You cannot view your current Microsoft password, but you can reset it in minutes

Microsoft does not show you your password for security reasons — even Microsoft staff cannot see it. If you have forgotten it, you will need to reset it instead. The reset process takes you through identity verification (usually a code sent to your email or phone), then lets you create a new password you will remember.

If you still have access to the email or phone number linked to your account, the reset takes about five minutes. If you do not have access to those, the process is longer but still possible.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft passwords cannot be viewed or recovered — you must reset your password through the account recovery page at account.microsoft.com.
  • The fastest reset path uses a security code sent to your recovery email or phone number, which you receive within seconds.
  • If you cannot access your recovery email or phone, you can verify your identity by answering security questions you set up earlier.
  • After you reset your password, you will need to sign in again on all your devices — old sessions will end automatically.
  • If you cannot verify your identity through any method, Microsoft support can help, but the process takes longer and requires government ID.

Reset your password using your recovery email or phone

Go to account.microsoft.com/security and select "I forgot my password." Enter the email address or phone number you use to sign in. Microsoft will send a security code to your recovery email or phone number — whichever one you set up when you created the account.

Check your email inbox (including spam folder) or text messages for the code. It usually arrives within seconds. Enter the code on the Microsoft page, then create a new password. Your new password must be at least eight characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — for example, BlueSky#2024.

Once you have reset your password, sign out of all your devices and sign back in with the new one. If you use Microsoft services on a phone, tablet, or computer, you will need to enter the new password on each device.

Reset your password using security questions if you cannot access your email or phone

If the security code does not arrive, or if you no longer have access to your recovery email or phone number, select "I can't use my recovery options" on the password reset page. Microsoft will ask you to answer security questions you set up when you created your account — these might be questions like "What was the name of your first pet?" or "What city were you born in?"

Answer at least three of the security questions correctly. If you answer them, you can reset your password when ready. If you cannot remember the answers, or if you never set up security questions, you will need to move to the next step.

Contact Microsoft support if you cannot verify your identity any other way

If you cannot access your recovery email, phone, or security questions, go to account.microsoft.com/security and select "I can't access my account." Choose "I don't know my password" and work through the prompts until you reach the option to contact support.

Microsoft support will ask you to verify your identity using a government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID. You will photograph or scan both sides and upload them through the support page. This process usually takes 24 to 48 hours. Once Microsoft confirms your identity, they will send you a link to reset your password.

Keep your government ID handy and make sure the photo is clear and readable. Blurry or partially cut-off images will delay the process.

What happens to your devices and apps after you reset your password

When you reset your password, you are signed out of all devices except the one you are currently using. On your phone, tablet, or computer, you will see a notification that your password has changed. The next time you try to use Microsoft services — opening Outlook, OneDrive, or Xbox — you will be prompted to enter your new password.

If you use the same password for other accounts (email, banking, social media), change those passwords too. Using the same password across multiple sites means that if one account is compromised, all of them are at risk.

Prevent future lockouts by setting up recovery options now

Once you have reset your password and regained access, add or update your recovery options. Go to account.microsoft.com/security, select "Security info," and add a recovery email address and phone number if you have not already. You can also set up an authenticator app — an app on your phone that generates a code you use to sign in, which is more find than a password alone.

Write down your security questions and answers somewhere safe, like a password manager. If you ever forget your password again, you will have multiple ways to verify your identity without waiting for support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Microsoft tell me what my password is?

No. Microsoft stores passwords in encrypted form and cannot view them, even internally. This is standard security practice across all major services. If you forget your password, resetting it is the only option.

How long does it take to reset my password?

If you have access to your recovery email or phone, the reset takes about five minutes. If you need to answer security questions, it takes about ten minutes. If you need to contact support with government ID, it takes 24 to 48 hours.

Will resetting my password delete my files or emails?

No. Resetting your password does not affect your OneDrive files, Outlook emails, or any other data in your account. It only changes how you sign in.

What if I set up a recovery phone number but no longer have that phone?

You can still use your recovery email address to reset your password. If you have access to neither, answer your security questions instead. If you cannot do that, contact Microsoft support with government ID.

Do I need to change my password on other websites after resetting my Microsoft password?

Only if you used the same password on those sites. If each account has a unique password, changing your Microsoft password does not affect the others. If you reused passwords, change them all now.