How to Reset Your Hotmail Password
Forgetting your Hotmail password can happen to anyone. Whether you haven't signed in for a while, think someone else may know your password, or simply want to improve your account security, resetting your password is a straightforward process. Microsoft makes it easy to create a new password so you can regain access to your email and continue using your account safely.
If you want to read more about Hotmail, visit our main website at hotmail.website for helpful guides, troubleshooting tips, and beginner-friendly tutorials.
This guide explains how to reset your Hotmail password step by step, what to do if you can't access your recovery information, and how to keep your account secure afterward.
When Should You Reset Your Hotmail Password?
There are several reasons you may want to reset your password:
You forgot your current password.
You think someone else has accessed your account.
Your password has been leaked in a data breach.
You want a stronger password.
Microsoft asked you to verify your account.
You haven't signed in for a long time.
Changing your password regularly is a good security habit, especially if you use your email for banking, shopping, or work.
Step 1: Go to the Microsoft Sign-In Page
Start by visiting the Microsoft sign-in page.
Enter your Hotmail email address, such as:
Click Next.
If you remember your password, sign in normally. If you don't, continue to the next step.
Step 2: Select "Forgot Password"
Below the password field, click Forgot Password?
Microsoft will begin the account recovery process and ask you to verify your identity before allowing you to create a new password.
This step helps protect your account from unauthorized access.
Step 3: Verify Your Identity
Microsoft may offer one or more verification methods, including:
Text message to your phone
Verification code sent to your recovery email
Microsoft Authenticator app
Security key
Another trusted device
Choose the method you can access.
Once you receive the verification code, enter it exactly as shown.
Step 4: Create a New Password
After your identity has been verified, you'll be asked to create a new password.
Choose one that is:
At least 12 characters long
Easy for you to remember
Difficult for others to guess
Different from previous passwords
Avoid using:
Your name
Birthdays
Phone numbers
Common words
Simple number sequences
A strong password usually includes a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Step 5: Sign In With Your New Password
After creating your new password, return to the sign-in page.
Enter:
Your Hotmail email address
Your new password
If everything was completed correctly, you'll be signed back into your account.
What If You Don't Have Your Phone?
Don't worry.
If your old phone number is unavailable, Microsoft may allow you to verify your identity using:
Recovery email
Authenticator app
Trusted device
Account Recovery Form
Always choose another available verification method if possible.
What If You Don't Have Your Recovery Email?
If you can't access your backup email either, Microsoft provides an Account Recovery Form.
You'll be asked questions such as:
Previous passwords
Frequently contacted email addresses
Subject lines from recent emails
Microsoft services you've used
Personal account information
Providing accurate answers increases your chances of recovering your account.
Resetting Your Password While Signed In
If you're already signed into your Hotmail account but simply want to change your password, you can do so through your Microsoft account settings.
This is recommended if:
Your password is old.
You suspect someone knows it.
You use the same password on multiple websites.
You want better account security.
Changing your password before there's a problem can help prevent unauthorized access.
Choose a Strong Password
A secure password is your first line of defense.
Good passwords are:
Long
Unique
Random
Used only for one account
Instead of using simple words, consider creating a memorable passphrase made up of several unrelated words with numbers and symbols added.
For example, a password manager can generate secure passwords that are difficult to crack but easy to store safely.
Use a Password Manager
Remembering dozens of passwords is difficult.
Password managers can securely store your passwords and even generate stronger ones.
Benefits include:
One master password
Strong random passwords
Automatic filling
Secure synchronization across devices
Using a password manager reduces the temptation to reuse passwords on multiple websites.
Turn On Two-Step Verification
After resetting your password, it's a good idea to enable two-step verification.
This feature requires a second verification step whenever someone signs in from a new device.
Verification methods may include:
Authenticator app
Text message
Email verification
Security key
Even if someone discovers your password, they won't be able to access your account without the second verification step.
Update Your Recovery Information
Once you're signed back in, review your account security settings.
Make sure your:
Phone number is current.
Recovery email is active.
Authenticator app is working.
Trusted devices are correct.
Keeping your recovery information updated makes future password resets much easier.
Signs Someone May Have Accessed Your Account
You should change your password immediately if you notice:
Emails you didn't send
Deleted messages
Password reset emails you didn't request
Unrecognized sign-in activity
New folders you didn't create
Security alerts from Microsoft
After changing your password, review your account activity and remove any unfamiliar devices.
Common Password Reset Problems
I never receive the verification code.
Check your spam or junk folder if using email verification.
If using text verification, make sure your phone has service and that the phone number matches the one on your account.
I no longer have access to my recovery options.
Complete Microsoft's Account Recovery Form with as much accurate information as possible.
My new password isn't accepted.
Double-check for typing errors, keyboard language settings, or Caps Lock being enabled.
If necessary, reset the password again.
My account is temporarily locked.
Microsoft may temporarily lock accounts after several unsuccessful sign-in attempts.
Wait a short period before trying again, then follow the password recovery process.
Tips to Keep Your Hotmail Account Secure
Protect your account by following these best practices:
Use a unique password.
Never share your password.
Enable two-step verification.
Keep recovery information updated.
Watch for phishing emails.
Sign out of public computers.
Review your account activity regularly.
Update your password if you suspect suspicious activity.
Small security habits can greatly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reset my Hotmail password without my phone?
Yes. If you have a recovery email, authenticator app, or another verification method, you can use one of those instead. If not, Microsoft's Account Recovery Form may help verify your identity.
How often should I change my password?
There's no fixed schedule, but you should change it immediately if you believe it has been compromised or if you've reused it on another website that experienced a security breach.
Will resetting my password delete my emails?
No. Resetting your password only changes how you sign in. Your emails, contacts, folders, and calendar remain in your account.
Can I use my old password again?
Microsoft may prevent you from reusing recently used passwords. It's best to create a completely new and stronger password.
Is resetting my Hotmail password free?
Yes. Microsoft does not charge users to reset or recover a Hotmail password.
Keep Your Account Protected
Resetting your Hotmail password is a simple way to regain access to your account or improve its security. Whether you've forgotten your password or simply want to replace an older one with something stronger, Microsoft's recovery process is designed to help legitimate account owners get back into their accounts safely.
After creating your new password, take a few extra minutes to review your security settings, update your recovery information, and enable two-step verification. These steps can help protect your account from unauthorized access and make future recovery much easier.
For more Hotmail tutorials, login help, password recovery guides, and troubleshooting tips, visit hotmail.website.
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