🔑 How to Reset Your Microsoft 365 Password
🔑

How to Reset Your Microsoft 365 Password

Category: Microsoft 365 · Audience: Client & Internal · Updated: March 2026

Forgot your password or need to change it? This guide covers self-service password reset, changing your password when you know the current one, and what to do if you're locked out.

Option 1 — Change Your Password (You Know Your Current Password)

Use this if you want to update your password proactively or if it's due for rotation.

  1. Go to myaccount.microsoft.com and sign in.
  2. Click Password (under Security info) or go to Security → Change password.
  3. Enter your current password, then enter your new password twice.
  4. Click Submit.

Tip: Use your password manager (e.g. Keeper) to generate a strong, unique password. A good password is at least 14 characters and uses a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Never reuse a password from another account.

Option 2 — Self-Service Password Reset (You've Forgotten Your Password)

If self-service password reset (SSPR) has been enabled for your organisation:

  1. Go to login.microsoftonline.com and enter your work email address.
  2. On the password screen, click "Forgot my password".
  3. Complete the verification step — this may be a code sent to your phone, an approval via Microsoft Authenticator, or an email to your recovery address.
  4. Enter a new password twice and click Submit.
  5. Sign in with your new password.

Good to know: SSPR only works if your admin has enabled it and you've registered at least one verification method. If you haven't set up SSPR before, you may be prompted to do so the next time you sign in.

Option 3 — You're Completely Locked Out

If you can't reset your password through either method above:

  1. Call ATS Systems on 07 3523 3660.
  2. We'll verify your identity and perform a manual password reset.
  3. You'll receive a temporary password and be prompted to create a new one on first sign-in.

⚠ Important: If you suspect your account has been compromised (e.g. you didn't request the reset, or you've received suspicious emails from your own account), tell us immediately. We'll secure the account, revoke active sessions, and investigate.

After Resetting Your Password

After changing your password, you'll need to sign in again on all your devices:

  • Outlook desktop — It may prompt you automatically, or you may need to restart Outlook.
  • Outlook mobile — Open the app and enter the new password when prompted.
  • Teams — Sign out and sign back in if it doesn't prompt automatically.
  • Other apps — Any app connected to your Microsoft 365 account will require the new password.

Password Best Practices

  • Use a password manager to generate and store passwords securely.
  • Make passwords at least 14 characters — longer is better.
  • Never reuse passwords across different accounts.
  • Enable MFA — even a strong password can be stolen. MFA adds a second layer of protection.
  • Never share your password — not with colleagues, not with IT support. ATS Systems will never ask for your password.

🔒 Internal Note (Technicians)

To reset a user's password in Microsoft 365 Admin Centre: Users → Active users → select user → Reset password. Choose whether to auto-generate or set a manual temporary password. Tick "Require this user to change their password when they first sign in".

To force sign-out of all active sessions: Users → Active users → select user → Sign out of all sessions (under Account tab). This revokes all refresh tokens and forces re-authentication across all devices.

If SSPR is not enabled for the tenant, enable it in Entra ID → Password reset → Properties → Self service password reset enabled → Selected/All. Ensure users have registered authentication methods under Security info.

Need help? Call 07 3523 3660 or submit a ticket at atssystems.com.au/support/ticket/