Windows Live Mail is a popular email client and it often requires password changes due to security reasons or when you forget the current password. Changing the password of your email account is essential to maintain the privacy and security of your sensitive information. This blog post will guide you through the process of changing the password on Windows Live Mail.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we delve into the process of changing the password on Windows Live Mail, here’s what you’ll need:
- Your Windows Live Mail email address
- Your current password
- Your new password
What Requires Your Focus?
To change your password on Windows Live Mail, you need to focus on the following:
- Creating a strong password
- Keeping your new password safe and secure
- Updating your email clients or apps with the new password
Different Methods to Change Password on Windows Live Mail
Here are four different methods to change the password on Windows Live Mail:
Method 1: Via the Windows Live Mail Settings
To change your password via the Windows Live Mail settings, follow these steps:
- Open Windows Live Mail and go to ‘Accounts’ under the ‘Tools’ menu.
- Select the email address you want to change the password for and click on ‘Properties’.
- Click on the ‘Servers’ tab and enter your new password in the ‘Password’ field.
- Click on ‘Apply’ and then on ‘OK’ to save the changes.
Pros:
- Simple and straightforward method
- No need to access a separate website or console
Cons:
- Not applicable if you’ve forgotten your current password
- You need to know where the ‘Accounts’ and ‘Properties’ options are
Method 2: Via the Provider’s Website
To change your password via the provider’s website, follow these steps:
- Go to the website of your email provider e.g. Outlook.com or Gmail.com
- Find and click on the option to ‘sign in’ or ‘log in’ to your account
- Enter your email address and your current password and hit ‘Enter’ or ‘Login’
- Look for an option that says ‘Change password’ or ‘Security’ and click on it
- Follow the prompts to enter your current password and then set up a new password
Pros:
- You can access additional security settings
- Can be used even if you’ve forgotten your current password
Cons:
- Requires going to an additional website
- You may need to access email recovery or reset methods on the provider’s website
Method 3: Via the Control Panel
To change your password via the Control Panel, follow these steps:
- Go to the Control Panel and select ‘User Accounts’
- Find the email address you want to change the password for and click on it
- Select ‘Change password’ and enter your new password, then confirm it
- Click on ‘OK’ and save the changes
Pros:
- You can change passwords for multiple email accounts on a single interface
- No need to know the email service provider’s website
Cons:
- Requires opening the Control Panel on Windows
- You may need administrative rights depending on the settings
Method 4: Using a Recovery Email or Phone Number
If you’ve forgotten your current email password, you can reset your password by using the recovery email or phone number. Here’s how:
- Go to the email provider’s website and click the option to reset your password.
- Enter your email address and select the option to reset the password via the recovery email or phone number.
- Retrieve the code either via email or text and enter it in the prompt that appears
- Enter your new password and confirm it to reset your password
Pros:
- Allows you to reset the password for your email account even if you’ve forgotten the current password
- Can be used as security for future password changes
Cons:
- You need a recovery email address or phone number that is linked to your email account
- It can take some time to receive the code, especially if you’re using email as the recovery medium
Why Can’t I Change My Password on Windows Live Mail?
If you’re unable to change your password on Windows Live Mail, it could be due to a few reasons:
1: Limited Access Rights
If you’re trying to change the password using a shared or public computer, you may be prevented from doing so due to limited access rights. In such a case, you’ll need to log in from a computer or device that has full administrative rights.
2: Incompatible Browser
Older or outdated browsers may not be compatible with the email service provider’s website. If you’re experiencing issues, try logging in from a different browser.
3: Wrong Credentials
If you’re unable to change your password, it could be because you’re using the wrong credentials. Double-check your email address and password to make sure you’re using the correct login details.
Fixes:
- Try using a different device or computer that has full administrative rights
- Try updating your browser to the latest version or use a different browser
- Double-check your email address and password
Implications and Recommendations
Changing your password on Windows Live Mail regularly is essential to maintain the privacy and security of your sensitive information. Here are three recommendations to keep in mind:
- Use a strong password that includes a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Don’t use the same password for your email account across multiple platforms or websites.
- Keep your password safe and don’t share it with anyone.
5 FAQs about Changing Password on Windows Live Mail
Q1: How often should I change my password on Windows Live Mail?
A: It’s recommended that you change your password at least once every three months.
Q2: Can I use the same password for multiple email accounts?
A: No, it’s not advisable to use the same password for multiple email accounts as it can increase the risk of a security breach.
Q3: What should I do if I’ve forgotten my current password?
A: You can reset your password by using the recovery email or phone number linked to your account.
Q4: Why is it essential to use a strong password?
A: A strong password that is difficult to guess makes it harder for hackers and cybercriminals to access your email account.
Q5: How can I ensure my new password is strong and secure?
A: Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols when creating your new password, and avoid using easy-to-guess information like your name or birthdate.
Final Words
Changing the password on Windows Live Mail is a crucial task for maintaining the privacy and security of your email account. You can change your password via the Windows Live Mail settings, via your email provider’s website, or using the Control Panel, or even by using a recovery email or phone number. Remember to create a strong password and keep it safe, and don’t hesitate to seek technical support if you encounter any issues.