If you need to know how to change password in outlook, the process is simpler than you might think. Outlook password updates happen through your Microsoft account security settings, not within the app itself. This guide walks you through every step clearly and quickly.
Many users get confused because Outlook doesn’t have a direct “change password” button. Instead, you manage your password through your Microsoft account online. This applies to Outlook.com, the Outlook desktop app, and the mobile version.
Let’s break it down into simple steps so you can update your password in minutes. You’ll also learn what to do if you forget your password or run into issues.
How To Change Password In Outlook
Changing your Outlook password requires accessing your Microsoft account security page. This works for all Outlook email addresses ending in @outlook.com, @hotmail.com, @live.com, or @msn.com.
Here is the complete step-by-step process:
- Open your web browser and go to account.microsoft.com
- Sign in with your current Outlook email address and password
- Click on Security in the top navigation menu
- Select Password security or Change my password
- Verify your identity using the method you set up (email, phone, or authenticator app)
- Enter your current password, then type your new password twice
- Click Save or Submit to confirm the change
Your new password takes effect immediately. You will need to sign out and sign back into Outlook on all your devices using the new password.
What You Need Before Starting
Before you begin, make sure you have the following ready:
- Your current Outlook password
- Access to your recovery email or phone number
- A strong new password (at least 8 characters with letters, numbers, and symbols)
If you don’t have access to your recovery options, you may need to go through Microsoft’s account recovery process. This can take up to 24 hours.
Changing Password On Outlook Desktop App
The Outlook desktop app (part of Microsoft 365) does not have a built-in password changer. You must change it through your Microsoft account online as described above.
After updating your password online, follow these steps to update it in the desktop app:
- Open Outlook on your computer
- If prompted, enter your new password when Outlook asks for it
- If not prompted, go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings
- Select your email account and click Change
- Enter your new password in the password field
- Click Next and then Finish
Sometimes Outlook may not prompt you immediately. In that case, restarting the app usually forces the password update request.
Changing Password On Outlook Mobile App
For the Outlook mobile app on iPhone or Android, the process is similar. You change the password online, then update it in the app.
Here’s how to update the password in the mobile app:
- Open the Outlook app on your phone
- Tap your profile picture or initials in the top left corner
- Tap the gear icon to open Settings
- Tap your email account under Accounts
- Tap Change password or Sign out (depending on your version)
- If you signed out, sign back in with your new password
On some Android versions, you may need to go to your phone’s Settings > Accounts > Microsoft account to update the password there.
What If You Forgot Your Outlook Password
If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot change it the normal way. Instead, you must reset it using Microsoft’s password reset tool.
Follow these steps to reset a forgotten Outlook password:
- Go to account.live.com/password/reset
- Enter your Outlook email address
- Complete the security verification (CAPTCHA)
- Choose how to receive a security code (email, phone, or authenticator app)
- Enter the code you receive
- Create a new password and confirm it
After resetting, you can sign in to Outlook with your new password. Make sure to update it on all your devices.
Recovery Options If You Lose Access
If you don’t have access to your recovery email or phone, Microsoft offers an account recovery form. This process asks for details about your account to prove ownership.
Be prepared to provide:
- Previous passwords you remember
- Subject lines of recent emails
- Contacts you frequently email
- Device details where you used the account
The recovery process can take 24 to 48 hours. Microsoft will email you the result.
Tips For Creating A Strong Password
A strong password protects your Outlook account from hackers. Follow these guidelines when creating your new password:
- Use at least 12 characters
- Include uppercase and lowercase letters
- Add numbers and special characters like ! @ # $ %
- Avoid common words, names, or dates
- Do not reuse passwords from other accounts
Microsoft also recommends using a passphrase – a string of random words. For example, “PurpleElephantJump42!” is much stronger than “Password123”.
Using Two-Factor Authentication
For extra security, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Microsoft account. This requires a code from your phone or authenticator app each time you sign in.
To enable 2FA:
- Go to account.microsoft.com/security
- Click on Two-step verification
- Follow the prompts to set it up
- Choose your verification method (text, call, or app)
With 2FA enabled, even if someone gets your password, they cannot access your account without the second factor.
Common Issues When Changing Password
Sometimes the process does not go smoothly. Here are common problems and their solutions:
Password Change Not Working
If the Microsoft account page does not let you change your password, try these fixes:
- Clear your browser cache and cookies
- Use a different browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)
- Try in incognito or private mode
- Disable browser extensions that might interfere
If the issue persists, check if your account is locked or restricted. Microsoft may block password changes if they detect suspicious activity.
