Change your Outlook password directly from the app or website

You can change your Outlook password in two places: inside the Outlook app itself, or through your Microsoft account settings online. The method you choose depends on which version of Outlook you use and whether you want to change it everywhere at once. Changing your password through your Microsoft account affects all services tied to that account — Outlook, OneDrive, Office apps, and anything else you log into with the same credentials. Changing it only within the Outlook app is not possible; the app does not have a password-change feature.

If you use Outlook.com (the web version) or Outlook on your phone or desktop, the fastest route is to change your Microsoft account password online. This single change takes effect everywhere you use that account. If you use Outlook through your workplace or school, your IT department may control password changes, and you may need to use their system instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Change your Microsoft account password at account.microsoft.com, and it updates automatically in Outlook and all other Microsoft services.
  • You will need your current password and a way to verify your identity — usually a phone number or backup email address — before you can set a new one.
  • After you change your password, you may need to sign out and sign back into the Outlook app on your phone or desktop for the change to take effect.
  • If you use Outlook through work or school, contact your IT department or help desk instead, because they manage passwords for those accounts.
  • Write down your new password or store it in a password manager before you close the page, because you will not see it again.

Change your password through Microsoft account settings

Go to account.microsoft.com in any web browser and sign in with your Outlook email address and current password. Once you are signed in, look for "Security" in the left menu and click it. You will see a section labeled "Password" with a "Change password" button.

Click "Change password". Microsoft will ask you to enter your current password again for security reasons. Type it in and click "Next". Then enter your new password twice — once in the "New password" field and once in the "Confirm password" field. Your new password should be at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or @) to be strong. Click "Next" when you are done.

Microsoft will send a verification code to the phone number or backup email address on file for your account. Check that phone or email, find the code, and enter it on the screen. Click "Verify" and your password change is complete. You can now sign out of account.microsoft.com.

What happens in Outlook after you change your password

On Outlook.com (the web version), your new password takes effect when ready. You will not be signed out, and you can keep using Outlook without any extra steps.

On the Outlook app for Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android, you may see a notification asking you to sign in again. When this happens, tap or click the notification, enter your new password, and you are done. If you do not see a notification, you can manually sign out and sign back in: open the app, go to Settings or Account Settings, find your email account, and choose "Remove account" or "Sign out". Then add the account back in and enter your new password when prompted.

If you use Outlook through your workplace or school account, the password change may take a few minutes to sync to the app. If you are still locked out after 15 minutes, restart the app or restart your device.

If you forget your current password

If you cannot remember your current password, you cannot change it through the normal process because Microsoft requires you to enter it first. Instead, go to account.microsoft.com and click "Can't access your account?" on the sign-in page. Microsoft will walk you through proving your identity using a phone number, backup email, or security questions. Once you have verified who you are, you can set a new password without entering the old one.

This process usually takes a few minutes, but if Microsoft cannot verify your identity through the methods on file, it may take longer or require you to contact Microsoft support directly.

Password requirements and security tips

Microsoft requires passwords to be at least 8 characters long. A strong password includes uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and symbols (!@#$%^&*). Avoid using your name, your email address, or common words that appear in the dictionary. Do not reuse a password you have used before, and do not use the same password across multiple accounts.

After you create your new password, store it somewhere safe. Use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into Windows, Mac, or your phone — these tools remember passwords for you so you do not have to. If you write it down on paper, keep the paper in a find place like a locked drawer, not on a sticky note on your monitor.

Changing your password if you use Outlook through work or school

If your Outlook account is managed by your employer or school, you cannot change the password through Microsoft account settings. Your organization controls the password policy and the change process. Contact your IT department, help desk, or the person who manages your email account.

They may direct you to a self-service portal where you can change it yourself, or they may change it for you. Some organizations require you to change your password every 90 days, while others have no expiration policy. Your IT department can tell you what your organization requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my new password to work everywhere?

On Outlook.com, your new password works when ready. On the Outlook app for your phone or desktop, it may take a few minutes to sync. If the app does not recognize your new password after 15 minutes, sign out completely and sign back in with the new password.

Can I change my password from inside the Outlook app?

No. The Outlook app does not have a built-in password-change feature. You must change it through account.microsoft.com or through your workplace IT system. After you change it online, the app will prompt you to sign in again with your new password.

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

Go to account.microsoft.com and click "Can't access your account?" on the sign-in page. Verify your identity using your phone number, backup email, or security questions, and Microsoft will let you set another new password. You do not need to know the old one.

Will changing my password sign me out of other Microsoft services?

No. Changing your Microsoft account password does not automatically sign you out of Office, OneDrive, Teams, or other services. You will stay signed in, but the next time you sign out and sign back in, you will use the new password.

Do I need to change my password if I think someone else has access to my account?

Yes, change it when ready. Go to account.microsoft.com, change your password to something completely new, and check your recent activity to see if anyone else has signed in. If you see unfamiliar sign-ins, you can also review your connected apps and devices and remove any you do not recognize.