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how to change your microsoft account password

How to Change Your Microsoft Account Password for Enhanced Security

Regularly changing your Microsoft account password is a vital step in maintaining the security of your digital life, especially since this account is often linked to your Windows login, Outlook, OneDrive, Xbox, and other Microsoft services. If you want to learn how to change your Microsoft account password, this guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions.

Why Should You Change Your Microsoft Account Password?

There are several compelling reasons to update your Microsoft account password:

  • Routine Security Practice: Periodically changing passwords reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if your old password hasn’t been compromised.
  • Suspected Breach: If you suspect someone else might know your password or if you’ve noticed unusual activity on your account, changing your password immediately is crucial.
  • After a Data Breach: If a service where you used a similar password has been breached, it’s wise to change your Microsoft account password as a precaution.
  • Using a Stronger Password: You might want to upgrade to a more complex and secure password to better protect your account.

How to Change Your Microsoft Account Password Online

The primary and most direct way to change your Microsoft account password is through the Microsoft account security website.

Steps to Change Your Password via the Web

  1. Go to the Microsoft Account Security Page:
    • Open your preferred web browser and navigate to account.microsoft.com/security.
  2. Sign In:
    • You will be prompted to sign in. Enter your Microsoft account email address, phone number, or Skype name, and then your current password. Click Sign in.
  3. Navigate to Password Security:
    • Once signed in to your account dashboard, look for the Password security tile or option. It might also be under a “Security basics” or similar section. Click on it.
    • Alternatively, you might see an option directly labeled Change my password.
  4. Verify Your Identity (If Prompted):
    • Microsoft may require you to verify your identity before allowing you to change your password. This could involve sending a security code to an alternate email address or phone number associated with your account (you’ll usually be asked to confirm the last few digits of the phone number or part of the email address). Follow the on-screen prompts to receive and enter the code.
  5. Enter Current and New Password:
    • You will now see a page asking for your Current password. Enter it carefully.
    • Next, in the New password field, type your desired new password.
    • In the Re-enter new password (or “Confirm password”) field, type your new password again to ensure it matches.
    • Tips for a Strong Password:
      • Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
      • Make it at least 12-16 characters long (longer is generally better).
      • Avoid easily guessable information like birthdays, names, or common words.
      • Consider using a passphrase (a sequence of random words).
      • Do not reuse passwords from other accounts.
  6. Save Changes:
    • Click the Save or Change password button to finalize the change. You may also see an option asking if you want to be signed out of devices where your account is currently active; this is a good security measure if you suspect a compromise.

Changing Your Microsoft Account Password from Windows Settings

While you can’t change your Microsoft account password directly within Windows Settings in the same way you might change a local account password, Windows provides easy access to the online method.

Accessing Password Change Options via Windows 10/11 Settings

  1. Open Settings:
    • Click the Start button (the Windows logo).
    • Select the Settings app (the gear icon), or press Windows key + I.
  2. Navigate to Account Settings:
    • Click on Accounts.
  3. Find Sign-in Options or Your Info:
    • In Windows 11: Click on Sign-in options. You may see a “Password” section with a “Change” button. Clicking this will typically open a web browser and direct you to the Microsoft account security page online, as described above.
    • In Windows 10: Click on Your info or Sign-in options. You might find a link like “Manage my Microsoft account” which will open your Microsoft account page in a web browser, where you can then navigate to the security settings to change your password. Alternatively, under Sign-in options, if you see “Password,” clicking “Change” will likely guide you to the online process.

Essentially, Windows Settings acts as a convenient gateway to the web-based password change process for Microsoft accounts.

What Happens After You Change Your Microsoft Account Password?

Once you’ve successfully changed your password:

  • Windows Login: The next time you try to log in to your Windows PC that uses this Microsoft account, you will need to enter the new password. If you were already signed in, you might be prompted to verify your credentials or sign in again after a certain period or next restart.
  • Other Devices and Services: You will need to update the password on all other devices (smartphones, tablets, other PCs) and services (Outlook, OneDrive, Xbox, Skype, Microsoft 365 apps) where you use this Microsoft account. You will typically be prompted to sign in again with the new password.
  • Windows Hello: If you use Windows Hello (PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition) to sign in to Windows, your Hello credentials will generally continue to work. However, you might be asked to re-verify with your new Microsoft account password when making certain changes to Windows Hello settings.

What If You’ve Forgotten Your Current Password?

If you can’t remember your current password and therefore can’t use the “change password” steps above, you’ll need to reset your password instead.

  1. On the Microsoft account sign-in page (or the Windows sign-in screen), look for a link like Forgot password? or Can’t access your account?.
  2. Click this link and follow the on-screen instructions. This process will involve verifying your identity using the security information (alternate email, phone number) linked to your account to receive a security code.
  3. Once verified, you can create a new password.

Knowing how to change your Microsoft account password and doing so regularly or when necessary is a fundamental security practice. By following these steps, you can help keep your account and the information linked to your Windows PC secure.