Change your password through your Microsoft account settings

To change your Microsoft account password, sign in at account.microsoft.com, go to the Security section, and select "Change password" under the Password heading. You will need to enter your current password once, then type your new password twice to confirm it matches. Microsoft will send a confirmation email to your registered address when the change is complete.

The process takes about two minutes. Your new password takes effect immediately across all devices and services linked to that account — Outlook, OneDrive, Xbox, Windows sign-in, and any other Microsoft products you use.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to account.microsoft.com, select Security, and choose "Change password" to update your password in one place.
  • You must enter your current password before setting a new one, so have it ready.
  • The new password works on all your devices and services tied to that account within minutes.
  • If you cannot remember your current password, use the "I forgot my password" option on the sign-in screen instead of the Security page.
  • A strong password should be at least 8 characters and include uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Step-by-step instructions for the Security page

Open a web browser and go to account.microsoft.com. Click "Sign in" in the top right corner and enter your email address or phone number, then your password. If you have two-step verification turned on, you will need to complete that step as well.

Once you are signed in, look for the Security tab on the left side of the page. Under the Password section, you will see "Change password" — click that link. Enter your current password in the first field, then type your new password in the second field. Type it again in the third field to confirm. Click "Next" to save the change.

Microsoft will display a confirmation message and send an email to your registered address. Check your inbox to verify the change went through. If you do not see the email within a few minutes, check your spam or junk folder.

What to do if you forgot your current password

If you cannot remember your current password, do not go to the Security page. Instead, go to account.microsoft.com/signin and click "Sign in." On the sign-in screen, select "I forgot my password" below the password field.

Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email address or phone number linked to your account. You will receive a code by email or text message — enter that code to prove it is really you. After verification, you can set a new password without needing the old one.

This recovery process usually takes five to ten minutes. If you no longer have access to your recovery email or phone number, Microsoft has additional verification options, though they may take longer.

Password requirements and best practices

Microsoft requires passwords to be at least 8 characters long. Your password can include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. You cannot use your email address or username as part of your password, and you cannot reuse any of your last five passwords.

A strong password is harder to guess or crack. Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, add numbers and symbols like ! or #, and avoid common words or patterns like "password123" or "qwerty." If you use the same password across multiple websites, changing it on Microsoft does not change it anywhere else — you will need to update each site separately.

Your password changes across all Microsoft services at once

When you change your password on account.microsoft.com, that new password works for every service connected to your Microsoft account. This includes Outlook and Hotmail email, OneDrive cloud storage, Xbox Live, Skype, and Windows sign-in on your computer.

You may need to sign in again on some devices after changing your password. Windows computers usually prompt you to sign in with the new password the next time you restart. On phones and tablets, you may need to manually sign out of the Microsoft apps and sign back in. This is normal and happens within a few minutes on most devices.

Two-step verification and password changes

If you have two-step verification turned on for your account, you will still need to complete that verification step when you sign in to change your password. This extra security layer means someone cannot change your password even if they somehow get your current password — they would also need access to your phone or recovery email.

Two-step verification does not interfere with changing your password. You go through the normal change process, but Microsoft asks for the verification code before you can access the Security page. If you lose access to your verification method, you can use your recovery codes or other recovery options to regain access to your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my new password to work everywhere?

Your new password takes effect immediately on account.microsoft.com and most Microsoft services. Some devices like Windows computers or phones may take a few minutes to sync the change, especially if they are not connected to the internet. Sign out and back in on any device where you want to use the new password right away.

Can I change my password on my phone or tablet?

Yes. Open a web browser on your phone or tablet, go to account.microsoft.com, and follow the same steps. The process is identical on mobile devices. You can also change your password through the Settings app on Windows phones or tablets by going to Accounts and selecting "Your info," though the web method is usually faster.

What if I change my password but still cannot sign in?

Wait a few minutes — sometimes the change takes longer to sync to all servers. Clear your browser cache and cookies, then try signing in again. If you still cannot sign in, use the "I forgot my password" option to verify your identity and set a new password. If that does not work, contact Microsoft Support through account.microsoft.com.

Do I need to change my password on my email provider if I use Microsoft email?

No. Changing your Microsoft account password automatically updates it for Outlook, Hotmail, and any other Microsoft email address. You do not need to change anything elsewhere unless you use that same password on other websites — in that case, you should update those sites separately for security.

Will changing my password sign me out of all my devices?

Not immediately. You will remain signed in on devices you are currently using, but you may be prompted to sign in again the next time you restart or open a Microsoft app. This is normal. If you want to sign out everywhere immediately for security reasons, you can do that from the Security page under "Recent activity" by selecting "Sign out all sessions."