Hotmail, now known as Outlook, is one of the most popular email services in the world. It has millions of users, and every day, thousands of people sign up for an account. It is always important to keep your email account secure, and changing your password regularly is one way to do that. If you have forgotten your Hotmail password, there are several ways to reset it and regain access to your account.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To reset your Hotmail account password, you will need:
- Your Hotmail email address or Skype ID
- Access to the phone number or email address associated with your account
- A computer or mobile device with an internet connection
What Requires Your Focus?
When resetting your Hotmail account password, it is important to focus on:
- Ensuring that you have access to the email address or phone number associated with your account
- Choosing a secure and strong password that is difficult for others to guess
- Keeping your new password safe and secure
Different Methods to Reset My Hotmail Account Password
Method 1: Reset Password Via Hotmail Website
1. Open your web browser and go to the Hotmail website.
2. Click on the "Forgotten password" link located under the sign-in form.
3. Enter your email address or Skype ID and click "Next".
4. Choose the option to verify your identity by email or phone number, then click "Next".
5. If you’ve chosen to verify by phone number, enter the code you receive via text message and click "Next". If you’ve chosen to verify by email, follow the instructions in the email to verify your identity.
6. Follow the prompts to create a new password and sign in to your account.
Pros:
- Easy and simple method
- Can be done from any computer or mobile device with an internet connection
Cons:
- You need access to the email address or phone number associated with your account
- You have to remember the answers to your security questions or have access to your alternative email address to reset your password
Method 2: Reset Password Via Microsoft Authenticator App
1. Download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device.
2. Sign in to the app using your Hotmail email address and follow the prompts to set it up.
3. Tap on the "I need to reset my password" link on the sign-in screen, then choose the option to verify your identity through the app.
4. Follow the prompts to verify your identity and create a new password.
Pros:
- Provides an extra layer of security through two-factor authentication
- You can reset your password even if you don’t have access to your email address or phone number
Cons:
- Requires downloading and installing an additional app on your mobile device
- The app may need to be set up in advance, which can be inconvenient if you forget to do so
Method 3: Reset Password Via Microsoft Account Recovery Form
1. Open your web browser and go to the Microsoft Account Recovery Form.
2. Enter your email address or Skype ID and an alternative contact email address where Microsoft can reach you.
3. Follow the prompts to verify your identity, which may include providing information about your account and answering security questions.
4. Follow the prompts to create a new password and sign in to your account.
Pros:
- You can reset your password even if you don’t have access to your email address or phone number
- You can choose a different email address to receive information about resetting your password
Cons:
- The process can take longer than other methods
- You may need to provide additional information about your account or answer security questions, which can be difficult if you don’t remember the answers or information
Why Can’t I Reset My Hotmail Account Password?
If you are having trouble resetting your Hotmail account password, it could be due to several reasons:
- You have forgotten your email address or Skype ID
- You don’t have access to the email address or phone number associated with your account
- You have not set up an alternative contact email address or phone number
- You have not updated your security information in a while
To fix these issues:
- Try to remember your email address or Skype ID by checking any email or social media accounts that you have linked to your Hotmail account.
- Contact Microsoft support to verify your identity and regain access to your account.
- Set up an alternative contact email address or phone number by going to your Hotmail account settings.
- Make sure to regularly update your security information, including your alternative contact email address or phone number and security questions.
Implications and Recommendations
Resetting your Hotmail account password is an important step in keeping your account secure. It is recommended that you reset your password regularly, especially if you use a public or shared computer or if you have recently shared your password with someone.
You should also consider enabling two-factor authentication through the Microsoft Authenticator app, which adds an extra layer of security to your account.
5 FAQs about Resetting My Hotmail Account Password
Q1: How often should I reset my Hotmail account password?
A: It is recommended that you reset your password every 30-60 days, or if you suspect that someone has gained access to your account.
Q2: What should I do if I can’t remember the answers to my security questions?
A: You can contact Microsoft support to verify your identity and regain access to your account.
Q3: What should I do if I don’t have access to the phone number or email address associated with my account?
A: You can contact Microsoft support to verify your identity and regain access to your account.
Q4: Can I use a password manager to store my Hotmail account password?
A: Yes, you can use a password manager to store your password, but make sure to choose a strong and secure password and enable two-factor authentication through the Microsoft Authenticator app.
Q5: Is it safe to reset my Hotmail account password?
A: Yes, it is safe to reset your password as long as you choose a strong and unique password and keep it safe and secure.
Final Words
Resetting your Hotmail account password is a simple and important step in keeping your account secure. By following the methods and tips outlined in this article, you can reset your password quickly and easily and keep your account safe from hackers and other cyber threats.