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How to Change Your Outlook Password – Step-by-Step Guide I Use

Maarten ~ Modified: June 30th, 2025 ~ Microsoft Office 365 ~ 5 Minutes Reading

Knowing how to change your password for Outlook is essential if you want to keep your account secure and avoid unwanted access. I’ve had to do it myself after getting a security alert from Microsoft, so I put together this easy-to-follow guide.

Let’s explore:

Why I Change My Outlook Password Regularly

Let me be honest, cyber threats are everywhere. I once had a suspicious login attempt on my Microsoft account, and that incident made me realise the importance of regularly updating my password. Here’s why I recommend you do the same:

  • To protect against unauthorised access
  • To comply with organisational password policies
  • After receiving a security alert
  • When you forget your current password

According to Microsoft, creating and using a strong password is a key part of protecting your account.

How to Change Your Password for Outlook?

Here are the solutions and steps that I followed to change my Outlook password: 

how to change your password for Outlook

Method 1. Change Outlook Password from Web (Outlook.com)

If you’re using Outlook through a browser, here’s how you can change your password:

  1. Open https://account.microsoft.com.
  2. Sign in using your current Outlook credentials.
  3. Click Security.
  4. Under Password security, select Change my password.
  5. You’ll be asked to verify your identity, either through your phone number or email.
  6. Enter your current password, then your new password twice.
  7. Click Save.

I always use a combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters for passwords. 

Related article: How to Delegate Access in Outlook 365

Method 2. Change Your Password via Microsoft 365

If you’re like me and also use Outlook for work via Microsoft 365, here’s how I change my password through the admin center or web portal:

  1. Open https://www.office.com and log in.
  2. Click your profile icon > My Microsoft account.
  3. Navigate to Security Info.
  4. Click Change password.
  5. Enter your old password, followed by the new password.
  6. Save your changes.

If your organisation uses single sign-on (SSO), you need to change your password through your company’s internal portal.

Method 3. Update Saved Password in Outlook Desktop App

After I change my password online, I also make sure to update it in the Outlook desktop app. Otherwise, Outlook will keep asking me for credentials. Here’s what I do:

#For Windows:

  1. Open the Control Panel and search for Credential Manager.
  2. Click on Windows Credentials.
  3. Locate and remove any credentials under the name MS Outlook, Microsoft Office, or Outlook/Exchange.
  4. Next time you open Outlook, it will prompt you for the updated password.

#For Mac:

  1. Open Applications > Utilities > Keychain Access.
  2. Search for your Outlook or Exchange account.
  3. Delete the existing entry.
  4. Re-open Outlook, and you’ll be asked to enter your new password.

Method 4. Change Password in Outlook Mobile App (iOS/Android)

Changing the password in the app isn’t possible directly. When I update my password online, here’s how to change your password for Outlook on mobile:

  1. Open the Outlook app.
  2. When prompted with a sign-in error, tap Fix account.
  3. Enter the new password.
  4. Tap Save.

If that doesn’t work:

  • Go to Settings > Email Account > Delete Account.
  • Re-add your account with the new password.

Also read: Microsoft 365 Tenant Restrictions

What to Do If You Forgot Your Outlook Password

I’ve been there, blanking out on a password. If that happens, here’s how I reset it:

  1. Go to https://account.live.com/password/reset.
  2. Choose I forgot my password and click Next.
  3. Enter your email address and verification method.
  4. Follow the steps to set a new password.

After resetting, immediately update the password across all devices: laptop, phone, tablet, to avoid sync issues.

My Personal Security Tips for Outlook

Here are a few extra tips I recommend:

  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
  • Use a password manager
  • Set reminders to update passwords
  • Never reuse passwords

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide has clearly explained how to change your password for Outlook in a few clicks. Additionally, if you follow my personal best practices, then you add an extra layer of security to your Outlook data. 

FAQs

Q1. Will changing my Outlook password affect other Microsoft apps?
Yes, your new password will apply to all Microsoft services linked to your account, like OneDrive, Word, Excel, and Teams.

Q2. What happens if I don’t update my password in the Outlook desktop app?
Outlook will keep asking for the old password, and Outlook ‍365 is not sending emails until updated.

Q3. Can I change my password from the Outlook mobile app directly?
No, you can only update it after changing it online. The app will then prompt you to re-enter it.