With the amount of cyber threats rising every day, it is essential to keep your email secure. But what happens if you forget your password? Don’t worry! You can easily change (or) reset your Outlook password. However, figuring out all of the ways to do so based on your account type might be confusing.
We’ve got you covered. Regardless of how you use Outlook—web browser, desktop software, or even mobile device—we’ll guide you through the easy ways to change your Outlook password. Continue reading to explore all the ways.
How To Change Password On Outlook Mail
Changing the Outlook password on your desktop is a simple process, regardless of the version you are using. Here’s a step-by-step guide for both Windows and MacOS:
Changing Outlook Password On Windows
Here’s how to update your password on the Windows version of Outlook:
- Launch the Outlook app on your windows.
- Go to “File” and click on “Account Settings.”
- Select “Manage Profiles” from the menu.
- Click on “Email Accounts” under the Mail Setup-Outlook Window.
- Choose your account and tap on “Change” in the account settings window.
- In the Password section, you need to update your password and tap on “Next.”
- Confirm the change and close the “Account Settings window.”
Here’s how to change your Outlook password on the MacOS:
- Open Outlook Preferences (⌘ + ,).
- Navigate to “Accounts” under the Tools/Personal Settings
- In the left panel, select the “Outlook account” you want to change the password for.
- Enter the username and password along with your full name, and e-mail address on this window to proceed further.
- Type your new password in the “Password field.”
- Close the “Accounts window” at the end.
This way, your Outlook will automatically save the new password upon closing your Accounts window. So, you can log into Outlook with your new password.
How To Change Password In Outlook Web App
In the app, you won’t find the option to change or update your Outlook password directly. Instead, you’ll need to go to your Microsoft account settings to make the necessary changes. Here’s how:
- Go to the Outlook app in your browser.
- Sign in to your Outlook account.
- Click on your profile picture at the top right corner.
- Tap on “My Microsoft Account.” You will be redirected to the account settings page.
- Find “Security” from the left navigation menu and click on it.
- Tap on the “Change my password” option in the “Password security”
- Besides entering your “Current Password”, you need to enter the new password (a minimum of 8 characters) that you would like to continue with.
- Re-enter your “New Password” and hit “Save” once you finish the process.
That’s it! You have successfully changed your Outlook password via the Outlook Web App. However, you will be logged out of all apps that use your Microsoft account.
You need to relog-in to those apps you have used with this Microsoft account.
How To Change/Reset Password On Outlook Mobile App
Actually, it’s not possible to directly change your password within the Outlook mobile app (Android & iPhone), but there is a handy workaround you can try. You can reset your account and prompt the app to re-verify your login credentials. This essentially forces an update, as you’ll need to enter your new desired password when you sign back in.
Reset Outlook Password On Android And iPhone
Follow these simple steps to reset your Outlook password on both Android and iPhone:
- Open the Outlook app on your Android or iPhone device.
- Tap on your profile picture or avatar in the top left corner.
- Navigate to the “Settings gear icon” located at the left bottom corner.
- Click on “Accounts” Under the General Section.
- Tap on the specific Outlook account you want to update the password for.
- Select “Reset Account” to change your Outlook password.
- Hit “Continue” to confirm this action.
- Update your password if asked to do so.
When you reset the account, the app will need to re-authenticate with the Outlook servers using the new password you created. So, after resetting, log in to your Outlook account using your new password to access it.
How To Reset Your Outlook Password
When it comes to resetting a password, there is often a perception that it means changing it due to forgetting the password. But that is not always true. It can be due to various reasons, including privacy settings, or if someone knows your password.
Here’s A Table Summarizing The key Differences:
| Changing Password | Resetting Password | |
| Initiated by | User | User (who forgot password) |
| Requires Current Password | Yes | No |
| Typical Scenario | Updating password for security reasons | Regaining access to a locked account |
If you happen to forget your current password, don’t worry! You have the option to reset it. Resetting your Outlook password is pretty simple. And you’ll be finished with it in just a few minutes, from start to finish.
As part of this process, you will need to confirm your identity using alternative methods. This can include sending a security code to your phone or asking you to answer pre-set security questions. After verification, you’ll be able to set up a new password and regain access to your Outlook account.
Here Is A Quick Summary Of The Resetting Process:
- Log in to your Outlook account from a web browser.
- Enter your User ID and click on “Forgot Password.”
- Select your email and click on the “Get Code” button to receive a code on your recovery email account.
- Enter the code and tap on “Next.”
- Type your New Password and hit “Next.”
At last, your Outlook password has been successfully changed. You can now sign in to your Outlook account using the new password.
Points To Remember:
- Ensure your new password meets the strength requirements set by your organization.
- Avoid using easily guessable passwords or ones that you’ve used in the past.
- Use a password manager to generate and store strong, unique passwords for all your accounts.
How To Create A Strong Password For Your Outlook Account?
Here is a detailed procedure that explains how to create and set a strong password for your Outlook account.
Updating Passwords On Other Devices – If you access your Outlook account from a phone, tablet, or other desktop email application (like Apple Mail or Thunderbird), you’ll also need to update the password in those applications’ settings to match your new Outlook password.
Creating A Strong Password – To help make your password more secure, consider these tips:
- Use a minimum of eight characters (your account might require more or less).
- Include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, symbols, and punctuation.
- Most email accounts have minimum character or complexity requirements. Contact your helpdesk if you’re unsure about your account’s specific requirements.
- Never use any guessable things as your password, which makes your friends and family guess and use it.
Helpdesk Contact – If you’re unable to change your password using the Options page or have any other questions, contact your helpdesk for assistance.
FAQs:
You can change your Outlook password at two main places:
* Microsoft Account Website: This method works for all email addresses linked to your Microsoft account (Outlook.com, Hotmail.com, etc.). You can access it through any web browser.
* Outlook Web App: If using your organization’s Outlook web interface, the option might be within “Settings” or “Options.” However, some companies might restrict changes there and require using a central IT portal.
When you reset your Outlook account, your emails will remain intact. However, the process will remove your login credentials from your device. In order to regain access, you will be required to verify your identity using methods such as receiving a code on your phone and subsequently setting a new password.
Passwords are not stored by Outlook itself. If you need to change your Outlook you have a couple of options. If it’s an Outlook.com account, you can do it through the Microsoft account website. Alternatively, if you use a different email provider like Gmail or Yahoo, you can also change your password from there.
As an Outlook account user, you have to pass your password whenever you suspect that it has become compromised. However, changing your Outlook password has to be done occasionally for security purposes, but not on a continuous time interval.
The first and foremost thing you need to do is to change your password as early as possible if you think your account has been hacked. If it fails, then immediately contact Microsoft for further assistance to protect your account.
Here are some additional tips you have to practice to ensure the safety of your Outlook account and personal information for enhanced security:
* Enable two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your phone or another device when logging in.
* Beware of phishing scams: Don’t click on suspicious links or attachments in emails, and never enter your password on websites that don’t look legitimate.
* Consider a password manager: A password manager can help you create and store strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts.
Conclusion
Changing your password regularly is a crucial step in maintaining a secure Outlook account. By following these instructions and creating a strong, unique password, you can help prevent unauthorized access to your email and protect your privacy. We hope you have learned how to update your Outlook password across various platforms, it’s time to take action! Go through these simple steps mentioned above to update your password today to protect your information.
Feel free to share your queries with us in the below comments section, we’ll respond promptly to resolve them and help you to secure your account properly.
