How to Create a Third-Party App Password for Microsoft Email
Question details
The user needs to generate a unique app password to connect their Microsoft email to a third-party application or older email client that does not support modern two-step verification.
- Product
- Microsoft Account / Email
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Setting up a Microsoft email account in an older email application like Outlook 2010.
- Observed behavior
- Standard password entry fails because the application does not support modern authentication (MFA) prompts, requiring a dedicated app password instead.
Ensure that two-step verification is already enabled on your Microsoft account, as app passwords can only be generated for accounts with this security feature turned on.
Generate an App Password via Security Settings
Use the Microsoft Additional Security Verification page to quickly generate a unique app password for your email client.
Older email applications do not support modern two-factor authentication interfaces. By generating an app password, you grant secure, limited access to these specific applications without compromising your main account password.
Open your web browser and sign in to the Microsoft Additional Security Verification page at account.activedirectory.windowsazure.com/Proofup.aspx.
Once you are signed in, locate and select the 'App passwords' option from the available security settings menu.
Click on 'Create', enter a descriptive name for your application (such as 'Outlook 2010 Desktop'), and select 'Next'.
Carefully copy the generated password displayed on the 'Your App Password' screen, and then click 'Close'.
Open your email application and paste the copied app password into the password field when prompted during the account setup.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need an app password instead of my regular Microsoft password?
If you have two-step verification enabled, older applications that do not support modern login screens cannot prompt you for a secondary security code. An app password bypasses this by providing a unique, highly secure login specific to that application.
Can I use the same app password for multiple devices or applications?
While it is technically possible in some cases, it is strongly recommended to create a unique app password for each device or application. This allows you to easily revoke access for a single compromised or lost device without affecting the others.
How do I delete an app password if I no longer use the device?
You can manage and delete app passwords by visiting the Microsoft Additional Security Verification page. Simply find the specific app name in your list of active passwords and select the delete option next to it.
What happens to my app passwords if I turn off two-step verification?
If you disable two-step verification on your Microsoft account, all of your existing app passwords will immediately become invalid. You will then need to use your standard account password to sign in to your applications.
