within the Outlook application itself.
- Regular password updates significantly improve email security and help protect personal information from unauthorized access.
- Different Outlook versions (web, desktop, mobile) all use the same Microsoft account password, so changing it once updates it everywhere.
Understanding Password Security in Outlook
Password security forms the foundation of protecting your Outlook email account from unauthorized access. Microsoft has implemented various security features to ensure your personal information stays safe.
The Importance of a Strong Password
A strong password is your first line of defense against hackers and unauthorized access to your Outlook account. Microsoft recommends using a password that’s at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Avoid using common information like birthdays, names, or simple patterns that can be easily guessed. Each year, passwords like “123456” and “password” continue to top the list of most commonly breached credentials.
Consider using a passphrase—a longer string of words with special characters mixed in—rather than a single complex word. For example, “Blue$kyTree55!” is more secure than “Password1”.
Changing your password regularly, typically every 60-90 days, adds another layer of security to your Outlook account.
Secure Password Authentication
Microsoft has enhanced Outlook’s security with multi-factor authentication (MFA). This system requires both your password and a second verification method, such as a code sent to your phone.
When you enter your password on Outlook, the service uses encrypted connections to protect your credentials during transmission. This prevents attackers from intercepting your password as it travels across the internet.
Microsoft’s security systems also monitor for suspicious login attempts. If someone tries to access your account from an unfamiliar location or device, Outlook may block the attempt and alert you.
For added protection, Outlook offers password-less authentication options like the Microsoft Authenticator app. This provides a more secure alternative to traditional passwords while maintaining convenience.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Outlook Password
Changing your Outlook password is essential for maintaining account security. The process varies slightly depending on whether you’re using a Microsoft account or working through your email provider.
Navigating to Account Settings
To begin changing your Outlook password, users need to access the account settings area. For desktop Outlook users, click on the File tab in the upper left corner of the application. Then select Account Settings from the dropdown menu.
In newer versions of Outlook, users might notice that the traditional method of changing passwords directly through Outlook’s profile settings has changed. This is because Microsoft has updated how password management works.
For web-based Outlook users, log in to outlook.com and click on the profile picture in the top right corner. Select My Account or My Profile to access account settings. From there, look for security options or password management sections.
Many organizations using Microsoft 365 or Office 365 manage passwords through their admin centers, so individual users might need to contact IT support.
Resetting Your Microsoft Account Password
If using a Microsoft account with Outlook, resetting the password requires visiting account.microsoft.com. After logging in, navigate to the Security tab and select Password security.
Microsoft will ask for the current password before allowing changes. For security purposes, Microsoft might require verification through a recovery email or phone number. Users should follow the prompts and enter the verification code sent.
When creating a new password, use a strong combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Microsoft recommends at least 8 characters, though 12 or more provides better security.
After confirming the new password, Microsoft will apply this change across all Microsoft services connected to the account, including Outlook, OneDrive, and other Microsoft 365 applications.
Updating Password on Multiple Devices
After changing the Outlook password, users need to update it on all devices where their email is configured. On mobile devices, open the Outlook app and look for a prompt requesting the new password.
If no prompt appears, go to the account settings within the Outlook app. Select the email account and update the password field. This process might vary slightly between iOS and Android devices.
For desktop email applications, users may need to enter the new password the next time they open the application. If Outlook continues to use the old password, open Credentials Manager in Windows by searching for it in the Start menu.
Find the Outlook or Microsoft account credentials, and select Edit or Remove. After removing the old credentials, reopen Outlook and enter the new password when prompted.
Some users may need to restart their devices after updating passwords for changes to take effect properly across all email applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Password management in Outlook can sometimes be confusing. These common questions cover various scenarios across different devices and account types.
How can one update the password for an Outlook account on an iPhone device?
To update an Outlook password on iPhone, users should open the Settings app and scroll down to “Passwords.” They should then find and select their Outlook or Microsoft account.
After selecting the account, users can tap “Edit” and enter the new password. Finally, they must save the changes to complete the update process.
What are the steps to change the Outlook password for Office 365 users?
Office 365 users need to visit the Microsoft account security page and sign in with their current credentials. After logging in, they should select the “Change my password” option under Password security.
The system will prompt them to enter their current password followed by the new password twice. Microsoft may send a verification code to confirm the identity before completing the change.
Where can users locate the password settings within Outlook?
In Outlook for Windows, users can find password settings by clicking on “File” in the top menu. Then they should select “Account Settings” and choose “Account Settings” again from the dropdown menu.
In the dialog box that appears, users should select their email profile and click on the “Data Files” tab. There they can select the appropriate data file to access password options.
What could be the reasons for Outlook repeatedly prompting for password entry after an update?
Outlook might repeatedly ask for a password if the stored credentials have become corrupted after an update. Outdated Outlook applications can also cause authentication problems.
Network issues or server connectivity problems might prevent proper authentication. Sometimes, account security settings change after updates, requiring users to reenter credentials.
How does one alter their Hotmail account password on an Android phone?
To change a Hotmail password on Android, users should open the Outlook app and tap on their profile icon. Then they should select “Settings” and choose their Hotmail account.
From there, they need to tap “Change password,” which will redirect them to a browser page. They must follow the on-screen instructions to enter their current password and set up a new one.
What is the process to reset an Outlook password directly from a mobile device?
Users can reset their Outlook password on mobile by opening the Outlook app and tapping “Forgot password” on the sign-in screen. They will need to enter their email address.
Microsoft will send a verification code to an alternate email or phone number. After entering this code, users can create and confirm a new password for their account.
