Reset A Forgotten Microsoft Account Password

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Skip to main content Sign in with Microsoft Sign in or create an account. Hello, Select a different account. You have multiple accounts Choose the account you want to sign in with. Related topics Microsoft account help Overview and sign in help

• Microsoft account overview
• How to sign in to a Microsoft account
• How to sign in to Hotmail
• How to sign in to Outlook.com
• Can't sign in
• Error 400
• Using a public computer
• Sign out of Hotmail or Outlook.com
• Sign out everywhere
• What is a Microsoft account
• What's the difference between accounts
• Create a new Microsoft account

Password reset and recovery

• Change known password
• Reset forgotten password
• Help with account recovery
• Account recovery code
• Can't recover an account

Forgot username

• Username lookup
• Check products and services
• Check if email is an account
• Username has stopped working

How to verify sign in

• Add a way to verify sign-in
• Remove a way to sign in
• Security info pending
• Help us secure your account
• App passwords
• Troubleshoot verification codes

Locked or compromised accounts

• Account is locked
• Recover a hacked account

Account security tools

• More account security tools

Update your profile

• Change your name or address
• Change your email address or phone number
• Add an email address or phone number
• Change your birthdate
• Change your profile picture
• Change your Windows user account name
• Manage ads and promotional emails
• Change payment methods

Linked accounts

• Combining Microsoft accounts
• Which account do you want to use?
• Link your Google account

Devices

• Register or remove devices
• How to trade in a device

Close your account

• Close an account
• Reopen your Microsoft account

Help with subscriptions

• Subscriptions help

Other billing help

• Billing help

Accounts Manage account Manage account Reset a forgotten Microsoft account password Applies ToMicrosoft account Microsoft account dashboard

Notes: 

• If you know your password but just want to change it, go to account.microsoft.com/security and select Change password.

• If you know your username and password but they have stopped working, read My username and password have stopped working.

Step 1: Select 'Forgot password?' on the Microsoft account sign-in page

If the "Enter password" window is still open select Forgotten your password?

If not, select Reset password below, enter the username name for the account you're trying to reset, and select Next.

Reset password

Step 2: Verify your identity for Microsoft account recovery

For your protection, Microsoft must verify your identity before you can proceed with resetting your password.

1. Choose how you want to receive a verification code.

   

   Important: 

   • If you don't see an option for where to send a code, or you no longer have access to any of the verification options shown, use this sign-in helper tool.

   • If you don't recognize any of the verification email or phone options, use this ​​​sign-in helper tool.

2. Select Next.

Step 3: Get a Microsoft account verification code

For your protection, we will ask you to confirm the verification details you select. If you cannot get a code, read Troubleshooting verification code issues.

1. Retype the first part of the email address or the last four digits of the phone number hinted at in the previous window.

2. Select Get code.

3. Microsoft will send a verification code to the email or phone number you selected.

4. Go to the recovery phone or email for where you expect to receive the code.

Step 4: Enter the verification code and reset your Microsoft account password

Confirm the code to create a new password. Learn how to create a strong password.

1. Paste or type the code you received and select Next.

2. Type your new password and select Next.

See also

If these steps didn't work, or you have other account sign in issues, use our Sign-in helper tool.

Microsoft account security info & verification codes

How to help keep your Microsoft account safe and secure

Change or reset your Windows password

Accessing the account of someone who has died

Need more help?

Can't sign in?

​​​​​​​If you can't sign into your Microsoft account, most issues can be identified by our sign-in helper tool.Sign-in helper

​​​​​​​Contact Support

For technical support, go to Contact Microsoft Support, enter your problem and select Get Help. If you still need help, select Contact Support to be routed to the best support option.

Important: To protect your account and its contents, our support agents are not allowed to send password reset links, or access and change account details.

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