February 9, 2024

How to Reset Your Microsoft 365 Password If You’ve Lost Access

Microsoft 365 password reset guide login prompt

Losing access to your Microsoft 365 account can be a bit of a bother, but not to worry! Resetting your password is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it on your own, without needing to ring up IT support. If you’re looking for an easy Microsoft 365 password reset guide our friendly IT support team in Shropshire has you covered.

Step 1: Visit the Microsoft 365 Sign In Page

First off, head over to the Microsoft 365 sign-in page by typing https://www.office.com/ into your web browser. Click on the “Sign In” button if you’re not already at the sign-in screen.

Step 1.5: If You’re Automatically Logged In But Don’t Know Your Password

If your browser automatically logs you into Microsoft 365 but you’ve forgotten your password and need to reset it, here’s what to do:

  1. Log Out: First, you’ll need to sign out of your account. Click on your profile icon at the top right corner of the Microsoft 365 homepage, and select “Sign out” from the dropdown menu.
  2. Proceed with Password Reset: After you’ve signed out, you’ll be taken back to the sign-in page. Now, follow the steps beginning from Step 2 to reset your password.

This extra step ensures you can reset your password even if you’re currently signed in automatically by your browser.

Step 2: Click on ‘Can’t Access Your Account?’

Beneath the sign-in fields, you’ll spot a link that says “Can’t access your account?” Give that a click. It’s your first step towards getting back into your account.

Step 3: Select ‘Work or School Account’

You’ll be presented with a couple of options. Choose “Work or school account” since your Microsoft 365 account is likely associated with your workplace or educational institution.

Step 4: Enter Your User ID and the Characters Displayed

In the field provided, type in your email address associated with your Microsoft 365 account. Then, enter the characters you see in the picture or the words you hear, if you’re asked to verify your identity. This step helps ensure it’s really you trying to regain access.

Step 5: Choose How to Receive Your Security Code

Microsoft will need to verify your identity through a secondary method, often your mobile phone or an alternative email address. Choose the option that works best for you. If you’ve set up these details previously, Microsoft will send a security code to the selected method.

Step 6: Enter the Security Code

Once you’ve received your security code, enter it in the field provided on the Microsoft website. This code confirms your identity and proceeds to the next step.

Step 7: Reset Your Password

After your identity is confirmed, you’ll be prompted to create a new password. Choose a strong password that you haven’t used before. A good password should include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.

Step 8: Log In With Your New Password

With your new password set, head back to the Microsoft 365 sign-in page and log in using your email address and the new password. You should now have access to your account again!

Troubleshooting Tips

  • If you’re unable to receive the security code, check to make sure you’ve entered the correct phone number or email address. If you still can’t retrieve the code, you might need to contact your IT support team for further assistance.
  • Ensure you’re in a location with a good internet connection. Sometimes, network issues can disrupt the password reset process.
  • Browser Auto-Fill: If your browser is saving and automatically filling in your password but you want to know what it is, you can check your browser’s password manager for saved passwords. This might be helpful if you’re logged in automatically and need your current password for another application or device.

Need More Help?

If you’re still having trouble resetting your password or if you haven’t set up secondary verification methods, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friendly IT support team. We’re here to help make your IT experience as smooth as possible!

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