How to Reset or Change an Outlook Email Account Password
Question details
The user needs to reset, change, or recover the password for an email account configured in Microsoft Outlook.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to update or recover an email password within the Outlook application.
- Observed behavior
- Outlook does not display the existing password, requiring users to reset it through their email provider or IT administrator.
Determine whether your email account is a personal account (like Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook.com) or a work/school account managed by an organization, as the recovery process differs significantly.
Reset Password Through Your Email Provider or IT Administrator
The most secure and reliable way to regain access to your email account.
Because Outlook is an email client, it simply connects to your email provider. It does not store your password in a viewable format. You must reset the password directly with the service that hosts your email.
Determine if you are using a personal email provider (e.g., Outlook.com, Gmail, Yahoo) or an organizational account provided by your employer or school.
Go to your email provider's official website, navigate to the login page, and click 'Forgot Password' to follow their official recovery steps.
If you use a work or school email, contact your organization's IT support team or local administrator to request a password reset.
Update the Password in Outlook Account Settings
Use this method to update the Outlook application after you have successfully reset your password with your email provider.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I view my current email password directly inside Outlook?
No, for security reasons, Microsoft Outlook does not display your existing email password in plain text within the application settings.
What should I do if Outlook keeps prompting me for a password?
This usually happens if your password was changed on the email provider's end but not updated in Outlook. Go to File > Account Settings, select your account, and update the password to match your current one.
Are third-party password recovery tools safe to use for Outlook?
It is highly recommended to avoid unverified third-party password recovery tools, as they can contain malware or steal your credentials. Always use official recovery methods provided by your email host.
How do I reset my password if I use a company email address?
Company or school email accounts are managed by organizational administrators. You must contact your IT support team to request a password reset, as you typically cannot reset it yourself online.
