How Do I Change My Hotmail Password? A Step-by-Step Guide

PDF download Download Article
A quick and easy guide to change your password in Hotmail
PDF download Download Article

Do you need to change your password for Hotmail? Since Hotmail is now Outlook, you'll need to visit the Outlook website. You'll just need to log in with your current account information to change your password. Keep in mind this will change your password across all linked Microsoft products, such as Office. This wikiHow will show you how to change your Hotmail account password using your computer or mobile device.

Steps to Change Your Hotmail Password

  1. Go to http://account.live.com/password/change .
  2. Sign into your Hotmail account and hit your profile photo.
  3. Select “View account” and click “Change password.”
  4. Type in your current password and click “Sign in.”
  5. Click “Send code” and enter the security code (received via text or email).
  6. Type in a new password and click "Save" to set your new password.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Change-a-Hotmail-Account-Password-Step-1-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-a-Hotmail-Account-Password-Step-1-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Change-a-Hotmail-Account-Password-Step-1-Version-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-a-Hotmail-Account-Password-Step-1-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Go to http://account.live.com/password/change in a desktop or mobile browser. You can use Google Chrome , Safari, Mozilla Firefox , or another browser. [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Change-a-Hotmail-Account-Password-Step-2-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-a-Hotmail-Account-Password-Step-2-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Change-a-Hotmail-Account-Password-Step-2-Version-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-a-Hotmail-Account-Password-Step-2-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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 the Change your password page.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Change-a-Hotmail-Account-Password-Step-2-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-a-Hotmail-Account-Password-Step-2-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Change-a-Hotmail-Account-Password-Step-2-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-a-Hotmail-Account-Password-Step-2-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use the first field to enter the password you currently use to sign in.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Change-a-Hotmail-Account-Password-Step-3-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-a-Hotmail-Account-Password-Step-3-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Change-a-Hotmail-Account-Password-Step-3-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-a-Hotmail-Account-Password-Step-3-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Input the new password in the New password and Reenter password fields. Be sure to create a secure password that you can remember .
    • If you're seeing an error, make sure the password is at least 8 characters and 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.
    EXPERT TIP

    Brandon Phipps

    Technology Specialist
    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.
    Brandon Phipps
    Technology Specialist

    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.

  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Change-a-Hotmail-Account-Password-Step-4-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-a-Hotmail-Account-Password-Step-4-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Change-a-Hotmail-Account-Password-Step-4-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-a-Hotmail-Account-Password-Step-4-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is the blue button. Your password will be changed.
    6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 24
  • Question
    What if my ID is not getting any emails?
    Community Answer
    Someone may be hacking or trolling you.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 11 Helpful 24
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 9
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Reset a Lost Hotmail Password
      How to
      Sign Up for a Hotmail Account with a Computer, Phone, or Tablet
      How to
      Add Someone to Your Hotmail Contact List
      How to
      Recover & Secure a Hacked Hotmail Account
      How to
      Log into Hotmail Through Outlook.com
      How to
      Sync a Hotmail Account on an iPhone: Complete Tutorial
      Simple Guide to Restore Deleted Emails from Hotmail/Outlook
      How to
      Log Out of Hotmail
      How to
      Add Approved Senders to Hotmail
      How to
      Sync a Hotmail Account on an iPad
      How to
      Hack a Hotmail Account
      How to
      Put Hotmail on My Desktop
      How to
      Close a Hotmail Account
      How to
      Stop All the Ads in Hotmail
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/change-your-microsoft-account-password-fdde885b-86da-2965-69fd-4871309ef1f1

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Go to http://account.live.com/password/change
      2. Enter your current password.
      3. Enter and confirm your new password.
      4. Click on Next .

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,275,112 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Jan 21, 2017

        "I am a very timid user of the computer. So fearful of doing the wrong thing that I often just give up when I feel ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement