Resetting or Changing Your Microsoft Account Password: A Step-by-Step Guide

Microsoft account users can access various essential services like Outlook, OneDrive, and Microsoft 365, but forgetting the password can lock them out of these services. Microsoft provides straightforward steps to change or reset the password depending on whether the user knows the current one or has forgotten it entirely. The steps below guide users through both scenarios, including verification steps and security checks to update their credentials and restore access to their Microsoft services.

Key Takeaways:

  • The steps below describe how to change a known password for a Microsoft personal account. However, to change or reset a Work or School password, users should go to passwordreset.microsoftonline.com.
  • Users can reset their password by selecting "Forgot password?" and choosing their verification method from the available options, including email or phone.
  • For protection, Microsoft must verify the user's identity before proceeding with the password reset.
  • When resetting a password, users should retype the first part of the email address or the last four digits of the phone number hinted at in the previous window and select "Get code."
  • Microsoft will send a verification code to the email or phone number chosen, which users must confirm to create a new password.
  • When changing a password, users should type their new password and select the "Save" option to complete the password change.
  • For added security, users can select the optional checkbox to update their password every 72 days or remove their password or require two-step verification.

Statistics:

  • Microsoft offers a straightforward process to change or reset passwords for Microsoft account users.
  • Users can reset their password if they have forgotten it by selecting "Forgot password?" and following the verification steps.
  • Microsoft verifies the user's identity before allowing them to reset their password for protection.
  • Users must retype the first part of the email address or the last four digits of the phone number hinted at in the previous window and select "Get code" to receive a verification code.
  • The verification code is sent to the email or phone number chosen by the user.

Sources:

  • "How to change or reset your Microsoft account password" (Microsoft)

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