How to Reset Your Microsoft 365 Password: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Forgot your Microsoft 365 password? Don’t worry—whether you’re a regular user or an IT administrator, resetting your password is straightforward if you know the right steps. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through multiple methods to regain access to your Microsoft 365 account quickly and securely.

Method 1: Self-Service Password Reset (For Regular Users)

If your organization has enabled Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR), you can reset your password without contacting IT support. Here’s how:

Step 1: Navigate to the Password Reset Page

Go to the Microsoft account recovery page at https://account.live.com/password/reset or the Microsoft 365 sign-in page at https://portal.office.com.

Step 2: Enter Your Email Address

Type your Microsoft 365 email address (e.g., [email protected]) and click Next.

Step 3: Select “Forgot My Password”

On the password entry screen, click the Forgot my password link.

Step 4: Verify Your Identity

Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity using one of the methods you previously registered:

• Alternate email address
• Phone number (SMS or call)
• Microsoft Authenticator app
• Security questions

Step 5: Enter Verification Code

Check your selected verification method and enter the code you received. Click Next to proceed.

Step 6: Create a New Password

Enter a new strong password that meets your organization’s requirements:

• At least 8-12 characters (varies by policy)
• Mix of uppercase and lowercase letters
• Include numbers and special characters
• Avoid common words or personal information

Step 7: Confirm and Sign In

Confirm your new password and click Finish. Wait up to 3 minutes for the change to propagate across all Microsoft 365 services, then sign in with your new password.

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Method 2: Admin Password Reset (For IT Administrators)

If you’re an administrator or SSPR isn’t enabled, you can reset a user’s password through the Microsoft 365 Admin Center:

Step 1: Access the Admin Center

Sign in to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center with your Global Administrator or User Administrator credentials.

Step 2: Navigate to Active Users

In the left sidebar, select Users → Active users.

Step 3: Select the User

Find and click on the user whose password needs resetting. You can also select multiple users for bulk password resets.

Step 4: Reset Password

Click the Reset password button at the top of the user list.

Step 5: Configure Password Options

• Choose Auto-generate a password for a random secure password, or
• Select Let me create the password to set one manually
• Check Require this user to change their password when they first sign in (recommended for security)

Step 6: Complete the Reset

Click Reset and securely share the new password with the user. Consider using a secure password sharing method or printing to a sealed document.

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Method 3: Enable Self-Service Password Reset (Admin Configuration)

To allow users to reset their own passwords, administrators must first enable SSPR:

Step 1: Access Security Settings

In the Microsoft 365 Admin Center, go to Setup → Sign-in and security → Let users reset their own passwords.

Step 2: Configure SSPR Scope

In the Azure AD portal that opens:

• Go to Password reset → Properties
• Select All to enable for everyone, or Selected for specific groups
• Click Save

Step 3: Set Authentication Methods

Navigate to Password reset → Authentication methods and choose which methods users can use:

• Mobile app notification
• Mobile app code
• Email
• Mobile phone (SMS or voice call)
• Office phone
• Security questions

Step 4: User Registration

Inform users to register their authentication methods by visiting https://aka.ms/mfasetup or through their account security settings.

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Important Tips and Troubleshooting

Password Requirements

• Cannot reuse recent passwords (typically last 24)
• Must meet your organization’s complexity policy
• Avoid personal information (birthdays, pet names)

If You Can’t Reset Your Password

• Ensure SSPR is enabled by your administrator
• Verify you have at least one registered authentication method
• Check your spam/junk folder for verification emails
• Wait a few minutes if you recently failed multiple attempts (temporary lockout)
• Contact your IT help desk if all else fails

Account Lockouts

After multiple failed sign-in attempts, your account may be temporarily locked. Wait 15-30 minutes before trying again, or contact your administrator to unlock the account immediately.

Personal Microsoft Accounts vs. Work/School Accounts

• Work/School accounts: Use the methods described above
• Personal Microsoft accounts (Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live): Visit account.microsoft.com for password reset

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take for a password change to take effect?
A: Usually within 1-3 minutes across all Microsoft 365 services.

Q: Can I reset my password from my mobile device?
A: Yes, all methods work on mobile browsers and the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Q: What if I don’t have access to my registered authentication methods?
A: You’ll need to contact your IT administrator to verify your identity and reset your password manually.

Q: Will resetting my password sign me out of all devices?
A: Yes, you’ll need to sign in again on all devices with your new password.

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Conclusion

Resetting your Microsoft 365 password is a simple process when you have the right tools and knowledge. We recommend enabling self-service password reset for your organization to reduce IT support burden and empower users to resolve access issues quickly.

If you found this guide helpful, check out our other Microsoft 365 tutorials for more tips on maximizing your productivity with Microsoft’s suite of tools.

Last updated: February 2025