How to recover an Outlook password: Fixing a forgotten password and more

What to do if you’ve forgotten your Outlook password

It’s easy to get flustered if you’ve forgotten your Outlook password. Our email accounts have become a sort of command center for our lives. They can contain important information about banking, utilities, credit cards, car payments, and more. What’s more, they include personal correspondence, passwords, personal pictures, and other private information that identity thieves could use against you.

Take a deep breath. Make sure you type and spell your password correctly, that the caps lock is turned off, and that you have access to the correct email domain extension for your country.

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If you need to reset your password, follow these steps:

1. Access the Microsoft account password reset portal for your type of account.
2. Enter your identifying information, like your phone number, email address, or Skype name you use to sign in.
3. Choose where you’d like to receive your verification code that confirms your identity.
4. Enter the requested information—such as a phone number or alternate email address.
5. Input the verification code at your requested destination.
6. Choose your new password, preferably a strong one that’s long with special characters and capitalized letters.

This method requires you to have enabled two-factor authentication, which will allow Microsoft to verify that you are the actual owner of the account.

What if you’re locked out of your Outlook account?

In some instances, it’s not your password that’s forgotten: Microsoft may temporarily block your account due to unusual sign-in activity. Your Outlook account will be locked to prevent you, or anyone who has access to your login information, from accessing the sensitive information in your account. Cyber attacks are not limited to large corporations; they can affect individuals and families too.

If your Outlook account is blocked, go through the following steps:

1. Enter the locked email address and enter the prompted CAPTCHA characters.
2. If you’re using Microsoft Authenticator, verify your identity with biometrics or a code provided by the app.
3. Alternatively, choose to receive a text message to confirm your identity. You don’t need a smartphone or device to get a security code via text message.
4. Once you enter the security code provided by the text message or Authenticator, you’ll be prompted to change your password.

In rare instances, you may be unable to change your password despite following the steps. If this is the case, fill out the account recovery form.

You’ll need a secondary email account that you have access to, and you should take care to fill out the account recovery form on a device you would typically use to log into your blocked email account. Another good tip is to fill out the form from a location specific to you, such as your home or office. You’ll be prompted to answer questions about your email account, like your contacts and messages you may have recently sent. Fill out as much information as you’re able because it can all be used to help you recover your account.

Losing access to an email account, even temporarily, can feel like a nightmare. Thankfully, it’s easy to get back into your Outlook account.