How to Reset Your Microsoft 365 Password: Complete Guide (2026)

Quick Overview

Forgot your Microsoft 365 password? Whether you are locked out of Outlook, Teams, or your entire Office 365 account, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every method to reset your password and regain access in 2026. We cover self-service reset, admin-assisted recovery, and security best practices.

Microsoft 365 powers millions of businesses worldwide, and password issues are one of the most common support requests. Understanding how to efficiently reset passwords saves time and reduces frustration for both end users and IT administrators.

Why Microsoft 365 Password Resets Are Necessary

Password resets happen for various reasons in enterprise and personal environments. Understanding these scenarios helps organizations prepare appropriate policies and support procedures.

Common Reset Scenarios

• Forgotten passwords: The most common cause, especially after vacation or extended absence from work. Human memory limitations mean even carefully chosen passwords can be forgotten over time.
• Security breaches: After suspected unauthorized access, immediate password changes protect account integrity. This includes phishing attempts, suspicious login notifications, or malware infections.
• Password expiration policies: Many organizations enforce periodic changes (every 30-90 days) for compliance with security standards like ISO 27001, SOC 2, or GDPR requirements.
• Account lockouts: Too many failed login attempts trigger security blocks designed to prevent brute force attacks. These temporary locks require administrative intervention or time-based automatic unlocking.
• Device changes: New computers, phones, or tablets requiring re-authentication sometimes expose forgotten passwords users saved in browser autofill.

Prerequisites for Self-Service Password Reset

Before you can use self-service options, your organization must enable Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) in Azure AD. Additionally, you need to register alternative authentication methods beforehand.

Required Registration Steps

1. Visit aka.ms/ssprsetup while logged into your account
2. Register at least two verification methods:
   • Mobile phone number for SMS or voice calls
   • Alternate email address (personal email, not work)
   • Microsoft Authenticator app for push notifications
   • Security questions (least secure, used as last resort)
3. Verify each method by entering confirmation codes
4. Save your settings

Without prior registration, you cannot use self-service reset and must contact your IT administrator.

Method 1: Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR)

If your organization has enabled SSPR and you have registered alternative methods, you can recover your account without waiting for IT support.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Navigate to the Microsoft Password Reset Portal at passwordreset.microsoftonline.com
2. Enter your Microsoft 365 email address or User ID exactly as registered
3. Complete the CAPTCHA verification to prove you are human
4. Click Next to proceed to verification
5. Choose your verification method from available options
6. Wait for the verification code via SMS, email, or phone call
7. Enter the verification code in the provided field
8. Click Verify to confirm your identity
9. Create a new password meeting your organization requirements
10. Confirm the new password by entering it again
11. Click Finish to complete the reset

Password Requirements

Most organizations enforce these complexity rules:

• Minimum 8 characters (Microsoft recommends 12-16)
• At least one uppercase letter (A-Z)
• At least one lowercase letter (a-z)
• At least one number (0-9)
• At least one special character (!@#$%^*)
• Cannot contain parts of your username or display name
• Cannot match previous 24 passwords used

Method 2: Reset via Microsoft 365 Admin Center

IT administrators have full control over user accounts and can reset passwords for any user in their organization. This method is necessary when SSPR is unavailable or for users who cannot complete verification.

Admin Instructions

1. Sign in to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center at admin.microsoft.com with administrator credentials
2. Navigate to Users then Active users in the left sidebar
3. Use the search box to find the specific user
4. Click on the user name to open their details pane
5. Click Reset password in the top action bar
6. Choose password generation method:
   • Auto-generate a password: Creates random secure password (recommended)
   • Let me create the password: Admin enters temporary password
7. Check the box to Require this user to change their password at next sign-in (recommended for security)
8. Click Reset password to apply changes
9. Copy the temporary password shown on screen
10. Communicate the temporary password to the user securely (encrypted email, phone, or in-person)

Security Considerations for Admins

Always verify the requester identity before resetting passwords. Social engineering attacks often impersonate users requesting password resets. Use out-of-band verification (calling their known phone number) to confirm requests.

Method 3: Azure AD Password Reset

For organizations using Azure Active Directory with modern authentication, the My Account portal provides self-service options.

1. Go to myaccount.microsoft.com
2. Sign in with current credentials (if known) or use password recovery
3. Click Password in the left navigation menu
4. Verify your identity using MFA if prompted
5. Enter your current password
6. Enter your new password twice for confirmation
7. Click Submit to save changes
8. Sign out and sign back in with the new password

Method 4: Reset from Office Application

If you are signed into an Office app but need to change your password due to policy or security concerns:

1. Open any Office application (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)
2. Click File then Account
3. Click Sign out to clear current session
4. Close all Office applications completely
5. Reopen the application
6. When prompted to sign in, click Forgot password
7. Follow the self-service reset process

Troubleshooting Common Issues

SSPR Not Enabled Message

If you see Contact your administrator when attempting self-service reset, your organization has not enabled SSPR. Contact your IT help desk with:

• Your full name and email address
• Employee ID or verification information
• Description of the issue (forgotten password, account locked, etc.)

Verification Methods Not Available

If you have not registered alternate contact methods before losing access, you cannot use self-service reset. Prevention is key – register recovery options while you still have access.

Account Temporarily Locked

After multiple failed attempts, Microsoft temporarily locks accounts for 15-30 minutes to prevent brute force attacks. Wait before retrying or contact your administrator for immediate unlocking.

Password Does Not Meet Requirements

If your new password is rejected, check:

• Minimum length requirements (often 12+ characters)
• Complexity requirements (upper, lower, number, special)
• Password history (cannot reuse recent passwords)
• Banned passwords (common passwords are blocked)

Security Best Practices

Create Strong, Memorable Passwords

Use passphrases rather than single words. For example: Blue-Office-47-Dashboard! is stronger and easier to remember than Xy9#mK2$. Consider using three random words with numbers and symbols.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds a critical security layer. Even if your password is compromised, attackers cannot access your account without your second factor (phone, authenticator app, or security key). Microsoft strongly recommends MFA for all accounts.

Use Password Managers

Password managers like LastPass, 1Password, or Microsoft Authenticator can generate and store complex passwords securely. This eliminates the need to remember multiple credentials while maintaining high security.

After Password Reset: Important Steps

1. Update all devices: Phones, tablets, and computers need the new password
2. Check email forwarding rules: Verify no unauthorized rules were created by attackers
3. Review recent activity: Check Azure AD sign-in logs for suspicious access
4. Update password managers: If you use one, store the new password securely
5. Sign out everywhere: Use the Sign out everywhere option in security settings

Conclusion

Microsoft 365 password resets are straightforward when you know the right method. Self-service options provide quick recovery for prepared users, while admin tools offer control for IT teams. Implement MFA and strong passwords to minimize the need for resets. For more IT management tips, explore our guides on Windows 11 troubleshooting and system administration best practices.