The fastest way to change your Outlook password

You change your Outlook password through your Microsoft account settings, not through the Outlook app itself. Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in, select Security from the left menu, then choose Change password. You'll enter your current password, then type your new one twice. The change takes effect immediately across all devices where you use Outlook.

If you use Outlook through your workplace or school, your password is managed by your organization's IT department instead. In that case, contact your IT help desk or look for a "change password" option in your organization's internal portal — the Microsoft account method won't work for you.

Key Takeaways

  • Personal Outlook passwords are changed at account.microsoft.com under Security, not in the Outlook app itself.
  • Work or school Outlook accounts require you to contact your IT department or use your organization's password portal.
  • After you change your password, you may need to re-enter it in the Outlook app on older devices or computers.
  • If you forget your current password, use the "Can't access your account" link on the Microsoft sign-in page to recover it first.

Why you can't change your password inside Outlook

Outlook is an email client — it reads and sends messages, but it doesn't manage your account security. Your password is stored and protected by Microsoft's account system, separate from the app. This is actually safer: if someone hacks into the Outlook app on one device, they still can't change your password without accessing your Microsoft account directly.

This separation means you change your password in one place, and it updates everywhere you use Outlook at once — on your phone, your computer, the web version, and any other device. You don't have to change it separately in each app.

Step-by-step: changing your personal Outlook password

On any computer or phone: Open a web browser and go to account.microsoft.com. Sign in with your Outlook email address and current password. If you're already signed in, you may skip directly to the next step.

Click Security in the left sidebar. Under "Password and security info," select Change password. Enter your current password in the first field. Type your new password in the second field, then type it again in the third field to confirm. Click Next.

Microsoft will confirm the change and may ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email or phone number. Follow those prompts. Once complete, you're done — your new password is active immediately.

What to do if you're locked out of your account

If you can't remember your current password, you can't use the "Change password" option. Instead, go to the Microsoft sign-in page (account.microsoft.com) and click Can't access your account? below the password field. Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email address or phone number you set up earlier.

Once you've verified your identity, you'll be able to set a new password. This process can take a few minutes. After you've reset your password, you can then change it again using the normal steps above if you want something different.

Re-entering your password on devices after you change it

On newer phones and computers, Outlook usually updates to your new password automatically within a few minutes. On older devices or if you're using Outlook on Windows or Mac, you may see an error message asking for your password the next time the app tries to check for mail.

When that happens, click the notification or open Outlook's settings, find your email account, and select Update password or Re-enter password. Type your new password and Outlook will sync again. If you don't see that option, try signing out of the app completely, then signing back in with your new password.

Changing a work or school Outlook password

If your Outlook account is through your employer or school, your password is managed by your organization's system, not by Microsoft directly. You'll change it through your organization's password portal or by contacting your IT help desk.

To find where to change it, look for a "change password" or "reset password" link in your organization's internal portal or intranet. Some organizations let you change it through a dedicated portal; others require you to call or email IT. Your IT department can tell you the exact process and whether there are any rules about password length or complexity you need to follow.

Creating a strong new password

When you choose a new password, Microsoft requires it to be at least 8 characters long. A stronger password uses a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — something like BlueMoon#42Sunset is much harder to guess than password123.

Avoid using your name, email address, or common words. Don't reuse a password you've used before, especially not one from other websites or apps. If you have trouble remembering a complex password, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password to store it securely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my password on my phone after I change it on my computer?

No. Your password change happens at the account level, so it applies to all devices automatically. Your phone's Outlook app may ask you to re-enter the new password once, but you don't need to go through a separate change process on the phone itself.

What if I change my password and Outlook stops working on one device?

Open the Outlook app, look for a notification or error about your password, and select the option to update or re-enter it. Type your new password. If you don't see that option, sign out of the app completely in Settings, then sign back in with your new password. This usually fixes the problem within a minute or two.

Can I change my Outlook password from inside the Outlook app?

No. Outlook doesn't have a built-in password change feature. You must go to account.microsoft.com to change it. This design protects your account because the app never handles your actual password — it only stores a secure token that lets it access your email.

How often should I change my Outlook password?

You don't need to change it on a schedule. Change it if you think someone else knows it, if you used the same password on another website that was hacked, or if you haven't changed it in several years. Microsoft will notify you if they detect suspicious activity on your account.

What if my organization won't let me change my own password?

Some organizations manage passwords centrally and don't let employees change them through the normal process. Contact your IT help desk — they can either change it for you or direct you to the system where you can change it yourself. Ask if there are any password requirements you need to follow.