I forgot my Office account password

First, determine whether this is a personal Microsoft account (used for Outlook.com, Xbox, etc.) or a work/school Microsoft 365 account (given by an organization). Then use the appropriate path below.

For a personal Microsoft account (Outlook.com, home Microsoft 365 subscription, etc.):

1. Go to the Microsoft account sign-in page and enter the email address.
2. On the Enter password screen, select Forgotten your password?.
   • If that window is not open, use the Reset password flow here: Reset password.
3. Follow the steps to verify identity (code by email/phone, etc.), then set a new password.
   • If no verification option is available or accessible, use the sign-in helper tools linked in the article to continue recovery.

For a work or school Microsoft 365 account (given by an organization):

Option A – Self-service password reset (if enabled by the admin):

1. Start at https://mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info.
2. On the sign-in screen, select Can't access your account?.
3. Enter the work or school email/username and complete the CAPTCHA.
4. Select Next.
   • If a Contact your administrator link appears instead of the reset wizard, self-service reset is not enabled.
5. Choose a verification method (phone, app, etc.), complete verification, and set a new password.

Option B – If self-service reset is not enabled or does not work:

1. Contact the organization’s Microsoft 365 administrator and ask them to reset the password.
2. If the locked account is an admin account and no one else can reset it, follow the admin-password guidance in the referenced article (including contacting Microsoft Support if necessary).

If the account is a Microsoft 365 for business account but the username is known and only the password is forgotten:

• Use the password reset page configured by the admin, such as https://passwordreset.microsoftonline.com/, if permission has been granted. Otherwise, contact the admin.

After regaining access, review and update security info (alternate email, phone, and verification methods) so future recovery is easier.

References:

• Reset a forgotten Microsoft account password
• Reset your Microsoft work or school account password using security info
• I forgot the account I use with Microsoft 365
• All about passwords