How to Change a Hotmail Account Password: Beginner's Guide

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A quick and easy guide to update or reset your password in Hotmail

Written by Christopher Batchelor | Edited by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: October 2, 2025 Tested

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Changing Your Password

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Resetting Your Password

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Video

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Q&A

Do you need to change the password in your Hotmail email account? Since Hotmail is now Outlook, this is the same password as your Microsoft account password. While you can't update your password in the Outlook mobile app, you can easily use a mobile or desktop browser. Here's how to change a Hotmail account password using your computer, iPhone, or Android device.

Quick Steps

Log in to account.live.com in a web browser.
Click Change password at the top.
Enter your current password.
Enter a new password.
Click Save.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Changing Your Password

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1
Go to account.live.com in a desktop or mobile browser. As Hotmail is now known as Outlook, you'll need to visit the Outlook website to change your password. You can use Google Chrome, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, or another browser.^{[1]
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Microsoft Support
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- Currently, you can't change your password in the Outlook mobile app. You can visit this page in any mobile browser.
- If you can't remember your current password, you'll need to reset your password instead.
2
Click Sign in and log into your account. Enter your email address, and click Next. Enter your current password, and then click Next.
- You may be asked to verify your account with a linked email or phone number for security purposes. Click Send code to (linked email/phone). Check the email's inbox or phone, and input the code to proceed.
- You'll be taken to your Account page.
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Click Change password. You'll find this at the top of the page, underneath the Account header.
- If you don't see this option, scroll down, click the Security header, and then click Change password.
- You may be asked to verify your account identity before you can change your password.
Use the first field to enter the password you currently use to sign in.
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Enter a new password. Input the new password in the New password and Reenter password fields. Be sure to create a secure password that you can remember.^{[2]
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- If you're seeing an error, make sure the password is at least 8 characters and that they match in both fields.
- Optional: check the box for Make me change my password every 72 days to help protect your email and security.
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Brandon Phipps is a Technology Specialist based in Bakersfield, CA. He is the owner of Second Star Technologies and specializes in Managed IT Services for small and mid-sized businesses in Bakersfield, CA. With over 23 years of experience, he offers expert cloud computing, cybersecurity, and network management solutions. Brandon is a committed community member and coach who leads and innovates in tech and sports coaching. His dedication to local businesses and communities is evident in his hands-on, tailored approach to IT solutions.

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Secure your digital life with online password best practices. Choose a long, easy-to-remember passphrase as your password. You should also avoid using the same password for multiple services or websites. Use web browser password managers to create and securely store your passwords.
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Click Save. This is the blue button. Your password will be changed.
- If you're logged into your Hotmail (Outlook) in other places, you may be asked to log in again with the updated password.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Resetting Your Password

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1
Go to account.live.com/password/reset in a desktop or mobile browser. You can use any browser you'd like. This is the direct link to the password reset page.
2
Enter your email address and click Next. This is your Hotmail (now Outlook) email address.
3
Select a recovery option. If you connected another email address to your account, you'll see it partially censored here. This is how you'll receive your security code to access your account again.
- If you don't have another email connected, click Show more verification methods to see all available options, such as a phone number.
- If you don't have another recovery option available, you can try using the account recovery form, though not many users have had success with this method.^{[3]
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4
Enter the recovery email address or phone number and click Get code. It may take a few moments for this code to arrive to your email or phone.
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Enter the code and click Next. This will be a 6-digit code.
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Enter a new password and click Next. You can now enter a new password for your Outlook account. Be sure to use a password that is secure and complex.
- Your password will be updated. If you're logged into your Hotmail (Outlook) in other places, you may be asked to log in again with the updated password.

Community Q&A

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Question

How can I prevent people from using my new password?

Community Answer

Don't tell anyone your new password! And if you want to be sure your new password is secure, it should be hard to guess, not something obvious like your dog's name, etc.

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Question

What if my ID is not getting any emails?

Community Answer

Someone may be hacking or trolling you.

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Question

Why can't I open my emails on my iPad after I changed my Hotmail account password on a laptop? It says it is updating.

Community Answer

You just click on the button that says "I have forgotten pasword." And then click on the 3 chocies that will pop up.

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