How to Change Password in Outlook? 4 Secure Methods Explained
You can change your password through your Microsoft account security settings by selecting Change password and creating a new password. But if you have forgotten your password, use the forgot password option to reset it. This guide explains how to change password in Outlook on the web, desktop, and mobile app, along with password recovery methods and common sign-in fixes.
Why Do You Need to Reset Password in Outlook? Common Reasons
Users may need to change password in Outlook because of forgotten password credentials, security concerns, or repeated sign-in issues. Here, we have provided you with all the common reasons why users experience these situations.
- A forgotten Outlook password can prevent users from signing into their email accounts.
- Changing your password may help you to protect the account if users suspect unauthorized access.
- Expired passwords may require users to create new password to regain account access.
- Repeated password prompts in Outlook may occur because of outdated or incorrect saved credentials.
- Users may need to update their Outlook sign-in credentials after changing their email account password.
- Suspicious sign-in activity may require users to reset their password to secure their Microsoft account.
Before following a method, identify whether you use a personal Microsoft account, a work or school account, or an email account from another provider.
How to Change Password in Outlook? 4 Secure Methods
In this section, we will discuss four secure methods to change or reset a password in Outlook. The suitable method depends on whether you know your current password, have forgotten it, or are facing repeated sign-in prompts. Whether you use Outlook.com, Outlook desktop, or the mobile app, each approach helps you manage your account credentials. The four secure solutions are:
- Method 1: Change password using Microsoft Account Settings
- Method 2: Reset Forgotten Outlook Password
- Method 3: Change Password for a work or school Outlook
- Method 4: How to Change Password in Outlook Mobile App?
#1. Reset Password in Outlook through Microsoft Account Settings
This method is useful when you remember your current password and want to change it for security or other purposes. The steps may vary slightly depending on your Outlook version, such as Outlook 2016, 2019, 2021, or 2024. You can change your password through Microsoft Account security settings by following the steps given below:
- Firstly, open the browser and visit the Microsoft Account Security page
- Then, sign in using your Outlook email address and current password
- Now, navigate to the password security or password change option
- Next, complete the identity verification process if prompted
- After that, enter your current password and create a new password
- Now, confirm the new password and sign in again with your updated password if required.
#2. How to Change Password in Outlook using Reset Password Approach?
If you have forgotten your Outlook password and cannot sign in, then you can use Microsoft’s official password recovery process. This method will help you verify your identity and create a new password without knowing the old one. The following steps are:
- Visit the Microsoft Password reset page
- Then, enter your Outlook email address and click Next
- After that, select an available verification option such as your registered phone number or recovery email
- Now, enter the verification code sent to your selected recovery method
- Next, follow the on-screen instructions to create a new password
- After that, confirm the new password and complete the reset process
- At last, open Outlook and sign in using your new password
#3. Reset Password in Outlook for a Work or School Outlook Account
If you use an Outlook account provided by your organization, you may need to change your password through your Microsoft 365 account settings or your company’s password management portal. The following steps to change password in Outlook for updates are as follows:
- Open your Organization’s Microsoft 365 account and sign in page and log in with your work or school email address.
- Then, navigate to your account profile for your security settings
- After that, look for the Change Password option, if available
- Next, verify your identity using the required authentication method
- Now, enter your current password and create a new password
- After that, confirm the new password and save the changes
- At last, open Outlook and sign in again with your updated password if prompted.
Note: If you cannot find the password change option or have forgotten your password, use your organization’s self-service password reset portal or contact your IT administrator.
#4. How to Change Password in Outlook Mobile App?
If you have changed your email account password, you may need to sign in again in the Outlook mobile app on your Android or iPhone. The process depends on your email provider and account settings. Follow the steps below to update your sign-in credentials.
- At first, open the Microsoft Outlook app on your Android phone or iPhone.
- Then, tap your profile icon in the top-left corner.
- Now, tap the Settings (gear) icon.
- Next, select the email account for which you have changed the password.
- If Outlook prompts you to sign in, select the sign-in option.
- Then, enter your updated password or complete the authentication process provided by your email service.
- At last, follow any additional verification steps and check whether your emails synchronize properly.
Quick Fix: What if Outlook Keeps Asking for Password?
If your Outlook repeatedly asks for a password, then outdated credentials or authentication issues may be responsible for it. In this situation, you can try these fixes to resolve the problem:
- Update Saved Credentials: Open Windows Credential Manager and remove outdated Outlook credentials. Restart Outlook and sign in again.
- Verify Your Password: Sign in through your email provider’s official website to confirm your password works.
- Complete Authentication: Follow any verification prompts or security code requests.
- Repair Your Account: Use Outlook’s account repair option if the problem persists.
Note: Make sure you know your current password before removing saved credentials.
Difference Between Outlook Account Password & PST File Password
An Outlook account password protects access to your email account. Whereas a PST file password protects a particular Outlook data file. These passwords serve different purposes and require a different procedures such as:
- Outlook account password: Change or reset it through Microsoft or your email provider.
- PST file password: Manage it through the relevant Outlook Data File settings.
In short, resetting your Microsoft account password does not remove a password from a protected PST file. Similarly, changing a PST file password does not change the credentials used to sign in to Outlook.com or Microsoft 365.
Bonus Tip: Reset Outlook PST File Password – Automated Solution
If you have forgotten the password of your Outlook PST file instead of Outlook password and you cannot access its data, then you can opt for FreeViewer PST Password Remover Tool. This software helps you to recover access to the password-protected PST file. Also, it provides a dedicated solution for PST password-related issues, making it easier to access your Outlook data when you cannot remember the file password. This reliable solution works completely in offline mode without requiring a stable internet connection. Lastly, the interface of the tool is user-friendly and simple.
Conclusion
With this, we have come to the end of the blog post. Here, we have covered how to change password in Outlook efficiently. Furthermore, we have discussed common reasons behind resetting the password. Along with the reasons, we have shared 4 methods to reset or change the Outlook password. You can choose the best-suited approach depending upon your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions!
Q1: Why do users need to change password in Outlook?
Ans: Users may need to reset their Outlook password for security reasons, after suspicious sign-in activity, when their password expires, or when they want to update their login credentials.
Q2: Why does the Outlook application keeps asking for a password?
Ans: Outlook may repeatedly ask for password because of outdated saved credentials, authentication issues, or a recently changed email password. So, to resolve this error, you should update your credentials and complete the sign-in process.
Q3: How do I change my password in Outlook desktop app?
Ans: To reset password in Outlook desktop app, you can update it through your Microsoft account settings or email provider first. Then, open Outlook and enter the new password if prompted to reauthenticate your account and resume email synchronization.
Q4: What should I do if I forgot my Outlook Data file password instead of my Outlook password?
Ans: If you have forgotten password of your PST file instead of your Outlook application, then you can choose the above-suggested professional solution. It will help you with the password removal process from the PST file itself.