How-To · Security & Passwords
How to change or reset your Microsoft 365 password
Change your Microsoft 365 work password when you know it, reset it yourself if you forgot it, and what to do on your phone and computer afterward.
There are two situations. If you know your password and just want a new one, you change it. If you forgot it or you’re locked out, you reset it. This guide covers both.
Change your password (you know your current one)
- Go to mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info and sign in.
- Next to Password, select Change.
- Enter your current password, then your new password twice, and select Submit.
On a Windows work computer, you can usually also press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and choose Change a password.
Reset your password (you forgot it)
- Go to portal.office.com and enter your work email.
- On the password screen, select Forgot my password (or Can’t access your account?). You can also go straight to aka.ms/sspr.
- Enter your work email and the characters shown, then select Next.
- Verify it’s you with Microsoft Authenticator, a text message, or another method you set up.
- Choose your new password.
If you see a message that you can’t reset your own password, your company handles resets through IT. Call them and they’ll get you a temporary one.
After you change it
- Your phone may ask you to sign in again in Outlook, Teams and other work apps. That’s normal. Use your new password.
- On a Mac, you may be asked to update your password in a few places. Use the new one.
- The new password works right away for Microsoft 365. Give it a few minutes if something still asks for the old one.
Choosing a good password
Make it at least 14 characters with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters, and use it only for work. A few random words strung together is long and easy to remember. Microsoft also blocks common, easy-to-guess passwords, so if one is rejected, try something less predictable. See the examples in Your first day with Microsoft 365.
Think someone else knows your password? Change it right away and tell IT. Also read What to do if you clicked a phishing link.
Locked out and can’t reset it yourself? Matter of Technology clients can call (844) 628-8371 and we’ll get you back in.