Where to change your password depends on which Outlook you use

The steps differ depending on whether you use Outlook.com (the web version), Outlook desktop software, or Outlook through your workplace or school. Your password lives in your Microsoft account settings, not inside Outlook itself, so you change it there — but the path to get there varies. If you use Outlook through work or school, your IT department may control password changes through a separate system.

Start by identifying which version you use. If you log in at outlook.com in a web browser, you use Outlook.com. If you have Outlook installed as a desktop program on Windows or Mac, you use Outlook desktop software. If your email address ends in your company or school domain (not @outlook.com or @hotmail.com), your organization likely manages your account.

Key Takeaways

  • Outlook.com users change their password through Microsoft account settings at account.microsoft.com, not inside Outlook itself.
  • Outlook desktop software users must change their password in Microsoft account settings, then re-enter it in Outlook if the app does not update automatically.
  • Work and school accounts typically require you to change your password through your organization's IT portal or password manager, not through Microsoft.
  • After changing your password, Outlook desktop may ask you to sign in again or update your credentials in the app settings.

Changing your password in Outlook.com

Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with your Outlook email address and current password. Click your profile picture or initial in the top right corner, then select View account or Account settings. Look for a Security or Password section — the exact label depends on your account layout.

Click Change password or Update password. You will need to enter your current password once more for security, then type your new password twice to confirm it matches. Microsoft will show you password strength as you type — aim for a password with uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Click Next or Save to confirm the change. The new password takes effect immediately.

Changing your password in Outlook desktop software

The desktop version of Outlook does not have a built-in password change tool. Instead, go to account.microsoft.com in your web browser and follow the same steps as Outlook.com users above. After you change your password there, Outlook desktop may prompt you to sign in again the next time you open it.

If Outlook does not prompt you automatically, you may need to update your credentials manually. On Windows, go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings again (it appears twice). Find your email account in the list, click it, then click Change. Enter your new password in the password field and click Next, then Finish. On Mac, go to Outlook > Preferences > Accounts, select your account, and update the password field.

Changing your password for work or school accounts

If your email address uses your company or school domain, your organization controls your account and password. Do not try to change it through Microsoft account settings — that will not work. Instead, contact your IT department or help desk to find out where to change your password. Many organizations have an internal portal or password manager where you can make the change yourself.

Some workplaces require you to change your password through Active Directory or a similar system. Others use a self-service portal accessible from your company intranet. Ask your IT department for the link or instructions. After you change your password there, Outlook desktop will usually prompt you to sign in again within a few hours.

What to do if Outlook keeps asking for your password

If Outlook repeatedly asks you to sign in even after you have changed your password, the app may not have received the update. On Windows, go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings, select your email account, and click Change. Delete the old password from the password field, type your new password, and click Next then Finish.

On Mac, open Outlook > Preferences > Accounts, select your account, and update the password field directly. If you still see repeated sign-in prompts after this, try signing out completely and signing back in. On Windows, go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings, select your account, click Remove, then add it back by clicking New and entering your email and new password.

Resetting a forgotten password

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot change it through the normal process — you will need to reset it instead. Go to account.microsoft.com and click Can't access your account? or Forgot my password on the sign-in screen. Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email address or phone number you set up previously.

Follow the verification steps, which usually involve entering a code sent to your recovery email or phone. After you verify, you can create a new password. Once the reset is complete, use your new password to sign back into Outlook. If you cannot verify your identity through recovery options, you may need to contact Microsoft support for additional help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my password in Outlook itself, or just in my Microsoft account?

Change it only in your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com. Outlook does not have its own password system — it uses your Microsoft account password. After you change it there, Outlook will either update automatically or ask you to sign in again.

Will changing my password sign me out of Outlook on my phone?

Yes, Outlook on your phone and tablet will ask you to sign in again after you change your password. Open the app, enter your email address, and sign in with your new password. This usually happens within a few hours of the change.

What if I change my password but Outlook still will not let me sign in?

Wait 15 to 30 minutes for the change to sync across Microsoft's servers. If it still does not work, try removing your account from Outlook and adding it back. On Windows, go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings, click Remove, then click New and sign in with your new password.

Can I change my work email password the same way as my personal Outlook account?

No. Work and school accounts are managed by your organization, not by Microsoft. Contact your IT department or help desk for instructions on where to change your password — it is usually a separate portal or system.

How often should I change my Outlook password?

Microsoft does not require regular password changes. Change your password if you suspect someone else knows it, if you used the same password on another site that was breached, or if your organization requires it. Using a unique, strong password is more important than changing it frequently.