Problem:
It can be extremely frustrating when you try to sign in to your Outlook or Microsoft 365 account, only to see an “Incorrect password” error or an “Account locked” message.
This issue is one of the most common login-related problems for Outlook and Hotmail users. It often happens due to:
- Typing mistakes or expired passwords.
- Forgotten password after long inactivity.
- Multiple failed login attempts that trigger Microsoft’s security lockout system.
- Using outdated Basic Authentication, which no longer works after Microsoft’s deprecation of that method.
- Conflicting sessions across multiple devices or browsers.
- Suspicious login attempts from unfamiliar IP addresses, which cause Microsoft to temporarily block the account for protection.
For personal users, this means being unable to check important emails or reset other online accounts linked to Outlook. For businesses, account lockouts can cause delays in communication, missed deadlines, and security risks if accounts are compromised.
Solution:
Here are the steps to fix incorrect password errors and account lockouts:
1. Check if It’s Really a Wrong Password
- Make sure you’re entering the current password. If you’ve recently changed it, update it across all devices (phone, tablet, Outlook app, etc.).
- Be aware of Caps Lock or incorrect keyboard layouts that can cause login failures.
2. Reset Your Microsoft Account Password
If you’re sure you don’t remember the correct password:
- Go to the Microsoft Password Reset page .
- Choose “I forgot my password”.
- Verify your identity using your recovery email, phone, or security questions.
- Create a strong new password (mix of letters, numbers, and symbols).
3. Resolve Account Lockouts
If your account shows “Your account has been locked”:
- Follow the instructions on the lockout page to verify your identity.
- Microsoft may send a code via SMS or email to confirm it’s you.
- Once verified, you can set a new password and regain access.
⚠️ Note: Repeated failed attempts may extend the lockout duration. It’s best to stop trying and wait 15–30 minutes before attempting again.
4. Check for Saved Credentials or App Conflicts
- Open Windows Credential Manager and remove any saved Outlook or Office login credentials.
- Restart Outlook and log in with your new password.
- If you’re using multiple devices (PC, phone, tablet), update the password on all of them to avoid automatic lockouts.
5. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Adding an extra security layer helps protect your account:
- Set up Microsoft Authenticator or SMS verification.
- If you already have MFA but are stuck in a loop, sync your phone’s time settings so codes generate correctly.
6. Use Modern Authentication
If you are using an older email client (like Outlook 2010 or legacy apps), Basic Authentication is no longer supported.
- Upgrade to a newer Outlook version (2016 or later).
- Use OAuth2 (Modern Authentication) in third-party clients.
- If your app doesn’t support Modern Auth, generate an App Password from your Microsoft account security settings.
7. Check Microsoft Service Status
Sometimes login failures are due to outages, not your password.
- Visit status.office.com for real-time service health.
- Check @MSFT365Status for updates.
8. For Business/School Accounts
- Contact your IT administrator if your account is locked. They may need to reset your password or unblock the account.
- Review Azure Active Directory sign-in logs to confirm if suspicious activity triggered the lockout.
- Ensure security policies are updated to support Modern Authentication.
Final Thoughts
The “incorrect password” or “account locked” issue in Outlook/Hotmail is one of the most common frustrations for users. The cause may be as simple as a mistyped password—or as serious as Microsoft locking your account due to suspicious login attempts.
By resetting your password, clearing cached credentials, enabling MFA, and ensuring you use a Modern Authentication–compatible app, you can restore access and secure your account. If you’re using a work or school account, your IT administrator may need to step in to unlock it.
