Recover Saved Outlook Email Passwords

If you’ve saved an email password in Outlook and need to see it again—maybe for a new device, a password manager, or just to remember it—this guide shows you exactly how to retrieve it. The password is stored in Windows Credential Manager, not inside Outlook itself, so you’ll need to access that system tool. We’ll cover both classic Outlook and the newer Outlook for Windows, plus what to do if the password isn’t there.

What You’ll Need

• Access to the Windows account that configured Outlook (the password is tied to your Windows user profile).
• Administrator rights on the PC (required to view or edit credentials in Credential Manager).
• For classic Outlook: the exact email address you used in the account.
• For Outlook for Windows (new): the same, plus knowledge of whether you used Microsoft 365 or a basic IMAP/POP account.

Step-by-Step

For Classic Outlook (2016, 2019, 2021, or Microsoft 365 Desktop)

1. Close Outlook completely. Right-click the Outlook icon in the system tray (bottom-right near the clock) and choose Exit if it’s running.
2. Open the Windows Control Panel. You can search for “Control Panel” from the Start menu.
3. In Control Panel, set the View by option (top-right) to Large icons or Small icons.
4. Click Credential Manager.
5. Click Windows Credentials (the tab on the top).
6. Scroll through the list under Generic Credentials. Look for entries that start with MicrosoftOffice16_Data: followed by your email address (e.g., MicrosoftOffice16_Data:you@example.com).
7. Click the arrow next to that entry to expand it.
8. Click Show next to Password. Windows will ask for your PC login PIN or password—enter it.
9. The password will appear in plain text. Write it down or copy it to your password manager.

For Outlook for Windows (the new Outlook app)

The new Outlook often uses OAuth tokens instead of a traditional password, especially for Microsoft 365 accounts. If you’re using a third-party email (like Gmail or Yahoo), the password may still be stored in Credential Manager, but the steps differ slightly.

1. Open the new Outlook app.
2. Click the File menu (top-left) if you see it. If not, click the … (More) button and choose Settings.
3. Go to Accounts > Email accounts.
4. Find the account you want, click the gear icon or Manage.
5. Look for a section called Advanced or Security. If you see “Sign-in method” or “Password”, it may show the password in plain text (for IMAP/POP accounts). For Microsoft 365 accounts, you’ll likely see “Connected” and no password—that’s because it’s using a token, not a password.
6. If no password is shown, you’ll need to retrieve it from Credential Manager using the classic Outlook method above, but look for an entry with the email address and a name like Outlook or MicrosoftOffice.

If You Don’t See the Password in Credential Manager

1. Sometimes Outlook stores passwords in the Windows Registry or in a local file (for POP3 accounts). Check the Registry: press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Profiles\Outlook\9375CFF0413111d3B88A00104B2A6676. Look for a binary value named 01003503 or 01003504—these may contain an encoded password, but decoding it is complex and not recommended for most users.
2. If you’re using a POP3 account, the password might be stored in the .pst file’s profile, but it’s encrypted and not directly viewable.
3. If you can’t find it, the simplest solution is to reset the password on your email provider’s website (e.g., Gmail, Outlook.com, or your ISP’s mail portal), then update it in Outlook.

Common Mistakes

• Looking in Outlook’s settings: Outlook does not have a built-in “show password” option. The password is always in Windows Credential Manager.
• Checking the wrong Credential Manager tab: Make sure you’re on Windows Credentials, not Web Credentials. Web Credentials store browser passwords, not Outlook’s.
• Not closing Outlook first: If Outlook is running, the credential entry may be locked or not visible. Always exit Outlook completely.
• Assuming the new Outlook uses the same method: The new Outlook for Windows often uses OAuth tokens, so there is no password to recover—it’s an authentication token that expires. Don’t waste time looking for a password that doesn’t exist.
• Entering the wrong Windows PIN: The Show button requires your Windows login credentials (PIN, password, or biometrics). If you use a PIN, enter the PIN, not your Microsoft account password.

Tips

• If you’re recovering the password to set up another device, consider using an app password from your email provider (e.g., Gmail’s App Passwords) instead of your main password—it’s safer and works with Outlook.
• After viewing the password, consider changing it if you think it may have been exposed. Update it in Outlook immediately.
• Use a password manager to store your email passwords so you don’t have to dig through Credential Manager again.
• If you’re on a shared computer, be cautious about clicking “Show”—anyone with your Windows login can see the password.
• For Microsoft 365 accounts, the password is often your Microsoft account password. You can reset it at account.microsoft.com.

Troubleshooting

Credential Manager shows no Outlook entries

This can happen if Outlook is using OAuth (modern authentication) or if the profile was created with a different Windows user. Try:

• Log into the Windows account that originally configured Outlook.
• Check if Outlook is set to use “modern authentication” (in Account Settings > Email > select account > Change > More Settings > Advanced). If it is, the password is not stored locally.

The Show button is greyed out

This usually means you don’t have administrator rights on the PC. Log in with an admin account or contact your IT admin.

You see the password but it’s wrong

Outlook may have cached an old password. Try resetting your email password online, then update it in Outlook (Account Settings > Change > More Settings > Security).

Outlook for Windows doesn’t have a File menu

The new Outlook is web-based and doesn’t have a traditional File menu. Use the steps above for the new Outlook, or switch back to classic Outlook temporarily to access the password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover a password from Outlook without admin rights?

No. Viewing credentials in Credential Manager requires administrator privileges. If you’re on a work PC, ask your IT department.

Why doesn’t my Outlook password appear in Credential Manager?

Most likely because your account uses modern authentication (OAuth). In that case, Outlook uses a token that refreshes automatically, and the actual password is never stored on your PC.

Is it safe to view my saved Outlook password?

It’s safe as long as you’re on your own device and no one is looking over your shoulder. The password is displayed in plain text, so be discreet.

Can I export all my Outlook passwords at once?

No, Credential Manager doesn’t support bulk export. You have to expand each entry individually and click Show.

What if I can’t remember my Windows login to authorize the Show button?

You’ll need to reset your Windows login (via Microsoft account recovery or local password reset disk) before you can view the password.

Does the new Outlook for Windows store passwords at all?

For Microsoft 365 accounts, no—it uses tokens. For third-party IMAP accounts, it may store a password, but it’s often hidden behind the same Credential Manager entry. Check the account settings in the new Outlook first.

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