How to Change Your Password in Outlook

Learn step-by-step instructions on how to change your password in Outlook. Keep your account secure with our easy-to-follow guide.

In today's digital age, it is essential to have strong and secure passwords for all your online accounts, especially for your email. Microsoft Outlook is a widely used email platform that allows users to send and receive emails, manage calendars, and store contacts. With all the sensitive information that we store in our email accounts, it is crucial to regularly change our passwords to protect our data from hackers and cyber-attacks. In this article, we will guide you through the process of changing your password in Outlook on both PCs and smartphones.

Changing Your Password on a PC:

1. Visit the Microsoft website: The first step to changing your Outlook password is to visit the Microsoft website and log in with your email account and current password. If you have trouble logging in, click on the 'Can't access your account?' link and follow the instructions to reset your password.

2. Navigate to the Security tab: Once you have successfully logged in, click on your profile picture at the top right corner of the screen. A dropdown menu will appear, click on 'My account.' You will be redirected to the account settings page, where you need to click on the 'Security' tab.

3. Click on 'Change my password': On the security page, you will see an option to change your password. Click on the 'Change my password' link, and you will be prompted to enter a verification code.

4. Enter the verification code: Microsoft will send a verification code to the email or phone number linked to your account. Enter the code in the designated field, and click on 'Verify.'

5. Enter your current password: After verifying your account, you will be asked to enter your current password. This is to ensure that it is you who is changing the password.

6. Type a new password: Now, it's time to create a new password. Make sure it is a strong and unique combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information, such as your name or birthdate, as your password.

7. Confirm and save: After entering your new password, confirm it by typing it again in the designated field. Once done, click on 'Save' to finalize the changes. Your Outlook password has now been successfully changed.

Changing Your Password on a Smartphone:

1. Open the Outlook app: If you use Outlook on your smartphone, open the app and log in with your email account and current password.

2. Tap on the menu button: The menu button is typically located at the top left corner of the screen. Tap on it, and you will see a list of options.

3. Go to 'Settings': Scroll through the options and tap on 'Settings.' You will be redirected to the app's settings page.

4. Select your email account: On the settings page, you will see the email account linked to your Outlook app. Tap on it to access the account settings.

5. Tap on 'Change password': Once you have selected your email account, you will see an option to change your password. Tap on it, and you will be prompted to enter a verification code.

6. Enter the verification code: Just like the PC process, Microsoft will send a verification code to your email or phone number. Enter the code in the designated field and tap on 'Verify.'

7. Enter your current password: After verifying your account, you will be asked to enter your current password.

8. Type a new password: Now, enter your new password, making sure it is strong and unique.

9. Confirm and save: Lastly, confirm your new password by typing it again and tap on 'Save.' Your Outlook password has now been successfully changed.

If You Forgot Your Password:

If you have forgotten your Outlook password, don't worry; you can reset it via the Microsoft website. Follow the steps mentioned earlier to log in to your account and click on the 'Can't access your account?' link. You will be asked to provide your email account, and Microsoft will send a code to your email or phone number. Follow the instructions to reset your password.

If You Changed Your Password After a Security Breach:

In case you have changed your Outlook password due to a security breach or suspect someone has unauthorized access to your account, it is essential to take additional steps to secure your account. You can enable two-step verification, which adds an extra layer of security to your account. This way, even if someone knows your password, they won't be able to access your account without the verification code sent to your phone or email.

Changing your Outlook password is a simple yet crucial step in securing your email account. It is recommended to change your password regularly, at least every three months, and ensure it is strong and unique. It is also essential to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect your account from potential cyber threats. With these steps, you can rest assured that your Outlook account is safe and secure.