Where to find your Microsoft password

You cannot see your actual Microsoft password anywhere — Microsoft does not store it in a way that lets you view it. Instead, you can reset it to something new using your recovery email or phone number. The reset process takes a few minutes and works whether you are locked out of your account or straightforward forgot what you set.

Go to account.microsoft.com/security and select "Change password" under the Security section. You will need to sign in first — if you cannot sign in, select "I forgot my password" on the sign-in screen instead. Either path will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email or phone number you added to your account earlier.

If you do not have access to your recovery email or phone, the process takes longer. Microsoft will ask security questions or other verification steps. The whole recovery can take several days if you need to prove your identity through multiple methods.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft passwords cannot be viewed — you can only reset them to a new password through account.microsoft.com/security.
  • You will need access to a recovery email address or phone number that you registered with your account to complete a reset.
  • If you cannot access your recovery methods, Microsoft uses security questions and identity verification, which can take several days.
  • After you reset your password, you may need to sign in again on devices like Windows computers, phones, or Outlook to use the new password.
  • Write down your new password or use a password manager so you do not lose it again.

Using your recovery email to reset your password

A recovery email is the fastest way to reset your Microsoft password. This is a separate email address you added to your account — not the Microsoft email itself. Microsoft sends a reset link to that address, and you click the link to create a new password.

Go to account.microsoft.com/security, select "Change password," and sign in. When prompted, choose "Send code to my recovery email." Microsoft will send a link to the email address on file. Open that email, click the link, and enter your new password. The change takes effect when ready.

If the recovery email is old or you no longer use it, you can add a new one before you need it. In your account settings under "Security," select "Add recovery info" and follow the steps to add a current email address. This takes a minute and saves time later.

Using your phone number to reset your password

If you registered a phone number with your Microsoft account, you can reset your password by receiving a code by text or call. Go to account.microsoft.com/security, select "Change password," and choose "Send code to my phone." Microsoft will text or call you with a six-digit code.

Enter that code on the reset screen, then create your new password. The code expires after a few minutes, so complete the reset right away. This method works even if your recovery email is no longer active, as long as the phone number is current.

If you no longer have access to the phone number you registered, you will need to use your recovery email instead. You can update your phone number in account settings under "Security" at any time.

What to do if you cannot access your recovery email or phone

If both your recovery email and phone are unavailable, Microsoft will ask you to answer security questions you set up when you created your account. These questions might be about your birth year, a pet's name, or another detail you chose. Answer them correctly and Microsoft will let you reset your password.

If you cannot remember the answers or did not set up security questions, Microsoft may ask for a government ID or other proof of identity. This process can take several days because Microsoft reviews your information manually. You will receive updates by email about your case.

To avoid this situation, add a recovery email and phone number to your account now, even if you do not need to reset your password today. Go to account.microsoft.com/security and select "Add recovery info" under the Security section.

Resetting your password on Windows 10 or Windows 11

If you use your Microsoft account to sign in to a Windows computer, you can reset your password from the sign-in screen without needing to remember your old one. On the sign-in screen, select "I forgot my password." Windows will guide you through the reset process using your recovery email or phone.

After you reset your password, you will need to sign in to Windows with your new password. Your computer will ask you to enter it the next time you restart or wake it from sleep. Any files or programs on your computer stay exactly as they are — changing your password does not affect them.

If you use OneDrive, Outlook, or other Microsoft services on your computer, you may need to sign in again with your new password. Windows will prompt you when it detects the change.

Updating your password on Outlook, OneDrive, and other Microsoft services

After you reset your Microsoft password, you do not need to do anything special in Outlook, OneDrive, or other Microsoft apps — they will ask you to sign in with your new password the next time you use them. On a phone or tablet, you may need to sign out and sign back in manually.

On a Windows computer, you might see a notification asking you to update your password in Settings. Select "Update now" and enter your new password. This keeps your computer and Microsoft account in sync.

If you use a third-party email client like Thunderbird or Apple Mail to read your Outlook email, you will need to update your password there too. Open the account settings in that program and enter your new Microsoft password.

Keeping your new password find

After you reset your password, write it down or save it in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into Windows. A password manager stores your passwords securely and fills them in automatically, so you do not have to type them or remember them.

Do not share your password with anyone, and do not use the same password for multiple accounts. If someone gets your Microsoft password, they can access your email, OneDrive files, and any other service linked to your account.

If you think someone else knows your password, reset it again right away. You can also review which devices are signed in to your account at account.microsoft.com/devices and sign out of any you do not recognize.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Microsoft tell me what my old password was?

No. Microsoft does not store passwords in a way that lets anyone read them, including Microsoft staff. If you need to use your old password somewhere else, you will have to reset it and use the new one instead.

How long does it take to reset my password?

If you have access to your recovery email or phone, the reset takes a few minutes. If you need to use security questions or identity verification, it can take several days because Microsoft reviews your information manually.

Will resetting my password delete my files or emails?

No. Your files in OneDrive, your emails in Outlook, and everything else in your account stays exactly as it is. Only your password changes.

What if I reset my password but still cannot sign in?

Make sure you are using your new password, not your old one. If you are still locked out, try resetting your password again. If the problem continues, contact Microsoft support through support.microsoft.com.

Can I use the same password I used before?

Microsoft will not let you reuse a password you have used recently on that account. Choose something new and different from passwords you use elsewhere.