Outlook Not Accepting New Password
After changing your password online, Outlook might still ask for the old one. This usually happens because the app cached your old credentials.
To fix this:
- Sign out of Outlook completely
- Restart your computer or phone
- Open Outlook and enter your new password
- If it still fails, remove your account from Outlook and add it again
To remove and re-add your account in the desktop app: go to File > Account Settings > select your account > Remove. Then add it again with your new password.
Password Change Not Syncing Across Devices
Each device stores your password separately. Changing it online does not automatically update it on all devices. You must manually update it on each device.
For mobile devices, go to Settings > Accounts > Microsoft account and update the password there. For the Outlook app, sign out and sign back in.
How Often Should You Change Your Outlook Password
Security experts no longer recommend changing passwords every 90 days. Frequent changes often lead to weaker passwords. Instead, change your password only when:
- You suspect your account is compromised
- You shared your password with someone
- You used a public or shared computer
- You notice unusual activity in your account
If none of these apply, a strong password with 2FA is sufficient for years. Focus on password strength rather than frequency.
Signs Your Outlook Password May Be Compromised
Watch for these warning signs:
- Emails in your Sent folder you did not send
- Password change notifications you did not request
- Failed sign-in attempts from unknown locations
- Missing emails or changed settings
If you notice any of these, change your password immediately and enable 2FA.
Changing Password For Work Or School Outlook Accounts
If you use Outlook through a work or school account (like @company.com or @school.edu), the process is different. Your IT department manages these accounts.
For work or school accounts, you usually change your password through your organization’s portal:
- Go to your company’s password reset page (often portal.office.com or myaccount.microsoft.com)
- Sign in with your work credentials
- Look for Password or Security & privacy
- Follow the instructions provided by your IT team
Some organizations enforce password policies like minimum length or complexity. Contact your IT support if you have trouble.
Using Microsoft Authenticator For Password Changes
The Microsoft Authenticator app can help you change your password more securely. It generates codes for 2FA and can approve sign-in requests.
To use Authenticator for password changes:
- Download and install Microsoft Authenticator from your app store
- Set it up with your Microsoft account
- When changing your password, choose the authenticator app as your verification method
- Approve the notification or enter the code shown in the app
This method is faster and more secure than using SMS codes.
What To Do After Changing Your Outlook Password
After you successfully change your password, take these steps to ensure everything works:
- Sign out of Outlook on all devices
- Sign back in with your new password on each device
- Update your password in any other apps that use your Outlook email (like Skype, OneDrive, or Xbox)
- Check your account activity for any unauthorized access
If you use Outlook with a third-party email client like Thunderbird or Apple Mail, update the password there too. Go to the account settings in that app and enter the new password.
Updating Password In Third-Party Apps
For apps that send emails through your Outlook account, you may need to generate an app password. This is a special password that bypasses 2FA for that app.
To create an app password:
- Go to account.microsoft.com/security
- Click on Advanced security options
- Scroll to App passwords
- Click Create a new app password
- Use this generated password in the third-party app
App passwords are only needed if you have 2FA enabled and the app does not support modern authentication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Change My Outlook Password From The Mobile App?
No, you cannot change your password directly from the Outlook mobile app. You must go to the Microsoft account website in a browser. After changing it online, update it in the app by signing out and signing back in.
Why Does Outlook Keep Asking For My Password After I Changed It?
This usually happens because the app cached your old credentials. Sign out completely, restart the app, and sign in with your new password. If it persists, remove and re-add your account.
How Long Does It Take For A Password Change To Take Effect?
The change takes effect immediately on Microsoft’s servers. However, it may take a few minutes to sync across all devices. You might need to manually update the password on each device.
What If I Cannot Access My Recovery Email Or Phone?
You will need to use Microsoft’s account recovery form. Provide as much information as possible about your account. The process can take up to 48 hours, and Microsoft will email you the result.
Is It Safe To Change My Outlook Password On A Public Computer?
It is not recommended. Public computers may have keyloggers or malware. If you must, use incognito mode and clear all browsing data after finishing. Better yet, use your own device or a trusted network.
Final Thoughts On Changing Your Outlook Password
Changing your Outlook password is a straightforward process once you know where to go. Remember, all password changes happen through your Microsoft account online, not inside the Outlook app itself.
Always use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication for the best security. If you ever get stuck, Microsoft’s support page has detailed guides and recovery options.
Keep your password safe and never share it with anyone. With these steps, you can confidently manage your Outlook account security whenever needed.