How to Create App Passwords for Outlook.com

This article explains how to use app passwords to sign in to Outlook.com. App passwords add extra security when you access Outlook external via IMAP or POP.

Set Up App Passwords for Outlook.com

Here's how to create app passwords for Outlook.com access even when you have two-step verification enabled.

1. Select your name or avatar in Outlook.com's top navigation bar, and then select My Microsoft Account.

2. Scroll down and select Update under the Security section.

3. Select Get Started in the Advanced security options section.

   You might need to provide your email password before viewing these settings.

4. If two-step verification is already enabled, you can just skip down this page and choose Create a new app password.
   

   If it isn't enabled yet, choose Turn on next to Two-step verification, and follow those steps to enable it. After a few screens, you'll return to the one where you first enabled 2FA, and there you can choose Create a new app password.

5. Launch the Set up two-step verification wizard by selecting Next.

6. The next screen prompts you to set up the Microsoft Authenticator app, which lets you tap in an approval notification to give an app access to your Outlook account (no password or code required). For our purposes, select Cancel to move on to setting up two-step verification.

7. Follow the instructions to enable two-step verification.

8. On the third step of the wizard, you'll see an option to set up your smartphone with an app password. Select your device type.

9. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish setup on your smartphone or tablet. Once you have an app password set up, you can use it in your app, or change it whenever you want.

   Create a new POP password for each application, and if anything malicious happens, all passwords are automatically disabled.

Why Use Outlook App Passwords?

To keep your Outlook.com account secure, two-step authentication, which requires both a password and a code generated on your phone, is an invaluable tool. However, email programs that log in to Outlook.com via POP don't support security codes for two-step verification.

Creating app passwords for Outlook.com IMAP and POP access ensures that even though you're accessing Outlook.com externally, your account remains secure.

How to Change Your App Password

To easily change your app password:

1. Select your name in Outlook.com's top navigation bar, and then select My Microsoft Account.

2. Scroll down and select Update under the Security section.

3. Under Advanced security options, select Get started.

4. On the Additional security options screen, you'll now see an App passwords section.

5. Select Create a new app password. Outlook will generate a new app password that you can use with your synced apps to reconnect with your Outlook.com account.

Disable App-Specific Passwords in Outlook.com

At any time, you can delete application-specific passwords associated with your Outlook.com account.

1. In Outlook.com, go to profile image > My Microsoft account > Security > Get started > Remove existing app passwords > Remove.

2. Under App passwords, select Remove existing app passwords.

3. Select Remove. All passwords you have set up for your Outlook.com account will be disabled.