What should I do if I forgot my Outlook password?

If you cannot remember your password, go to the login page and select the "Forgot password?" link. Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email or phone number to reset your credentials securely.

Is it safe to use the "Keep me signed in" option?

You should only use this feature on your personal, private computer to access your inbox faster. Never select this option on public computers or shared devices, as it puts your account security at risk.

How can I sign out of Outlook from a computer I no longer have access to?

You can perform a remote sign-out by visiting your Microsoft Account Security settings and selecting "Sign me out." This action will log you out of all browsers and devices within 24 hours, securing your account.

Why is my Outlook account locked or blocked?

Microsoft may lock your account if you enter the wrong password too many times or if suspicious activity is detected. You can usually unlock it by verifying your phone number and resetting your password.

Can I sign in to Outlook with a Hotmail or Live address?

Yes, Outlook.com is the modern platform for all Microsoft email services. You can log in using your existing Hotmail, Live, or MSN email address and password without any issues.

How do I check if someone else accessed my account?

You can view your login history by visiting the "Recent Activity" page in your Microsoft account security settings. This log shows the date, location, and device for every successful and unsuccessful sign-in attempt.

What do I do if I am not receiving the 2FA verification code?

First, check your spam folder if you are waiting for an email, or ensure your phone has a signal if you are waiting for an SMS. If the problem persists, try using a backup recovery method you previously set up, like an alternate email address.

How can I switch between personal and work accounts without logging out?

On a web browser, the best way is to use the "Sign in with a different account" feature or open a private/incognito window for the second account. On the mobile app, you can simply add both accounts in the settings and switch between inboxes instantly.

Outlook Login Guide: Sign In, Out & Troubleshooting

Accessing your email should be the easiest part of your day, but sometimes forgotten passwords, new devices, or browser caches get in the way. Whether you are trying to log in via a web browser, setting up the mobile app, or figuring out how to sign out from a public computer remotely, this walkthrough covers the exact steps you need.

If you are looking for the direct login page, you can head straight to outlook.live.com. For everything else, including managing multiple accounts and troubleshooting login errors, follow the methods below.

How to Sign In to Outlook.com (Web Browser)

Logging in through a browser is the standard way to check your inbox on a computer.

Open your preferred web browser and go to the official Outlook login page.
Select the Sign in button usually found at the top right corner.
Enter your email address (or phone number associated with the account) and select Next.
Type your password. Since passwords are case-sensitive, ensure Caps Lock is off.
Select Sign in to access your inbox.

If you are on your personal device, you might see a Keep me signed in prompt. Checking this box saves time for future visits. However, never select this option if you are using a shared computer, library PC, or an internet cafe device. Your account security depends on this simple choice.

Logging In via the Mobile App (iOS & Android)

For a smoother experience on phones, the dedicated Outlook app is far superior to using a mobile browser. It handles notifications better and keeps you logged in securely.

Download the Microsoft Outlook app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Open the app and tap Add Account.
Enter your email address and tap Continue.
Enter your password and complete any 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) prompts if you have them enabled.

If you experience connection issues while setting this up, ensure your device is actually connected to the network. Sometimes the issue isn't the app but the connection itself. You might need to check your saved networks or find your wifi password on Android to reconnect other devices properly.

What Does CC Mean in Email? (CC vs. BCC & Proper Usage Guide)

How to Sign Out Properly

Signing out is just as important as signing in, especially on devices you do not own.

Desktop Sign Out

Look for your profile picture or initials in the top right corner of the Outlook window.
Select the icon to open the account menu.
Choose Sign out.
Wait until the browser confirms you have logged out before closing the tab.

Remote Sign Out (Critical Security Step)

If you forgot to sign out from a public computer and realized it later, you do not need to panic. You can sign out of all browsers remotely.

Go to your Microsoft Account Security settings page.
Look for Sign me out or Advanced security options.
Select the option to sign out of all locations. This process may take up to 24 hours to affect all browsers, but it usually kicks active web sessions off immediately.

Troubleshooting Common Login Issues

Even with the correct steps, things can go wrong. Here are the fixes for the most common errors.

Forgot Password

If your password isn't working, do not guess too many times, as this might lock your account.

Select Forgot password? on the login screen.
Choose how you want to receive the security code (email or SMS).
Enter the code and set a new, strong password.

"Something Went Wrong" Error Loop

Sometimes Outlook gets stuck in a login loop due to corrupted browser data. The quickest fix is to clear your browser's cache and cookies for Microsoft sites. Alternatively, try opening an Incognito or Private window. If you can log in there, the issue is definitely with your browser's cache.

Email Sending Issues

Once you are logged in, you might notice other quirks. For instance, if you are new to professional email etiquette or sending mass updates, understanding the difference between To, CC, and BCC is vital. You can read more about what CC means in email to ensure your messages reach the right people without privacy slips.

Managing Multiple Accounts

Many of us juggle a personal Outlook account and a work account. You do not need to log in and out constantly.

On Web: Click your profile icon and select Sign in with a different account. This allows browser switching.
On App: Go to Settings > Add Mail Account. You can view a unified inbox or switch between profiles with a single tap.

If your mobile device is acting up or the app keeps crashing during account switching, a quick reboot often solves software glitches. For Apple users, knowing how to force restart iPhone can save you from uninstalling and reinstalling the app unnecessarily.

Outlook Login Guide: How to Sign In, Out & Reset Password

How to Sign In to Outlook.com (Web Browser)

Logging In via the Mobile App (iOS & Android)