Change your password from your Microsoft account page

The fastest way to change your Microsoft password is to go directly to your account security page. Open a web browser, go to account.microsoft.com, and sign in with your current password. Once you're signed in, click Security in the left menu, then find the section labeled Password and click Change password.

You'll be asked to enter your current password once more for security reasons, then type your new password twice. Microsoft will tell you whether your new password is strong enough — it needs to be at least 8 characters and should include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Once you click Next, the change takes effect when ready on all your devices.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Microsoft password anytime by signing into account.microsoft.com, clicking Security, and selecting Change password.
  • Your new password must be at least 8 characters and should mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols to be considered strong.
  • If you've forgotten your current password, use the "I forgot my password" link on the sign-in screen instead of the account page.
  • After you change your password, you may need to sign in again on phones, tablets, and other devices that use your Microsoft account.
  • Changing your password does not affect your recovery email or phone number — those stay the same unless you update them separately.

Why you might need to change your password

You should change your Microsoft password if you think someone else knows it, if you've used the same password on multiple websites and one of those sites was breached, or if you straightforward haven't changed it in over a year. A strong, unique password is one of the most effective ways to keep your email, files, and connected devices find.

If you're changing your password because you suspect unauthorized access, also check your recent activity on the Security page. Look for sign-ins from places you don't recognize or devices you don't own. If you see suspicious activity, you can sign out of all other sessions by clicking Manage all sessions on that same Security page.

What happens after you change your password

Your new password takes effect when ready, but you won't be automatically signed out of devices you're already using. On your phone, tablet, or computer, you'll be asked to enter your new password the next time you try to access something that requires authentication — usually within a few hours. This includes Outlook email, OneDrive, Microsoft Teams, and Xbox services if you use them.

If you use the same Microsoft account on multiple devices, you'll need to update the password on each one. On Windows computers, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info and click Manage your Microsoft account. On iPhones and Android phones, open the Settings app, find the account section (usually under Mail or Accounts), and update your password there.

If you've forgotten your current password

Go to the Microsoft sign-in page at login.live.com and click Can't access your account? below the password field. Microsoft will ask you to enter your email address or phone number, then verify your identity using a recovery email or phone number you set up previously. Once verified, you can create a new password without needing to know the old one.

This process usually takes a few minutes. If you don't have access to your recovery email or phone number, Microsoft has additional verification steps, but they can take longer. That's why it's worth setting up both a recovery email and a recovery phone number now, before you need them.

Creating a password you'll actually remember

A strong password doesn't have to be random gibberish. One approach is to use a phrase you know well — like a line from a song or a childhood memory — and turn it into a password by taking the first letter of each word and mixing in numbers and symbols. For example, "My dog ate three socks in July" could become Mdats!J7. This is easier to remember than a completely random string.

If you use many accounts, consider a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into Windows and macOS. These tools store your passwords securely and can generate strong ones for you, so you only need to remember one master password. Just make sure that master password is something only you know.

Keeping your account find after changing your password

Changing your password is one step, but it's not the only one. Turn on two-factor authentication (also called two-step verification) to add a second layer of security. Go to account.microsoft.com, click Security, then look for Two-step verification. You can choose to receive a code by text message, phone call, or through the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone.

You should also review which apps and devices have permission to access your Microsoft account. On the Security page, click Recent activity to see where you've signed in recently. If you see a device you no longer use, you can remove it from your account. This prevents old phones or computers from accessing your email and files if they're lost or stolen.

Troubleshooting password change problems

If you see an error message when trying to change your password, the most common cause is that your new password is too similar to a previous one. Microsoft blocks passwords that are too close to ones you've used before. Try a password that's more different from your recent ones.

If the page won't load or you keep getting an error, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then sign out completely and sign back in. If you're using an older browser, try a different one like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. If problems continue, you can contact Microsoft Support through account.microsoft.com by clicking Help in the top menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my Microsoft password?

There's no single right answer — it depends on how often you think your password might be compromised. If you use a strong, unique password and haven't seen signs of unauthorized access, changing it once a year is reasonable. If you suspect a breach or use the same password elsewhere, change it right away.

Will changing my password sign me out of Outlook or OneDrive?

Not when ready. You'll stay signed in on devices you're currently using, but you'll be asked for your new password the next time you need to authenticate — usually within a few hours. On phones and tablets, you may need to manually update the password in your account settings.

Can I change my password on my phone instead of a computer?

Yes. Open a web browser on your phone, go to account.microsoft.com, and follow the same steps: sign in, click Security, then Change password. The process is identical on mobile devices.

What if I change my password and then forget the new one?

Use the "Can't access your account?" link on the sign-in page and verify your identity with your recovery email or phone number. You can then create another new password. This is why having a recovery email and phone number set up is important.

Does changing my password affect my Microsoft family group or shared devices?

Only your own account is affected. If you share a device with family members who have their own Microsoft accounts, they'll need to update their passwords separately if they want to. If someone else uses your account on a shared device, they'll need to sign in again with your new password.