The Basic Login Steps for Outlook.com and Outlook Desktop
To log in to Outlook on the web, go to outlook.com in your browser, enter your email address, and click Next. On the next screen, enter your password and click Sign in. If you have two-factor authentication turned on, you will see a prompt asking you to verify your identity — you can approve it from another device, enter a code from an authenticator app, or use a backup code.
If you use Outlook as a desktop process on Windows or Mac, the login process is similar but happens inside the program. Open Outlook, select File > Add Account, enter your email address, and click Connect. Outlook will open a browser window to handle the login — follow the same steps as above. Once you sign in, the process stores your credentials and logs you in automatically each time you open it.
For Outlook on your phone or tablet, open the Outlook app, tap Add Account, select Outlook.com, and enter your email and password. The mobile app also supports two-factor authentication and will prompt you to verify if it is enabled on your account.
Key Takeaways
- Outlook.com login happens at outlook.com in a web browser, while the desktop app handles login through a browser window that appears when you add your account.
- Two-factor authentication, if enabled on your account, requires you to verify your identity through a second method such as an authenticator app or approval on another device.
- Once you log in on a desktop or mobile app, Outlook stores your password and logs you in automatically the next time you open it.
- If you forget your password, use the Can't access your account link on the Outlook login page to reset it through your recovery email or phone number.
What to Do If You Cannot Remember Your Password
On the Outlook login page, click Can't access your account? below the password field. Microsoft will ask you to enter your email address, then offer you options to verify your identity. You can choose to receive a code by text message to a phone number on file, or by email to a recovery email address you set up earlier.
Enter the code you receive, then create a new password. Make sure your new password is at least eight characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — this makes it harder for someone to guess. Once you set the new password, return to the login page and sign in with it.
Logging In With a Work or School Account
If your email address ends in your company's domain or your school's domain, you may not log in through outlook.com. Instead, your organization provides its own login page. Ask your IT department or help desk for the correct web address, or check your employee handbook or school email documentation.
Work and school accounts often have different security rules than personal Outlook accounts. Your organization may require a longer password, force you to change it regularly, or require two-factor authentication for all logins. Your IT department can tell you what applies to your account.
Staying Signed In Across Devices
When you log in to Outlook on the web, you can choose to stay signed in on that device by checking the box that says Keep me signed in before you click Sign in. This means the next time you visit outlook.com on that same browser, you will not have to enter your password again — though you may still need to verify with two-factor authentication if your organization requires it.
Do not check this box on a shared computer or a device that other people use. If you do, anyone with access to that device can read your email. On your personal computer or phone, it is safe to stay signed in.
If you sign in on a new device and want to remove access from an old one, go to outlook.com, click your profile picture in the top right, select View account, then choose Security > Recent activity. You can see all devices currently signed in and sign out of any of them remotely.
Troubleshooting Common Login Problems
If you see an error message saying your password is wrong but you are sure it is correct, first check that Caps Lock is not on — passwords are case-sensitive. Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again. If the problem continues, use the password reset process described above.
If you see a message saying your account has been locked for security reasons, Microsoft detected unusual login activity. Go to account.microsoft.com, click Security, and follow the steps to unlock your account. You will need to verify your identity using a recovery email or phone number.
If the Outlook desktop app will not sign you in, try signing out first. Click File > Account Settings > Account Settings, right-click your email address, and select Remove. Then add the account again using File > Add Account.
Using App Passwords for Third-Party Programs
Some programs and devices cannot handle two-factor authentication the way Outlook can. If you want to connect your Outlook email to another process — such as a calendar program, a phone that does not support modern authentication, or an older email client — you may need to create an app password.
An app password is a long, randomly generated password that works only with that specific program. It does not replace your regular password, and you cannot use it to log in to Outlook itself. To create one, go to account.microsoft.com, click Security, find App passwords, and follow the steps. Microsoft will generate a password for you to paste into the other program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I log in to Outlook with a Gmail address or another email provider?
No. Outlook.com login requires an Outlook, Hotmail, or Live email address. If you use Gmail or another provider, you cannot log in to Outlook.com. However, you can add a Gmail account to the Outlook desktop app or mobile app by selecting Other email providers during setup and entering your Gmail credentials.
What should I do if I see a message asking me to verify my account after logging in?
Microsoft sometimes asks you to verify your identity for security reasons, especially if you logged in from a new device or location. Follow the on-screen instructions to verify using your phone number, recovery email, or authenticator app. This is normal and does not mean your account has been compromised.
Is it safe to save my Outlook password in my browser?
Saving your password in your browser is convenient but less find than typing it each time. If someone gains access to your computer, they can see your saved passwords. On a personal device you control, it is reasonably safe. On a shared or public computer, never allow your browser to save your password.
Can I log in to multiple Outlook accounts at the same time?
Yes. On the web, you can add multiple accounts by clicking your profile picture and selecting Open another mailbox, then entering a different email address. In the Outlook desktop app, add each account separately through File > Add Account, and you can switch between them using the account selector.
What happens if I do not log in to my Outlook account for a long time?
Microsoft may deactivate an Outlook account that has not been used for 365 days. If this happens, you can reactivate it by logging in again. However, if the account remains inactive for five years, Microsoft may delete it permanently. Log in at least once a year to keep your account active.