Your Microsoft account is used for Outlook.com, Windows sign-in, Xbox, OneDrive, Microsoft Store, and Office. If the password is lost, reset it through Microsoft’s online recovery process.
This applies to Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live, Skype-name, and Microsoft accounts used on Windows devices.
Does This Affect You?
Use password reset if you cannot sign in but still have access to a recovery email, phone, or authenticator. Use account recovery if those methods are gone.
Reset the Password Online
- On any device, open
account.live.com/password/reset. - Choose I forgot my password.
- Enter the email address, phone number, or Skype name for the account.
- Complete the verification/CAPTCHA step if asked.
- Choose a recovery method such as text, backup email, or authenticator app.
- Enter the code and create a new password.
- Sign in again. On a Windows lock screen, restart or connect to the internet if the new password does not sync immediately.
Use Account Recovery Without Verification Methods
- Start from the same password reset page.
- Choose the option saying you do not have access to the listed methods.
- Fill out the recovery form with details only the owner is likely to know, such as previous passwords, email contacts, or subject lines.
- Submit the form and watch the alternate email address for Microsoft’s response.
Reset from the Windows Lock Screen
- On the Windows sign-in screen, click I forgot my password.
- Follow the same Microsoft account recovery steps in the browser window.
- Return to the sign-in screen and use the new password.
After You Regain Access
Update Security Info
Go to account.microsoft.com/security and add at least two current recovery methods.
Turn On Two-Step Verification
Two-step verification makes it much harder for someone else to use or reset your account with only the password.
Consider Passwordless Sign-In
Microsoft supports Authenticator, security keys, and Windows Hello sign-in so you can rely less on typed passwords.
Check Recent Activity
If you suspect someone else caused the lockout, review recent sign-ins, change the password again, and sign out other sessions/devices.
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Reset your Microsoft account password
- Microsoft Support: Recover a Microsoft account
- Microsoft Support: Add security info to your Microsoft account