How Can I Change My Hotmail Password?

Hotmail passwords, like all email passwords, should be changed frequently. This helps prevent hackers from figuring out your password and doing malicious things with your account. Although passwords by no means offer total security, they are one important part of Internet safety. Changing a password is fairly simple---if you know where to go to do so. Perhaps some websites and email programs have a big sign reading "Change your password here!" but most do not---and Hotmail is no exception.

Instructions

1. Open your Internet browser and go to msn.com. There click on the "Hotmail" link. It should be at the top left side of the msn toolbar.

2. Click on "Account" at the bottom of the screen. You'll have been on the sign-in page for Hotmail when you first arrive, but don't enter your info yet. You'll be prompted to do so when you've clicked "Account."

3. Put in your Windows Live user ID and your password. You'll be taken to your account page. If you don't remember your old password, there will be an option to handle that as well.

4. Click on the link that reads "Password and PINS." You'll be taken to a page that has the title "Manage Your Password And PINS."

5. Press a link beneath "Password reset information." This is next to "Password" and is a link that reads "Change."

6. Type in your old password on the new page, in the area where it tells you to do so. Next type your new password (in the reserved space below the old password) and then retype this new password in the space below that. Press "Save."

Tips & Warnings

• You can also reach your account page through your Hotmail. Just click on the link (in the top bar) that says "Profile." This is your Windows Live Profile page. At the bottom of that page is a link (next to a Report Abuse link and a Feedback link) that reads "Account." Clicking on this will take you to the page where you can change your password.

• Prevent hackers by using a strong password and by changing it frequently.

• Passwords should consist of both letters and numbers and never consist of birth dates or other identifying data.

References

• MSN Main Page