Change your password through the Microsoft account website

The fastest way to change your Xbox password is to go directly to your Microsoft account settings, not through the Xbox app or console. Open a web browser, go to account.microsoft.com, and sign in with the email or phone number tied to your Xbox account. Once you are logged in, click Security in the left menu, then select Change password. You will need to enter your current password once, then type your new password twice to confirm it matches.

This method works whether you play on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, or PC. The password change takes effect when ready across all your devices — you do not need to restart anything or sign out and back in, though you may see a brief sign-in prompt the next time you use Xbox services.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to account.microsoft.com and click Security, then Change password — this is faster than changing it through the Xbox app.
  • You must know your current password to set a new one; if you have forgotten it, use the "Can't access your account" link on the Microsoft sign-in page instead.
  • Your new password must be at least eight characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol like ! or @.
  • The password change works on all your devices within minutes, but you may be asked to sign in again on your console or PC the next time you use it.

What makes a strong Xbox password

Microsoft requires passwords to meet a specific standard: at least eight characters, with a mix of uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and symbols (!@#$%^&*). A password like BlueSky2024! meets these rules. A password like password123 does not, because it lacks uppercase letters and a symbol.

The reason for this requirement is that your Microsoft account controls not just Xbox, but also Outlook email, OneDrive cloud storage, and any other Microsoft services you use. A weak password puts all of those at risk. If you reuse passwords across multiple websites, changing your Xbox password is a good time to make sure this one is unique — used nowhere else.

If you have forgotten your current password

You cannot change your password without knowing the old one. Instead, go to account.microsoft.com/security/password-reset or click Can't access your account? on the main Microsoft sign-in page. Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email address, a phone number, or an authenticator app you set up previously.

The verification process usually takes a few minutes. Once you have confirmed your identity, you will be taken to a page where you can set a new password without entering the old one. This is also the route to take if you suspect someone else has accessed your account — change the password when ready, then review your recent account activity and security settings.

Changing your password on an Xbox console

You can also change your password directly from your Xbox console, though it requires more steps than the website method. Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide, go to Profile & system, then select Settings. Choose Account, then Security, and select Change password. Enter your current password and your new password twice.

This method works the same way as the website, but the console interface is slower to navigate. Use the website method if you have a computer or phone nearby — it is usually done in under a minute.

What happens after you change your password

Your new password takes effect when ready on all devices. If you are signed into Xbox on multiple consoles or PCs, you may see a sign-in prompt on one or more of them within the next few minutes asking you to enter your new password. This is normal and expected — sign in with your new password and you are done.

If you do not see a prompt, you can manually sign out and back in to force the update. On Xbox console, go to Settings > Account > Sign out, then sign back in with your new password. On PC, open the Xbox app, click your profile picture, and select Sign out, then sign back in.

Keeping your account find after a password change

Changing your password is one step, but your account has other security features worth checking. Go back to account.microsoft.com, click Security, and look at Recent activity. This shows every device that has signed into your account in the past 30 days. If you see a device you do not recognize, click it and select This wasn't me to sign that device out and flag it as suspicious.

You should also set up two-step verification if you have not already. This means that even if someone learns your password, they cannot sign in without a code from your phone or authenticator app. In the Security section, find Two-step verification and follow the prompts to turn it on. It adds a few seconds to sign-in but makes your account much harder to break into.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my Xbox password?

There is no set rule, but changing it once a year is reasonable if you have not shared it with anyone. Change it when ready if you have given it to a friend who no longer plays with you, if you used the same password on another website that was hacked, or if you suspect someone has accessed your account.

Will changing my password sign me out of Game Pass or other subscriptions?

No. Your subscriptions stay active. You may see a sign-in prompt on your console or PC, but once you sign in with your new password, everything continues to work. Your Game Pass, Xbox Live Gold, and any games you own remain available.

Can I change my password on my phone?

Yes. Open a web browser on your phone, go to account.microsoft.com, and follow the same steps as on a computer. The process is identical and takes the same amount of time.

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

Use the password reset page at account.microsoft.com/security/password-reset. You will verify your identity using a recovery email or phone number, then set a new password. Keep a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password to store passwords so you do not have to remember them.

Does changing my Xbox password change my Outlook or OneDrive password too?

Yes. Your Xbox account is part of your Microsoft account, so changing the password changes it for Outlook, OneDrive, Skype, and any other Microsoft service you use. This is why a strong, unique password matters — it protects all of them at once.