Where Outlook stores your password and why you might not find it

Outlook itself does not show you your password once you have entered it — that is by design. When you first set up Outlook on your computer or phone, the app stores an encrypted version of your password so you do not have to type it every time. If you need your actual password, you have three realistic paths: reset it through your Microsoft account, retrieve it from your browser if you saved it there, or use Outlook's built-in recovery options if you are locked out.

The reason Outlook hides your password is security. If someone gained access to your computer, they could theoretically read the password from Outlook's files if it were stored in plain text. Encryption makes that much harder. This also means that if you forget your password, Outlook cannot simply show it to you — you have to reset it or recover access through Microsoft's account recovery system.

Key Takeaways

  • Outlook does not display saved passwords for security reasons, but you can reset your password through your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com.
  • If you saved your password in Microsoft Edge or Chrome, you can view it in your browser's password manager, though this only works if you are already logged into that browser.
  • If you are locked out of Outlook entirely, use Microsoft's account recovery process, which may ask you to verify your identity through a recovery email or phone number.
  • Outlook on the web (outlook.com) and Outlook desktop app handle password recovery differently — know which one you use before you start.

Reset your password through your Microsoft account

This is the most direct route if you remember your email address but not your password. Go to account.microsoft.com and click "Sign in" at the top right. When the login screen appears, click "Can't access your account?" at the bottom. Microsoft will ask you to enter your email address, then walk you through identity verification — usually by sending a code to a recovery email or phone number you set up earlier.

Once you have verified your identity, you can create a new password. Make it something you have not used before and something you can remember. After you reset it, you will need to update it in Outlook itself: on your desktop, go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings, find your email account, click it, then click "Change." Enter your new password and click "Next" to save it.

If you do not have access to your recovery email or phone number, Microsoft has additional verification steps, but they take longer. You may be asked to provide the last password you remember, or to wait a set number of days before trying again. This is intentional — it prevents someone who has stolen your email address from locking you out permanently.

Find a saved password in your browser

If you set up Outlook through a web browser (outlook.com) and chose to save your password, you can retrieve it from your browser's password manager. This only works if you are already logged into that browser on the same computer.

In Microsoft Edge: Click the three dots at the top right, then Settings. Go to Passwords, then click "Saved passwords." Search for "outlook" or "microsoft.com" and click the entry. Click the eye icon next to the password field to reveal it.

In Google Chrome: Click the three dots at the top right, then Settings. Go to Autofill and passwords, then Passwords. Search for "outlook" or "microsoft.com," click the entry, then click the eye icon to show the password.

This method does not work if you use Outlook as a desktop app (the program you download and install), because the desktop app does not store passwords in your browser. It also does not work if you are on a different computer or browser than the one where you originally saved the password.

Use account recovery if you cannot sign in at all

If you cannot remember your password and do not have access to your recovery email or phone, Microsoft's account recovery process can still help, but it is slower. Go to account.microsoft.com/security/how-to-recover-your-account and follow the prompts. You will be asked to verify your identity in multiple ways — this might include answering security questions, providing a previous password, or waiting a period of time before trying again.

Have any of these ready: a previous password you remember, answers to security questions you set up, a phone number or email address associated with your account, or the last four digits of a payment method you used with Microsoft. The more information you can provide, the faster the process moves.

This process can take anywhere from a few minutes to several days depending on how much verification Microsoft needs. If you are locked out of work email, contact your IT department or help desk — they may have faster ways to restore access than the public recovery process.

Update your password in Outlook after you reset it

After you reset your password at account.microsoft.com, Outlook will not automatically know about the change. You need to tell it your new password so it can reconnect to your email.

On Windows (Outlook desktop app): Open Outlook, go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings. Find your email account in the list, click it, then click "Change." Enter your new password in the "Password" field and click "Next." Outlook will verify the password and update your account.

On Mac (Outlook desktop app): Open Outlook, go to Outlook > Preferences > Accounts. Click your email account, then click "Server Settings." Find the password field, enter your new password, and click "OK."

On your phone: Remove your account from Outlook, then add it back. Go to Settings > Accounts > Add Account, select your email provider, and enter your new password when prompted.

Prevent password problems by setting up recovery options now

The easiest way to handle a forgotten password is to never be in that situation. When you first create your Microsoft account, add a recovery email address and a phone number. You can do this at account.microsoft.com/security under "Security info." Having both means Microsoft can reach you even if one becomes unavailable.

Also consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass. These programs store all your passwords in an encrypted vault that you unlock with one strong master password. If you forget your Outlook password, your password manager can show it to you instantly — and you only have to remember one password instead of many.

Write down your recovery email and phone number and store them somewhere safe, separate from your computer. If you ever lose access to your account, these details are what get you back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Outlook support show me my password if I forgot it?

No. Microsoft support cannot retrieve your password because they do not store it in readable form. They can help you reset it or recover your account, but you will have to create a new password yourself. If you contact support, they will direct you to account.microsoft.com/security/how-to-recover-your-account.

What if I saved my password in Outlook but cannot remember it?

Outlook does not have a built-in way to show saved passwords. Your best option is to reset your password at account.microsoft.com, then update it in Outlook. If you saved the password in your browser instead, you can retrieve it from your browser's password manager.

Does resetting my Microsoft password affect other apps or services?

Yes. Your Microsoft password is used for Outlook, OneDrive, Xbox, Windows sign-in, and any other Microsoft service linked to that account. Resetting it will require you to enter the new password in all of these places. You do not have to do it all at once — each service will prompt you when it detects the change.

How long does account recovery take if I cannot verify my identity?

It varies. If Microsoft needs additional verification, the process can take from a few hours to several days. You may be asked to wait before trying again, or to provide information about your account history. If this is a work account, your IT department can often restore access faster than the public recovery process.

Is it safe to save my Outlook password in my browser?

It is safer than writing it on a sticky note, but less safe than using a dedicated password manager. Browser password managers are encrypted, but they are only as secure as your computer. If someone gains physical access to your computer and you are logged into your browser, they can see your saved passwords. A password manager with a strong master password adds an extra layer of protection.