# How can I change my Hotmail password immediately?
Changing your Hotmail (now known as Outlook.com) password is a relatively simple process. However, for your security and privacy, it is essential to understand the steps involved, the reasons for changing your password, and some common issues you may encounter during the process. This guide will provide a detailed explanation of how to [change your Hotmail password](https://www.kequery.com/internet/change-hotmail-password/).
**Why Change Your Hotmail/Outlook Password?**
There are several reasons why you might need to change your Hotmail password immediately:
1. Forgotten Password: If you’ve forgotten your current password, you’ll need to reset it to regain access to your account.
2. Security Breach: If you suspect unauthorized access to your account, changing your password is crucial.
3. Routine Security: Regularly updating your password is a good security habit, especially for email accounts that store personal and sensitive information.
4. Device Theft: If your device is lost or stolen, changing your password ensures that the person who finds or steals your device can’t access your emails.
**Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Your Hotmail (Outlook) Password**
1. Go to the [Outlook.com](https://Outlook.com) Login Page: Open your web browser and navigate to Outlook.com. This is the new domain for Hotmail accounts after Microsoft rebranded the service under Outlook.
2. Sign in to Your Account: Enter your Hotmail (or Outlook) email address and current password. If you’ve forgotten your password, click on the “Can’t access your account?” link to begin the password recovery process.
3. Navigate to Security Settings: Once you’ve logged in, click on your profile picture or initials in the top-right corner of the screen, and then select My Microsoft Account.
In the Microsoft account dashboard, go to the Security section. This can be found on the top navigation bar.
4. Select “Password Security”: In the Security section, scroll down to find the option that says Change password. Click on it.
5. Verify Your Identity: For security purposes, Microsoft may require you to verify your identity. You may be asked to enter a code that will be sent to your phone number, backup email, or through the Microsoft Authenticator app, depending on the security settings of your account.
6. Enter a New Password: After verification, you will be prompted to enter a new password. Make sure to choose a strong password that includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols for added security. You will need to enter this new password twice to confirm it.
7. Save Changes: Once you’ve entered your new password and confirmed it, click Save. Your password will now be updated across all devices that use your Microsoft account.
8. Log In with Your New Password: After successfully changing your password, log out of your account and try logging back in using your new password to ensure it works.
**Important Tips for Creating a Strong Password**
1. Avoid Predictable Information: Don’t use personal information like your name, birthdate, or common words as part of your password.
2. Use a Mix of Characters: Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
3. Avoid Reusing Passwords: Do not reuse passwords from other accounts. Each of your online accounts should have a unique password.
4. Password Manager: Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
**What to Do If You Can’t Access Your Hotmail Account?**
If you are unable to log in to your Hotmail account because you’ve forgotten your password or because you believe it has been compromised, follow these steps:
1. Click on “Forgotten password?”: On the login screen, select this option. Microsoft will guide you through the account recovery process.
2. Enter Recovery Information: You will be asked to enter your recovery email or phone number. Make sure you have access to these.
3. Answer Security Questions: In some cases, you may be asked to answer security questions or verify your identity through a backup email address.
4. Reset Your Password: Once your identity is confirmed, you can create a new password.
**FAQs on Changing Your Hotmail Password**
**1. How often should I change my Hotmail password?**
It’s a good practice to change your email password every 3-6 months, especially if you use your account for sensitive communications or transactions.
**2. What should I do if I forgot my recovery email or phone number?**
If you no longer have access to your recovery email or phone number, try answering security questions or contact Microsoft support for further assistance.
**3. What can I do if I can’t remember my current password?**
Use the "Forgot Password" feature on the Outlook login page to reset your password using your recovery email or phone number.
**4. Can I change my password using the Outlook mobile app?**
Yes, you can change your password via the mobile app by navigating to settings and selecting account security options.
**5. Will changing my Hotmail password affect my other Microsoft services?**
Yes, since Hotmail is linked to your Microsoft account, changing the password will also update it for other services like OneDrive, Xbox, and Skype.
**6. What should I do if I can’t verify my identity?**
If you're unable to verify your identity through the recovery options, contact Microsoft Support for help in restoring access to your account.
**7. Can I use two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security?**
Yes, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) is highly recommended for securing your Hotmail/Outlook account. This will require an additional verification step when logging in.
**8. How can I update my recovery options?**
After logging into your Microsoft account, go to Security Settings and update your recovery email, phone number, or other security methods.
**9. What should I do if I suspect someone else has accessed my account?**
Immediately change your password and review your account activity. Enable two-factor authentication if you haven’t already.
**10. Why am I being asked to verify my identity again when changing my password?**
This is an additional security step to ensure that only you, the account owner, can change the password.
**11. Can I use the same password I’ve used before?**
Microsoft recommends not reusing old passwords to maintain better security for your account.
**12. What are the password requirements for Hotmail/Outlook?**
Your password must be at least 8 characters long and should contain a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
**13. How can I check for suspicious activity on my Hotmail account?**
You can review the recent activity on your account by visiting the Security section of your Microsoft account and clicking on Recent Activity.
**14. Will I get logged out of my devices when I change my password?**
Yes, when you change your password, you'll be logged out of all devices where your Hotmail/Outlook account is signed in.
**15. What happens if my account is locked for security reasons?**
If Microsoft detects unusual activity, it might temporarily lock your account. Follow the instructions to verify your identity and unlock the account.
Changing your Hotmail (Outlook) password is an essential step in maintaining the security of your online identity. Whether you’ve forgotten your password or suspect that someone else may have gained access, this guide outlines the steps to quickly and efficiently update your credentials.