Forgot Your Hotmail Password? Here's How to Reset It
Whether you remember your recovery email and phone or not, there's a path back into your account. Follow the steps below based on what access you still have.
Go to the Hotmail/Outlook sign-in page and click "Forgot password?" Microsoft will send a verification code to your recovery email or phone. If you no longer have access to either, select "I don't have any of these" to start an identity verification form — this takes longer (24 hours to a few days) but is the only path if your recovery methods are outdated.
Standard Password Reset (You Have Recovery Access)
- Go to the Hotmail/Outlook sign-in pageVisit outlook.com or login.live.com.
- Enter your email address, then click "Forgot password?"This link appears below the password field.
- Choose how to receive your verification codeOptions typically include your recovery email or a text message to your phone.
- Enter the verification codeCheck the relevant inbox or messages app and type the code into the field.
- Create a new passwordChoose a strong, unique password — avoid reusing passwords from other accounts.
- Sign in with your new passwordYou should now have full access restored.
No Access to Recovery Email or Phone? Here's What to Do
If your recovery email is also inaccessible, or your phone number has changed and wasn't updated, you'll need to use Microsoft's account recovery form. This is a more thorough identity verification process.
- Click "Forgot password?" as normalStart the standard reset flow.
- Select "I don't have any of these"This appears after Microsoft lists the recovery options it has on file, none of which you can access.
- Fill out the account recovery formYou'll be asked for details like: previous passwords you've used, other email addresses you use, the approximate date you created the account, and any subject lines from recent emails you remember.
- Provide as much detail as possibleThe more accurate information you provide, the higher your chance of approval — Microsoft uses this to verify it's really your account.
- Wait for Microsoft's reviewThis can take anywhere from a few hours to several days. You'll be notified via any working contact method on file, or you can check back by attempting sign-in again.
How to Avoid This Next Time
- Add a secondary recovery email — go to account.microsoft.com → Your info → Manage how you sign in
- Keep your recovery phone number current — update it whenever you change numbers
- Enable two-factor authentication with an authenticator app — this doesn't rely on SMS, which can fail if you change phones
- Save your backup codes somewhere secure, like a password manager or printed copy in a safe place
For full setup steps, see the 2FA section of our Hotmail Login Complete Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I recover my Hotmail account if I lost access to my email and phone?
Use Microsoft's account recovery form by selecting "I don't have any of these" during the password reset flow. You'll need to answer identity-verification questions about your account history. This process can take a few hours to several days.
How long does Hotmail account recovery take?
If you have access to a recovery email or phone, resetting your password takes just a few minutes. If you need to use the identity-verification form because you've lost all recovery access, it typically takes anywhere from a few hours to a few days for Microsoft to review.
Can I reset my Hotmail password without a phone number?
Yes — if you have access to a recovery email address, you can receive your verification code there instead of by SMS. A phone number is only required if it's your sole recovery method.
What information does the account recovery form ask for?
It typically asks for previous passwords you've used on the account, other email addresses you use, the approximate date you created the Hotmail account, and details from recent emails (such as subject lines) that only the account owner would know.
Why was my account recovery request denied?
Recovery requests are often denied due to insufficient or inaccurate information. Try submitting again with more precise details — using a device and location you've previously used to access the account can also improve your chances.