How to Reset Office 365 Password (Step-by-Step)

If you’re locked out of your Office 365 account or just want to change your password for security, this guide walks you through the entire process. You’ll learn how to reset your password using self-service recovery (if your admin enabled it) and what to do when that isn’t available. We cover both the web-based method and the desktop app sign-in prompt, plus common pitfalls and troubleshooting steps.

What You’ll Need

• Access to a web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, etc.)
• Your Office 365 work or school email address (the one you use to sign in)
• A phone number or alternate email that can receive a verification code (if you’ve set up self-service password reset)
• Your current password if you’re changing it voluntarily (you’ll need to enter it to verify)
• If you’re an admin, you’ll need admin privileges to reset another user’s password

Step-by-Step

1. Go to the Office 365 sign-in page. Open your browser and navigate to https://www.office.com or https://login.microsoftonline.com. Click the “Sign inâ€� button.
2. Enter your email address. Type the email address associated with your Office 365 account (e.g., you@company.com). Click “Nextâ€�.
3. Click “Forgot my password�. On the password entry screen, look for the link that says “Forgot my password� or “Can’t access your account?�. Click it. If you don’t see this link, your organization may have disabled self-service reset; skip to the Troubleshooting section.
4. Choose verification method. Microsoft will ask you to prove you’re you. Select a method: text a code to your phone, email a code to your alternate email, or answer security questions (if set up). Click “Email code� or “Text code� as appropriate.
5. Enter the verification code. Check your phone or alternate email for a code. Type it into the box and click “Verify�. If you don’t receive the code, click “Resend code� or try another method.
6. Create a new password. You’ll be prompted to enter a new password twice. Make sure it meets your organization’s password policy (usually 8+ characters, with uppercase, lowercase, number, and symbol). Click “Finish� or “Submit�.
7. Sign in with your new password. After the reset, you’ll be redirected to the sign-in page. Enter your email and new password, then click “Sign in�. You should now have access.
8. If you’re an admin resetting a user’s password: Sign in to the Microsoft 365 admin center (admin.microsoft.com) with your admin account. Go to “Usersâ€� → “Active usersâ€�. Find the user, click their name, then click “Reset passwordâ€�. You can either generate a temporary password or set one manually. Choose whether to require the user to change it on next sign-in. Click “Resetâ€� and share the new password securely.

Common Mistakes

• Using a personal Microsoft account instead of work/school. If you have a personal Outlook.com account and a work account, make sure you’re using the correct email. The reset process differs.
• Not checking spam/junk folder for the verification email. The code email can land in spam. Always check there before clicking “Resendâ€�.
• Entering the verification code too late. Codes expire after about 10 minutes. If it’s expired, request a new one.
• Choosing a password that doesn’t meet policy. If your new password is too weak, the system will reject it. Use a mix of character types and a length of at least 8 characters.
• Forgetting to update saved passwords on other devices. After resetting, update your password in Outlook, Teams, and mobile apps, or you’ll be repeatedly prompted.

Tips

• Set up self-service password reset in advance. If your admin hasn’t enabled it, ask them to. You can register your phone and alternate email at aka.ms/ssprsetup.
• Use a password manager. Generate and store a strong, unique password. This reduces the chance of forgetting it and avoids reuse.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). If your organization offers MFA, turn it on. It adds a second layer of security, and you’ll still be able to reset your password using the MFA method.
• Write down a hint or use a passphrase. A passphrase like “BlueElephant!Running22â€� is easier to remember and harder to crack than a short random string.
• If you’re an admin, consider enabling the “self-service password resetâ€� feature for all users. This reduces helpdesk tickets and lets users recover quickly.

Troubleshooting

I don’t see “Forgot my password� link. Your organization may have disabled self-service reset. In that case, contact your IT helpdesk or system administrator. They can reset your password for you.

I can’t receive the verification code. Check that your phone has signal and that you’ve entered the correct number. If using email, check spam. If you have no alternate contact, you’ll need to contact your admin—they can reset your password manually.

The code I entered is incorrect. Codes are case-sensitive and expire. Double-check the code, and if it’s expired, request a new one. If you keep getting errors, try a different verification method.

My new password is rejected. It may not meet your organization’s password complexity requirements. Try a longer password with a mix of upper/lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Avoid common words or sequences.

I reset my password but still can’t sign in. Wait a few minutes for the change to propagate. If you’re using the Outlook desktop app, you may need to close and reopen it. Also, clear your browser cache or try an incognito window.

I’m an admin and can’t reset a user’s password. Ensure you have the Global admin or Password administrator role. If you don’t, you’ll need to ask a higher-privileged admin to do it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I reset my Office 365 password without knowing my current password?
A: Yes, if self-service reset is enabled. You’ll need to verify your identity via phone or alternate email. If not enabled, you must contact your admin.

Q: How long does it take for the new password to work?
A: Usually within a few minutes. In rare cases, it can take up to 15 minutes to propagate across all Microsoft services.

Q: I forgot my password and I’m not an admin. What can I do?
A: Use the “Forgot my password� link on the sign-in page. If that fails, contact your company’s IT support.

Q: Can I change my Office 365 password from the Outlook desktop app?
A: Yes. When Outlook prompts for your password, click “Forgot password� in the sign-in window. This opens the same web-based reset flow.

Q: Will resetting my password log me out of my other devices?
A: Yes, generally. After a password reset, you’ll be signed out of most Office 365 apps and devices. You’ll need to sign in again with the new password.

Q: My admin reset my password. Why do I have to change it again?
A: Many admins set the “user must change password at next sign-in� option. This is a security measure. You’ll be prompted to create your own password the first time you sign in.

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