How to Reset Microsoft Password | Change Account live Password
If you're having trouble signing in to your Microsoft account, there could be a few different reasons for that – like you can't remember your password, have two-step verification turned on, or are travelling or using a new device.
Here are some suggestions to help you get back into your account as quickly as possible. First, try the easiest options:
- If you remember your password but it isn’t working, make sure that Caps Lock is turned off and that your email address is spelled correctly.
- Clear your browser history, or try signing in to your account from a different internet browser.
If these don't help get you back in to your account, try resetting your password or see if one of the other scenarios below applies to you and give them a try.
If you Forgot your Microsoft Account Password and can't remember , reset it
Follow these steps to create a new one:
- Go to the Reset your password page.
- Choose the reason you need your password reset, then click Next.
- Enter the email address, ph.no. or Skype ID you used when you made your Microsoft account. This could be any email address, or an email ending in a Microsoft domain like hotmail.com or outlook.com.
- Enter the characters you see on the screen (this lets us know you're not a robot), then click Next.
- If you have security info on your account, we'll send a one-time code to the alternate ph.no. or email address you gave us. After you enter that code on the next screen, you'll be able to make a new password.
Sometimes changing settings in your account can affect how you sign in, and resetting your password won't fix it. See if one of the scenarios below applies to you.
If you recently turned on two-step verification
If you’ve taken the extra security step of turning on two-step verification, some apps and devices will tell you your password is incorrect, because they haven’t been updated to prompt you for a security code. Instead of your regular password, you’ll need to use an app password to get in.
Learn more about App passwords and two-step verification.
Forgot Microsoft Password and can't get Security Code
If you can't get a security code
If you don't have or can't get to your security info (your alternate ph.no. or email address), click I didn’t get a code when you’re prompted for a code at sign-in, or I don’t have access to these when you’re resetting your password, then follow the instructions.
You may be asked to fill out a security questionnaire. You’ll be asked for info, like the subject lines of email you recently sent from your account, your birthdate, card info, and other details only you would know. You don't have to know every answer, and it's ok to be close if you don't know the exact answer.
Note: There may be a 30-day waiting period to get full access to your account.
Go to Recover your Microsoft account for tips on how to successfully fill out the security questionnaire.
If you change your security info and have a 30-day waiting period
If you see an error message "We're not ready for you yet" when trying to access your account, it could be the 30-day waiting period after changing your security info.
For more information, see Security info & security codes.
If your profile is temporarily blocked
If you’ve seen a message that your profile is temporarily blocked, we may have detected spam or other fraudulent use of your account, or content that violates our Terms of Use.
Learn more about the Account temporarily suspended message.
If you're travelling or using a new device
Microsoft always keeps an eye out for unusual sign-in activity on your account, just in case someone else is trying to get into your account. If you're travelling to a new place or using a new device, we might ask you to confirm that it really is you.
See Something unusual about my sign in for tips on how to successfully sign in.
Recover Microsoft Account Password with Local Account
If you're trying to sign in to your PC with a local account, not a Microsoft Account
The difference between Microsoft accounts and local accounts is that Microsoft accounts work across all Microsoft devices, apps, and services, while local accounts only work on the device where you created them. Because of this, we can recover forgotten passwords for Microsoft accounts, but can't manage accounts that are local to your device.
For more information, see Reset your Windows 10 local account password.
If you forgot the email address or Text message you use for your Microsoft account
The article That Microsoft account doesn't exist has tips and suggestions to help you remember your account details.
If you use a PIN instead of a password to sign in to your Windows 10 PC
Go to PIN sign-in issues for tips on how to reset your PIN.
How do i reset Windows 10 Account Password
- If you forgot your Microsoft account password, follow these steps.
If you don’t have a Microsoft account and forgot your local account password, you can’t recover it. Instead, you’ll need to reset your PC.
Warning: Following these steps will remove all of your data, programs, and settings.
Start your PC and select the Power icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the lock screen.
While holding down the Shift key, select Restart.
On the Boot options menu, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything.
Your PC will restart and will reset itself.
