Looking for easy instructions to reset your Outlook password? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Microsoft Outlook is the second most popular email client in the world – and for good reason: Microsoft has repeatedly demonstrated that it takes user feedback seriously. In 2025 alone, Microsoft will make 53 new updates to Outlook based on that feedback. And as Microsoft turned 50 on April 4, 2025, the company announced more new features at its Washington headquarters.
By far one of the most celebrated has been Copilot Shopping: With its agentic capabilities, it can research products, track price drops, and even suggest purchases that align with personal budgets.
This means no more keyword-based searches and a dramatically easier shopping experience. With more purchase notifications flowing into Outlook accounts, having strong passwords is crucial. Below, we show you how to reset your Outlook password, whether you’ve forgotten it - or just want to protect your inbox.
Step-by-step guide to reset your email password in Outlook
How to change your password on desktop without breaking a sweat
Remember: Your Outlook password is the same as your Microsoft account password. To change your Outlook password, you’ll need to change your Microsoft account password.
- First, go to Microsoft’s Recover Your Account page. Enter your email, phone number, or Skype name. Then, click “Next.”
- When you see your email, phone, or Skype number, click “Get Code.” If you choose “I don’t have any of these,” you must provide a contact email address (this will be different from the one you’re trying to recover). Note that you must still provide the email, phone, or Skype number associated with your Microsoft account.
- Check your email or phone for the security code, enter it into the box, and click “Next.” To receive the security code via Skype, you’ll need a U.S. number – currently, only U.S. Skype numbers can receive SMS text messages. That said, you’ll want to note that Skype will be retired in May 2025. But don’t fret: You have the option to move to Microsoft Teams Free. Signing in to Microsoft Teams Free with your existing Skype credentials will automatically transfer all your contacts and entire chat history - no new account creation is required.
- Now, back to your Outlook password reset. After entering your security code, input your new Outlook password twice before clicking “Next.”
- You should immediately see a box with the message below, confirming your password was changed. And that’s it!
Troubleshooting Outlook password reset issues
I can’t reset my Microsoft Outlook password
If you can’t reset your password, use the Microsoft Sign-In Helper to get answers. In the “We’re here to help” box, type in “Help me sign in to my Microsoft account” and then click “Get Help.”
Next, scroll down, where you’ll see these instructions: “Choose how you normally sign in, then enter your details.”
Provide the information requested, and you’ll receive further instructions to help you recover your account.
Mobile hacks to reset your Outlook password – anytime, anywhere
Remember: you can’t reset your Outlook email password directly in the app.
To reset your Outlook password on your iOS or Android phone, follow these steps:
- On your phone, log in to your account in a web browser to change your password. If you’ve forgotten your password, follow the instructions at the beginning of this article to recover your account.
- Once you’ve recovered your account and reset your password, open the Outlook app and tap on your profile icon in the upper left-hand corner.
- Tap the “Settings” gear icon in the bottom left corner.
- Next, tap your Outlook account, scroll down, and tap “Reset Account.”
- If you’ve reset your Outlook email password in your web browser, the mobile app will detect this change and prompt you to sign in with your new password.
Why your Outlook password is more than just a login credential
Now, let’s talk about why your Outlook password is an attractive target for hackers.
As an Outlook user, your inbox likely contains the following:
- Purchase notifications with your name, phone number, and delivery address
- Subscription confirmations for newsletters, e-zines, food deliveries, and other household items
- Emails containing billing details for payment platforms like PayPal, Amazon Pay, Shopify, and Stripe
- Password reset links for sensitive accounts such as banking, insurance, and healthcare
Quite simply, your Outlook password is the key to your most sensitive data. Weak passwords make it easier for hackers to make unauthorized transactions, redirect your deliveries, and steal your identity.
Pro tips for bulletproof password security
Your secret weapon for creating the strongest passwords
Life can be overwhelming. Between endless tasks, tight deadlines, and life’s curveballs, it can feel impossible to keep your head above water.
When you need to focus on what truly matters, the last thing on your mind is resetting your Outlook password or creating a strong enough password to keep out the bad guys.
But what if there was a way to take control (besides using ChatGPT, which can do more harm than good)?
The LastPass password generator was built to make your life easier and more secure. By using the generator, you can quickly create strong, unique passwords for your account – in just a few moments.
And if you aren’t sure what a strong password looks like, check out CISA’s password guidelines and then head back to our password generator to customize your own.
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