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Outlook is a great email service offered by Microsoft that allows us to stay connected with our friends, family, and colleagues. Email in general helps us get things done. We can’t imagine our lives without it. Oh, and just think of all the information in your Outlook inbox. Now imagine losing access to your Outlook account or getting it hacked. That’s the stuff of nightmares.
In this post we’ll provide clear instructions on how to change your Outlook password and will offer tips and tricks on how you can keep your Outlook account secure at all times.
Change your Outlook password
Changing your Outlook password is easy and straightforward. Here's how you do it:
Visit the Microsoft Account page and sign in with your account details.
Now, in the upper-right side of the screen, select “Change password.”
Verify your identity by entering your username and password once again.
Now enter your current password, then type out your new password and confirm it.
Finally, click “Save.”
Outlook Password requirements
Microsoft has specific password requirements for Outlook accounts to ensure that your account is secure. Here are the minimum requirements:
Your password must be at least eight characters long.
Your password must contain a combination of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters.
Your password must not contain your name, birthdate, phone number, email address, login ID, or any other personally identifiable information.
Your password must not be a common word or phrase.
Keep in mind that if your password doesn't meet these requirements, you won't be able to change it until you create a new password that meets the minimum requirements.
What to do if you forgot your Outlook password
Forgetting your Outlook password can be a frustrating experience. However, there’s a way to reset it quickly and easily. Because Outlook is a product of Microsoft, the password reset procedure is identical to the one of resetting a password for your Microsoft account. You can find detailed instructions on how to do that in our “Microsoft password reset: A simple step-by-step guide.”
Remember, if you're continuing to have trouble resetting your Outlook password, you can always contact Microsoft customer support for further assistance.
What to do if your Outlook account has been hacked
If you suspect that your outlook.com account has been hacked, it is important to take action immediately to protect your personal information and prevent further damage. Here are some steps you can take to secure your account and regain control.
Firstly, you should change your password as soon as possible. Make sure you choose a strong, unique password by following the Outlook password requirements listed above.
Next, you should review your account activity to see if there have been any unauthorized logins or suspicious activity. To do this, go to your account settings and select “View your account activity” under “Security.” If you notice any unfamiliar activity, be sure to report it to Microsoft immediately.
It is also a good idea to check your account settings and ensure that your personal information and contact details have not been changed without your knowledge. So take the time to carefully review your account recovery options, such as your alternate email address or phone number.
If you believe that your account has been compromised, you should also run a full scan of your computer or device for malware and viruses. This can help identify any potential threats that may have caused the breach.
Lastly, you may want to consider reaching out to Microsoft support for further assistance in securing your account. They can help you take additional steps to protect your information and prevent further unauthorized access.
How to protect your Outlook account
Protecting your Outlook account is crucial to prevent hackers from accessing your sensitive information. Here are the the most important points to keep in mind:
Always create strong passwords and don't reuse them. Creating strong passwords is essential to protect your account. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid using common phrases or personal information such as your name or birthdate. You can always follow some of our ideas for strong passwords, or simply use our Password Generator — a tool designed to come up with strong and unique passwords instantly.
Enable multi-factor verification. Multi-factor verification adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring you to enter a code sent to your phone or email in addition to your password. This ensures that a hacker in possession of your password won't be able to log in without the additional code.
Be wary of suspicious emails. Phishing scams are prevalent, and they often come in the form of emails that look like they're from a trusted source, such as Microsoft. They may ask you to click on a link or provide your password. Always be cautious of emails asking to click a link or to provide sensitive information. Most legitimate service providers would never ask their customer to do that.
Monitor your account activity. Keep an eye on your account activity regularly to ensure that no unauthorized activities have occurred. If you notice anything unusual, report it immediately.
Use Outlook safety features. Outlook offers safety features such as spam filters and safety bars that indicate whether an email is from a trusted source or not. Pay attention to these safety features to protect your account.
Protecting your passwords with NordPass
One of the most effective ways to protect your Outlook password is to use a password manager such as NordPass.
NordPass is a password manager that can help you protect your Outlook account in several ways. NordPass can generate and store unique, strong passwords for all your online accounts, including your Outlook account.
In addition to generating strong passwords, NordPass also offers a Password Health tool that can help you identify weak or reused passwords that may compromise the security of your Outlook or any other online account.
NordPass also offers a secure way to share passwords, which can come in handy if you need to share your account credentials with trusted individuals, such as colleagues or family members.
Finally, NordPass also comes with a built-in Data Breach Scanner that can alert you if any of your passwords have been compromised in a data breach, allowing you to take immediate action to secure your accounts.