Reset Microsoft Account Password online
If you forgot the password you use to sign in to services like Outlook.com, Skype, OneDrive, and Xbox Live you might need to reset it.
First, check to make sure that Caps Lock isn't on, because passwords are case-sensitive. If you're sure you're using the right password but still can't sign in, your account might be compromised.
To reset your password:
Go to the Reset your password page.
Choose the reason you need your password reset, then click Next.
Enter the Microsoft account email address you're trying to recover.
Enter the characters you see on the screen, then click Next.
If you have security info on your account, we'll send a one-time code to the alternate ph.no. or email address you gave us.
After you enter the code on the next screen, you'll be able to make a new password.
Reset Forgotten Windows 10 Account Password - Forgot Windows 10 Password
- On the sign-in screen, type your Microsoft account name if it's not displayed. If there are multiple accounts on the PC, choose the one to reset.
- Select I forgot my password below the password text box.
- On the Recover your account screen, type the characters displayed in the box below Enter the characters you see, then select Next.
- On the Verify your identity screen, choose to receive your security code either as a text or email message. If you choose text, type the last four digits of your ph.no., and then select Send code. Learn more about security info and security codes
- When you get the code as a text or email message on a separate device, enter it and then select Next.
- On the Reset your password screen, create a new password, and then select Next. This sets your new password. Select Next again to return to the sign-in screen.
- Sign in with your new Microsoft account password.
Change Microsoft Account Password
If you're having trouble signing in to your Microsoft account, there could be a few different reasons for that – like you can't remember your password, have two-step verification turned on, or are travelling or using a new device.
Here are some suggestions to help you get back into your account as quickly as possible. First, try the easiest options:
- If you remember your password but it isn’t working, make sure that Caps Lock is turned off and that your email address is spelled correctly.
- Clear your browser history, or try signing in to your account from a different internet browser.
If these don't help get you back in to your account, try resetting your password or see if one of the other scenarios below applies to you and give them a try.
If you recently turned on two-step verification
If you’ve taken the extra security step of turning on two-step verification, some apps and devices will tell you your password is incorrect, because they haven’t been updated to prompt you for a security code. Instead of your regular password, you’ll need to use an app password to get in.
Learn more about App passwords and two-step verification.
If you can't get a security code
If you don't have or can't get to your security info (your alternate ph.no. or email address), click I didn’t get a code when you’re prompted for a code at sign-in, or I don’t have access to these when you’re resetting your password, then follow the instructions.
You may be asked to fill out a security questionnaire. You’ll be asked for info, like the subject lines of email you recently sent from your account, your birthdate, card info, and other details only you would know. You don't have to know every answer, and it's ok to be close if you don't know the exact answer.
Note: There may be a 30-day waiting period to get full access to your account.
Go to Recover your Microsoft account for tips on how to successfully fill out the security questionnaire.
If you change your security info and have a 30-day waiting period
If you see an error message "We're not ready for you yet" when trying to access your account, it could be the 30-day waiting period after changing your security info.
For more information, see Security info & security codes.
If your profile is temporarily blocked
If you’ve seen a message that your profile is temporarily blocked, we may have detected spam or other fraudulent use of your account, or content that violates our Terms of Use.
Learn more about the Account temporarily suspended message.
If you're travelling or using a new device
Microsoft always keeps an eye out for unusual sign-in activity on your account, just in case someone else is trying to get into your account. If you're travelling to a new place or using a new device, we might ask you to confirm that it really is you.
See Something unusual about my sign in for tips on how to successfully sign in.
If you're trying to sign in to your PC with a local account, not a Microsoft account
The difference between Microsoft accounts and local accounts is that Microsoft accounts work across all Microsoft devices, apps, and services, while local accounts only work on the device where you created them. Because of this, we can recover forgotten passwords for Microsoft accounts, but can't manage accounts that are local to your device.
For more information, see Reset your Windows 10 local account password.
If you forgot the email address or Text message you use for your Microsoft account
The article That Microsoft account doesn't exist has tips and suggestions to help you remember your account details.
If you use a PIN instead of a password to sign in to your PC
Go to PIN sign-in issues for tips on how to reset your PIN.