**How Do I Change My Hotmail Password? A Complete Guide**

Your Hotmail account, now managed through Microsoft Outlook, contains sensitive personal and professional information such as emails, contacts, and in many cases, links to financial or work accounts. Keeping your password strong and up to date is crucial for protecting yourself from unauthorized access. If you suspect unusual activity, forgot your current password, or simply want to refresh your login credentials, changing your Hotmail password is the right step.

**Why Change Your Hotmail Password?**

Before diving into the steps, let’s briefly understand why changing your password regularly is important:

Security concerns – If you notice suspicious activity like unexpected login alerts or emails you didn’t send, updating your password can immediately secure your account.

Forgotten password – It’s common to forget complex passwords, especially if you don’t use them daily.

Routine maintenance – Experts recommend updating your password every few months as a proactive security measure.

Data breaches – If Microsoft or another service linked to your Hotmail account reports a breach, changing your password ensures your account isn’t at risk.

**How to Change Your Hotmail Password If You Know It**

If you still have access to your Hotmail (Outlook) account and remember your current password, the process is straightforward. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Sign in to your account

Open your browser and go to Outlook.com
.

**Enter your Hotmail email address and current password.**

**Step 2: Access account security settings**

Click on your profile picture or initials in the top right corner.

Select “My Microsoft Account” to open your account dashboard.

**Step 3: Navigate to password settings**

On the Microsoft account page, look for the “Security” tab.

Under this section, you’ll find an option labeled “Change Password.” Click on it.

**Step 4: Verify your identity**

Microsoft may ask for extra verification, such as sending a code to your registered phone number or email.

Enter the code to proceed.

**Step 5: Enter your new password**

Type your current password, then your new password twice to confirm.

Make sure your new password is strong by including uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

**Avoid reusing old passwords.**

**Step 6: Save changes**

Click “Save” or “Submit.”

Your Hotmail password is now updated, and you’ll need to use the new password for future logins.

**How to Reset Your Hotmail Password If You Forgot It**

Sometimes, you may not remember your existing password and can’t log in. In that case, you’ll need to reset your Hotmail password.

**Step 1: Go to the sign-in page**

Visit Outlook.com
and click “Sign in.”

**Step 2: Choose “Forgot Password?”**

Below the password entry field, click “Forgot Password?”

This will redirect you to the account recovery page.

**Step 3: Verify your identity**

Microsoft will ask how you want to receive a security code. Options usually include:

Sending a text to your registered phone number

Sending an email to a backup email address

Using the Microsoft Authenticator app

Choose your preferred option and enter the code you receive.

**Step 4: Create a new password**

Once verified, you’ll be prompted to create a new password.

Enter it twice to confirm and then save the changes.

Changing Hotmail Password on Mobile Devices

**You can also change or reset your password directly from your phone:**

Open the Outlook app on iOS or Android.

Tap your profile picture in the upper-left corner.

Go to Settings > Help & Feedback > View Account Settings.

Tap Change Password.

**Follow the same verification and update steps as on desktop.**

Tips for Creating a Strong Hotmail Password

Your password is the first line of defense against hackers. Here’s how to make it stronger:

**Use at least 12 characters.**

Combine uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters.

Avoid using obvious information like your name, birthday, or “123456.”

Use a passphrase (e.g., a sentence with symbols and numbers) for easy recall but high security.

Conclusion

Changing your Hotmail password is a simple but essential step for keeping your Microsoft account secure. Whether you know your current password or need to reset it, Microsoft provides user-friendly tools to guide you through the process. Remember to use a strong password, enable two-factor authentication, and keep your recovery options updated. By doing so, you’ll safeguard your emails, contacts, and personal information from unauthorized access.