The fastest way to change your Outlook password
You can change your Outlook password directly from your account settings in about two minutes. Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in with your current password, select Security from the left menu, then choose Change password. Enter your current password once, then type your new password twice, and select Next. Microsoft will send a verification code to your recovery email or phone — enter it to confirm the change.
The new password takes effect immediately across all devices and apps that use your Outlook account. If you are signed in on a phone, tablet, or computer, you will be asked to sign in again with the new password the next time that device tries to check email.
If you cannot remember your current password, you will need to reset it instead of changing it — that process is different and requires access to your recovery email or phone number.
Key Takeaways
- Visit account.microsoft.com, go to Security, and select Change password to update your Outlook password from any browser.
- You must enter your current password and then type your new password twice to confirm it matches.
- Microsoft will ask you to verify the change by entering a code sent to your recovery email or phone number.
- All your devices will need to sign in again with the new password once the change is complete.
- If you have forgotten your current password, use the password reset process instead, which requires your recovery email or phone.
Changing your password from the Outlook website or app
If you prefer to change your password while you are already in Outlook, you can do it from the web version. Open Outlook.com, select your profile picture in the top right corner, then choose View account. This takes you to your Microsoft account page. Select Security on the left, then Change password, and follow the same steps as above.
The Outlook mobile app does not have a built-in password change feature. You must use a web browser and go to account.microsoft.com or Outlook.com to change your password. After you change it on the web, sign out of the app and sign back in with your new password.
What happens to your other devices after you change your password
When you change your Outlook password, devices that are currently signed in will stay signed in for a short time. Within a few hours, each device will be signed out automatically and will ask you to enter your new password the next time it tries to check email.
This includes your phone, tablet, desktop email clients like Outlook for Windows or Mac, and any other apps or services connected to your Microsoft account. If you have a device you no longer use, you do not need to sign in again — it will simply stop working until you update the password.
Creating a strong password that you can remember
Microsoft requires your new password to be at least 8 characters long. A strong password includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like !, @, #, or $. Avoid using your name, email address, or common words that appear in the dictionary.
If you struggle to remember complex passwords, consider using a password manager — a tool that stores and fills in passwords for you. Popular options include Bitwarden, 1Password, and LastPass. These tools generate strong passwords and remember them so you only need to remember one master password.
If you are locked out or cannot change your password
If you see an error message when you try to change your password, it may be because Microsoft detected unusual activity on your account. In this case, you may be asked to verify your identity by entering a code sent to your recovery email or phone. Complete this verification and try again.
If you cannot access your recovery email or phone number, or if you have forgotten your current password entirely, you will need to go through the account recovery process instead. Visit account.live.com/password/reset and follow the steps to regain access to your account. This process can take longer because Microsoft needs to verify you are the account owner.
Changing your password on a shared or public computer
If you change your Outlook password on a shared computer — such as one at a library, school, or workplace — always sign out completely when you are finished. Select your profile picture, then choose Sign out. Do not just close the browser window, because that may leave your account signed in for the next person who uses the computer.
After you sign out, clear your browser's cached passwords if you are concerned about security. In most browsers, you can do this by going to Settings, then Privacy or History, and selecting the option to clear cached passwords or autofill data.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my new password to work on all my devices?
Your new password works immediately on the web and in new sign-ins. Devices that are already signed in will stay signed in for a few hours, then be signed out automatically. The next time each device tries to check email, it will ask for your new password.
Can I change my password if I am using Outlook through my work or school account?
If your Outlook account is managed by your employer or school, you may not be able to change the password through Microsoft's website. Instead, contact your IT department or help desk — they manage password changes for organizational accounts. Your personal Microsoft account password can always be changed at account.microsoft.com.
What should I do if I forget my new password right after changing it?
Go to account.live.com/password/reset and choose the option to reset your password. You will need access to your recovery email address or phone number to verify your identity. Microsoft will send a code to one of these, and you can use it to set a new password.
Will changing my password sign me out of Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, or Office?
Yes. Any service connected to your Microsoft account will sign you out and ask for your new password when you next use it. This includes Teams, OneDrive, Office.com, and Xbox. Sign back in with your new password to restore access.
Can I change my password from my phone?
Yes, but not from the Outlook app itself. Open a web browser on your phone, go to account.microsoft.com, and follow the same steps as on a computer. After you change your password, sign out of the Outlook app and sign back in with your new password.