How to View, Change, and Recover Your Outlook Password

Last updated on: November 1st, 2024 4 Min Read

Microsoft Outlook is widely known for its high-level security, making it one of the most trusted email applications. With advanced protection against spyware and malware, there’s less than a 1% chance of your data being compromised. However, unauthorized access to your device, be it a computer or smartphone with Outlook installed, is still possible. To further enhance security, many users choose to set up passwords for their Outlook mailboxes.

While administrators typically assign passwords for professional accounts, users may occasionally forget them. If you can’t recall your Outlook password, this can lead to serious trouble, especially since you usually need the old password to reset or modify it. Fortunately, there are ways to view, change, or recover your Outlook password, especially in Outlook 2016 and 2019.

How to View Your Outlook Password

If you have saved your password in Outlook and want to retrieve it, here’s how you can view it while repairing your account.

Steps to view your saved Outlook password:

  1. Open Outlook and navigate to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
  2. Select your IMAP/POP account and click Repair.
  3. Expand Advanced Options and select Let me repair my account manually.
  4. In the Password field, click the eye button to preview your saved password.

This method only reveals the password but does not give access to the actual password location in the system files. For that, you will need to check your Registry Settings.

How to Find Your Outlook Password Location

In Outlook 2010 and later versions, profile information is saved in the Outlook Profile Index file, which can be accessed via the Registry Editor.

Here’s how to find your password location:

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  2. Navigate to the following path:
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows Messaging Subsystem\Profiles\
  3. From here, you can explore your Outlook profile data. If the account is connected to an Exchange Server, you may also find the password in the Credential Manager.

Note: Modifying registry settings should be done carefully, as incorrect changes may affect your system’s stability.

How to Change Your Outlook Password

For security reasons, experts recommend updating your Outlook password regularly. Most administrators enforce policies requiring users to change passwords monthly or based on complexity rules.

Follow these steps to change your Outlook password:

  1. Open Outlook and click File.
  2. Navigate to Info > Account Settings > Manage Profiles.
  3. In the Mail Setup window, click Email Accounts.
  4. Select your account and click Change.
  5. Enter a new password in the Change Account window, then click Next.
  6. Outlook will save the new password and verify the connection with your email server.

Using Professional Software to Recover Passwords

Outlook users may have multiple email accounts, each with different passwords. If you forget or lose track of your passwords, a professional SoftMagnat Outlook Password Recovery tool can come in handy. This software helps recover, reset, and manage Outlook passwords efficiently.

Key Features of Outlook PST Password Recovery Tool:

  • Recovers complex passwords, including those with alphanumeric characters and special symbols.
  • Scans and recovers the password by selecting the PST file.
  • Supports multilingual password recovery.
  • Allows users to set or delete PST file passwords.
  • Provides an option to create alternative, simpler passwords.
  • Supports all versions of Outlook, including older ones like 2007 and newer versions like 2019.

Conclusion

Outlook’s high security ensures your data is well-protected, but password management is still crucial. Whether you’re trying to view, change, or recover your password, following the steps outlined above can help you manage your Outlook account effectively. For complex password recovery tasks, professional tool is a reliable option.

If you’re dealing with a forgotten password or encounter any issues related to Outlook passwords, professional recovery software offers an easy and efficient solution.


FAQs

1. How can I view my Outlook password?
To view your Outlook password, go to Account Settings and click Repair. Then, enable manual repair, and click the eye icon next to the password field to reveal it.

2. Can I change my Outlook password without knowing the old one?
Yes, but you will need access to your email server’s settings or the administrator’s help to reset the password.

3. Where are Outlook passwords stored?
Outlook passwords are stored in the Outlook Profile Index file. You can view this information in the Windows Registry Editor.

4. What should I do if I forget my Outlook password?
If you forget your password, use Outlook’s Repair feature to view the saved password or use a professional password recovery tool.

5. How often should I change my Outlook password?
It’s recommended to update your Outlook password at least once a month or as per your organization’s security policy.

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I am a Technical Writer at SoftMagnat Software and having experience around 8 years, focused on creating clear and user-friendly documentation for software products. I simplify complex concepts into easy-to-understand guides, manuals, and tutorials.