Hotmail, now known as Outlook, is one of the most popular email services used worldwide. With the increase in cyber-attacks and online threats, it is important to keep your email account secure. One of the best ways to secure your Hotmail account is by changing your password from time to time. However, there are times when we forget our password and find ourselves locked out of our account. In this blog post, we will be discussing different methods that will guide you on how to change Hotmail password if forgotten.
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The Challenge of Changing Your Hotmail Password
Resetting or changing your Hotmail password can be challenging if you forget your current password and do not have the necessary information to recover it. Losing your password can cause you to lose access to important emails, contacts, and other personal information in your mailbox. Fortunately, there are ways you can reset your Hotmail password and regain access to your account.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before you start changing your Hotmail password, make sure you have the following things:
– An internet-connected device
– A valid and active email address or phone number associated with your Hotmail account
– A secondary email address or phone number (optional)
– A strong and unique password (use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols)
Method 1: Recover Your Account via Outlook.com
Step 1: Go to the Outlook.com login page and click on the "Can’t access your account?" link.
Step 2: Select the "I forgot my password" option and click on "Next."
Step 3: Enter your Hotmail email address and the verification code shown on the screen. Click on "Next."
Step 4: Select the option to receive a security code via your email address or phone number.
Step 5: Once you receive the security code, enter it in the provided field and click on "Next."
Step 6: Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new password for your Hotmail account.
Pros:
– Easy to use for those who have access to their secondary email or phone number
– Option to use your email address or phone number to receive the security code
Cons:
– Inability to reset your password if you do not have access to your associated email address or phone number
Method 2: Use a Recovery Email Address
Step 1: Go to the Outlook.com login page and enter your email address. Click on "Next."
Step 2: Select the "Forgot my password" option and click on "Next."
Step 3: Enter your email address and follow the instructions to enter the verification code.
Step 4: Choose the option to use your recovery email address and click on "Next."
Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions to send a password reset link to your recovery email address.
Step 6: Check your recovery email address and click on the password reset link to create a new password for your Hotmail account.
Pros:
– Ability to reset your password using your recovery email address
– Can be used even if you do not have access to your associated email or phone number
Cons:
– Need to set up a recovery email address beforehand
Method 3: Contact Hotmail Support
Step 1: Go to the Outlook.com login page and click on the "Contact Microsoft support" link.
Step 2: Select the "Help with an account" option and click on "Next."
Step 3: Enter your Hotmail email address and follow the instructions to enter the verification code.
Step 4: Choose the option to contact support, and Microsoft will provide you with a support number or chat option.
Step 5: Contact Microsoft support, provide the necessary details, and request to reset your Hotmail password.
Pros:
– Option to contact Hotmail support for assistance
– Microsoft support representatives can assist you with resetting your password and regaining access to your account
Cons:
– May require more time and effort compared to the other methods
Why Can’t I Change My Hotmail Password?
There may be several reasons why you are unable to change your Hotmail password. Here are a few reasons and how to fix them:
Reason 1: You do not have access to your associated phone number or email address.
Fix: Try to reset your password using your recovery email address or contact Hotmail support for assistance.
Reason 2: Your account has been hacked or compromised.
Fix: Contact Hotmail support immediately to report the issue and regain access to your account.
Reason 3: You are entering the wrong email address or password.
Fix: Double-check that you are entering the correct email address and password. If still facing issues, try resetting your password using one of the methods discussed above.
Additional Tips
– Use a different password for each online account for added security.
– Do not share your password or personal information with anyone.
– Use a strong and unique password that is difficult to guess.
– Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
5 FAQs about Changing Hotmail Passwords
Q1: How often should I change my Hotmail password?
A: It is recommended to change your Hotmail password every three to six months for added security.
Q2: Can I use the same password for multiple accounts?
A: No, it is not recommended to use the same password for multiple accounts as it makes your accounts vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
Q3: What should I do if I forget my recovery email address?
A: Contact Hotmail support for assistance in resetting your password.
Q4: Can I use a password manager to store my Hotmail password?
A: Yes, password managers can be used to store and manage your Hotmail password safely.
Q5: Can I reset my Hotmail password without a phone number or email address?
A: Contact Hotmail support for assistance in resetting your password if you do not have access to your associated phone number or email address.
In Conclusion
Changing your Hotmail password is essential to keep your account secure and protect your personal information. If you forget your password, there are different methods you can use to regain access to your account. It’s crucial to make sure you have the necessary information to reset your password or use Hotmail support for assistance. Remember to use a strong and unique password and enable two-factor authentication for added security.