You normally do not change an email account’s actual password inside Outlook. Change the password with the email provider first. Outlook may then prompt you for the new credentials, or you may need to repair or reconnect the account depending on which Outlook version and account type you use.
Change the password at the account provider
- Identify who provides the email account, such as Microsoft, Google, your employer, or an Internet provider.
- Sign in to that provider’s official account or security page.
- Use its password-change controls.
- Create the new password and complete any required verification.
- Return to Outlook and respond to any sign-in prompt.
New Outlook and classic Outlook behave differently
Current Windows PCs can use new Outlook or classic Outlook, and their account-management screens are not identical. Modern Microsoft and Google accounts often use browser-based authentication rather than storing a manually editable password field in Outlook.
If Outlook stops syncing
Restart Outlook and complete any sign-in request. If authentication continues to fail, review the account under Outlook’s account settings and reconnect it using the provider’s supported sign-in process. Work accounts may require your organization’s IT administrator.
Windows 10 normal support ended October 14, 2025, but the key principle remains the same: change the account password with the provider, not by searching Outlook for a universal password box.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.