How to Change Your Outlook Password (Step-by-Step Guide)

Changing your Outlook password is an important step in keeping your email account secure. Whether you’re using Outlook with a Microsoft account, a work or school account, or Outlook on different devices, the process is straightforward once you know where to look. This guide walks you through all common scenarios.

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Important Note Before You Start

Outlook does not store its own password. Your Outlook password is the same password used for:

• Your Microsoft account (Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live)
• Or your work or school account (Microsoft 365 / Exchange)

Changing the password must be done at the account provider level, not directly inside the Outlook app.

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How to Change Your Outlook Password (Microsoft Account)

This applies to Outlook.com, Hotmail.com, and Live.com accounts.

Steps:

1. Go to https://account.microsoft.com/security
2. Sign in with your Outlook email address
3. Select Password security
4. Choose Change my password
5. Enter your current password
6. Create and confirm a new password
7. Click Save

✅ Your Outlook password is now updated.

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How to Change Outlook Password for Work or School Accounts

If your Outlook account is provided by an employer or school:

Steps:

1. Visit https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info
2. Sign in with your work or school email
3. Select Password
4. Choose Change password
5. Enter your current password and set a new one

⚠️ If you don’t see this option, your organization may manage passwords. Contact your IT administrator for help.

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Update the Password in the Outlook App (Desktop)

After changing your password online, you may need to update it in Outlook.

On Windows or macOS:

1. Open Outlook
2. When prompted, enter your new password
3. Check Remember my credentials
4. Sign in

If Outlook doesn’t prompt you automatically:

1. Go to File → Account Settings
2. Select your email account
3. Click Change or Repair
4. Enter the new password when asked

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How to Change Outlook Password on Mobile (Android & iOS)

1. Open the Outlook app
2. Go to Settings
3. Select your email account
4. Tap Reset account or Sign out
5. Sign back in using your new password

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What If You Forgot Your Outlook Password?

If you can’t remember your password:

1. Go to https://account.microsoft.com/password/reset
2. Enter your Outlook email address
3. Verify your identity (SMS, email, or authenticator app)
4. Create a new password

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Password Security Tips

• Use a strong, unique password (12+ characters)
• Combine uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
• Avoid using old passwords
• Enable two-step verification (2FA) for extra security
• Use a password manager to store credentials safely

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Common Issues & Fixes

Outlook keeps asking for a password

• Remove and re-add the account
• Clear stored credentials in Credential Manager (Windows)
• Ensure Caps Lock is off

Password changed but Outlook won’t sync

• Restart Outlook
• Update Outlook to the latest version
• Run Account Repair

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Final Thoughts

Changing your Outlook password is quick and helps protect your personal or professional data. Remember, the change must be made through your Microsoft or organization account—not directly within Outlook itself. Once updated, sign back into all devices to avoid sync issues.

Keeping your password updated and enabling two-factor authentication are the best ways to keep your Outlook account secure.