Forgot Your Outlook Password? How to Reset It

Introduction

Your Outlook password is the same as your Microsoft account password. This also applies to Hotmail, Live.com and MSN accounts: they all use the same login details. This account gives you access to Outlook email, OneDrive, Microsoft 365, Xbox and more. If you have forgotten your password, you can quickly reset it through Microsoft.

Need help with Outlook/Hotmail?

Theory7 is happy to help! Our specialists can guide you through the recovery process. Contact us for personal support.

Step by step: resetting your Outlook password

Method 1: Through the password reset page (recommended)

1. Go to account.live.com/password/reset
2. Enter your email address, phone number or Skype name
3. Click Next
4. Choose how you want to receive the security code:
   • Text message to your phone number
   • Email to your alternate email address
   • Microsoft Authenticator app
5. Enter the code you received
6. Set a new password (at least 8 characters)
7. Click Next to confirm

Method 2: Through the Outlook app or website

1. Go to outlook.com or open the Outlook app
2. Click Sign in
3. Enter your email address and click Next
4. Click Forgot password?
5. Follow the verification steps
6. Set a new password

Method 3: Through Microsoft Authenticator

If you have set up the Microsoft Authenticator app:

1. Go to the password reset page
2. Select Send a notification to my Microsoft Authenticator app
3. Approve the notification in the app
4. Set a new password right away

Alternative recovery methods

Account recovery form

If you don't have access to your security info:

1. Go to account.live.com/acsr
2. Enter the email address you want to recover
3. Enter a working email address where you can be contacted
4. Fill in the captcha and click Next
5. Answer as many questions about your account as you can:
   • Old passwords
   • Subject lines of emails you sent
   • Contacts in your address book
   • Microsoft products you have purchased
6. Wait for a response from Microsoft (24 to 48 hours)

Through a trusted device

If you are still signed in on another device:

1. Go to account.microsoft.com
2. Click Security > Change password
3. Set a new password

No access to your recovery info?

Phone number changed

1. Use the account recovery form
2. Mention your old phone number if you still remember it
3. Provide as much account information as possible

Alternate email address not available

1. First try to recover your alternate email account
2. Or use the account recovery form with other verification methods

Microsoft Authenticator not available

1. Use text message or email as an alternative
2. Or go through the account recovery form

Security tips

• Turn on two-step verification at account.microsoft.com/security
• Add multiple recovery methods: a phone number and an alternate email address
• Install Microsoft Authenticator for fast and secure verification
• Use a password manager to remember strong passwords
• Back up your recovery codes regularly
• Check your security info regularly to make sure it's up to date
• Use a unique password that you don't use anywhere else

Frequently asked questions

Is Outlook the same as Hotmail?

Yes, Hotmail was renamed Outlook.com. Your old @hotmail.com, @live.com or @msn.com address still works and uses the same Microsoft account.

How long does account recovery take?

With a security code: immediately. With the recovery form: 24 to 48 hours for a response from Microsoft.

Can I still see my old emails after a password reset?

Yes, all your emails, contacts and calendar items are kept. You only need to sign in again.

What if Microsoft rejects my recovery request?

You can try again within 30 days with more account information. Include details such as old passwords, email subject lines and contacts.

Does my password work for all Microsoft services?

Yes, your Microsoft account password works for Outlook, OneDrive, Xbox, Microsoft 365, Skype and all other Microsoft services.

Can I change my email address?

You can add an alias or change your primary email address at account.microsoft.com, but you keep access to your old address.

Professional email address as an alternative to Outlook

Outlook.com and Hotmail are free email services, but for business use you need more. With your own domain name and professional email hosting, you don't depend on Microsoft for access to your email.

Why your own email address?

• Always access: you don't depend on Microsoft's recovery process
• Your own domain: an address like info@yourcompany.nl inspires trust
• No advertising purposes: your email is not scanned for ads
• Better control: you decide on the security settings and spam filters yourself
• Professional support: personal help when you run into problems

Secure email with your own hosting

With email hosting at Theory7 you get a secure mail environment including:

• SPF, DKIM and DMARC: protection against phishing and spoofing
• Free SSL certificate: an encrypted connection for all your email
• Daily backups: your email is always stored safely
• Webmail access: read your email anywhere in your browser Combine your email with reliable web hosting for a complete online presence. That way you manage your website and email from one clear control panel.

Resetting your Outlook password on your phone

Many people use Outlook on their smartphone. If you have changed your password, you also need to update it in the Outlook app:

iPhone (iOS)

1. Open the Outlook app
2. Tap your profile picture in the top left
3. Tap the gear icon (Settings)
4. Select your email account
5. Tap Reset account
6. Sign in again with your new password

Android

1. Open the Outlook app
2. Tap your profile picture in the top left
3. Go to Settings (gear icon)
4. Select your account
5. Tap Delete account and add it again with your new password

Common mistakes when recovering your password

• Caps Lock on: passwords are case-sensitive. Check that Caps Lock is off.
• Old password saved in your browser: delete the saved password in your browser and enter the new one.
• Forgot about two-step verification: if you set up 2FA but no longer have access to your authenticator, use a recovery code or the account recovery form.
• Wrong account: check that you are recovering the right Microsoft account, especially if you have multiple accounts.

Tip: Use a password manager such as Bitwarden or 1Password to store your passwords securely. That way you won't lose your email password again.