How to Change Your Outlook Password

Learn to change your Outlook password on various platforms. This guide covers updates on Outlook.com, desktop, mobile and security tips.

Alex Simmons

Jun 10, 2023

Basics

In the digital age, maintaining the security of your online accounts is paramount. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to ensure this is by regularly updating your passwords. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to change your password in Outlook, a popular email client used by millions worldwide.

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Changing Password in Outlook.com

Outlook.com users should note that their password is the same as their Microsoft account password. Therefore, changing your password on Outlook.com also changes it for your Microsoft account. Here’s how to do it:

Visit the Microsoft account security page.
Log in using your current password.
Click on the “Change my password” option.
Enter your new password, ensuring it’s strong and unique. Click ‘Save’ to finalize the changes.
This process ensures that your Outlook.com account remains secure, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

Changing Password in Outlook Client Desktop App

The process for changing your password in the Outlook Client Desktop App varies slightly between Windows and Mac versions.

For Windows Users:

Open the File menu and select ‘Account Settings’.
Choose ‘Email Accounts’.
Select your account and click ‘Change’.
Enter your new password and confirm the changes.

For Mac Users:

Open Outlook Preferences.
Go to ‘Accounts’.
Select your Outlook account and enter your new password in the appropriate field.
Close the Accounts window. The new password will be saved automatically.

So, by following these steps, you can ensure that your Outlook Client Desktop App reflects any changes made to your password.

Changing Password in Outlook Mobile App

Unlike its desktop counterpart, the Outlook Mobile App does not provide a direct option to change your password. However, you can initiate the account reset process:

Launch the Outlook app and tap your profile picture.
Tap the Settings gear icon.
Select your Outlook account.
Scroll down and tap ‘RESET ACCOUNT’.
Update your password if prompted.
Finally, this process forces the app to check your account settings and update the password accordingly.

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Resetting a Forgotten Outlook Password

If you’ve forgotten your password, don’t panic. Importantly, the process to reset a forgotten Outlook password is straightforward and won’t take more than a few minutes. Simply follow the prompts on the Microsoft account security page to reset your password and regain access to your account.

Updating Outlook Client App Password

If you’ve changed the password for an email account that you access from the Outlook app, you need to update that password in the Outlook app:

Close the Outlook app.
Change your email password with your email service.
Restart the Outlook app. It will ask you for the updated password. Enter it, and the new password will be saved automatically.

Professional Tools for Changing Outlook Password

If you find the manual methods challenging, consider using professional tools like Kernel Outlook Password Recovery. These tools offer features like instant recovery of Outlook PST file passwords, unlocking password-protected PST files, and support for multilingual password recovery.

Security Tips

When changing your password, ensure it’s strong and unique. Regularly changing your password and checking it with a password strength test, especially if you suspect any external activity on your account. Security professionals recommend changing your password every three months for maximum security.

Remember, if you use the same Microsoft account to access other services like Office 365, OneDrive, etc., changing your Outlook password will also update the password for those services. Furthermore, you can also set up two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your account.

In conclusion, regularly changing your Outlook password is a simple yet effective way to maintain the security of your account. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily manage your password and ensure the safety of your personal and professional communications.

Exploring the Role of AI in Enhancing Password Security and Management

AI technologies can certainly be used to enhance password security and password management processes, including for applications like Microsoft Outlook.

Here are a few examples of how AI could be used in this context:

Predictive text or AI-assisted password creation: Similar to how predictive text works on your smartphone, an AI could suggest strong, random passwords as you start to type.
AI-powered password managers: AI could be used to enhance password managers, for example, by automatically categorizing and prioritizing passwords based on the sensitivity of the information they protect.
Behavioral biometrics and anomaly detection: AI could be used to analyze how a user typically interacts with their device – such as their typing rhythm or mouse movements – to create a behavioral profile. If a user’s behavior suddenly changes, the system could prompt for additional verification, helping to protect against situations where a password has been compromised.
Phishing detection: AI can help detect phishing attempts, where attackers try to trick users into revealing their passwords. For example, AI could analyze emails and alert users if they seem suspicious.

FAQ

Can I change my Outlook password directly from the Outlook desktop application?

No, you cannot directly change your Outlook password from the desktop application. However, you need to change your Microsoft account password, which will then apply to your Outlook account.

What should I do if I suspect someone else has access to my Outlook account?

That’s a serious concern! Indeed, if you have any suspicion of unauthorized access to your Outlook account, you should immediately change your Microsoft account password. Consequently, this will also update your Outlook password and help keep your account secure.

I’ve got several email accounts set up with Outlook. Do I need to change all their passwords one by one?

Yes, that’s correct. If you have multiple email accounts configured with Outlook, you’ll need to change the password for each account individually.

I updated my Outlook password, but I still can’t log in. What’s going on?

If you’re struggling to log in after updating your password, make sure you’re typing in the new password accurately. Still can’t get in? You may need to go through the password reset process once more. If you’re still stuck after that, don’t worry – Microsoft support is always there to lend a hand.

Can I set up my Outlook account to remind me to change my password every few months?

While it would be handy, Outlook doesn’t have a feature to prompt you to change your password at regular intervals. However, Microsoft does suggest changing your password every few months for optimal security.

I use Outlook on a bunch of devices. If I change my password, do I need to update it on all of them?

Yes, exactly. If you change your Outlook password, you’ll need to update it on all devices where you use Outlook. This includes the Outlook desktop application, mobile app, and any web browsers where you log in to Outlook.com.

I use a password manager. Can I change my Outlook password through it?

No, you can’t change your Outlook password directly through a password manager. You’ll need to change your Microsoft account password, which will then apply to your Outlook account. But you can certainly use your password manager to create and store a new, strong password for your account.