Hotmail.co.uk error: 'You've tried to sign in too many times with an incorrect account or password.'

Question

Hotmail.co.uk error: 'You've tried to sign in too many times with an incorrect account or password.'

Marisa G 20

In the past few days, I have real trouble signing in. Even though my password is correct (the majority of times), I constantly receive 'You've tried to sign in too many times with an incorrect account or password.' and I am constantly in a loop. I try to change my password to overwrite the message, I put my code requested, etc. Nothing works, when it is stuck with this message. It prevents me from opening my emails, even when I need to open my account urgently to reply to an email. Other times, it opens with ease, but less and less often lately. Please help. Thank you.

Marisa G 20 Reputation points

2026-04-15T03:29:49.6666667+00:00
To clarify:

I always have been signing in via google web hotmail login browser from my windows laptop. Or equally Safari from my ipad. For many years now.

the problems started a few weeks ago and I can't log in any longer from my ipad. I can't use my ipad to sign in at all any longer. It always shows this messages '....too many attempts...' even when the password is correct

in the past few days, I have started having probs with the laptop, too. It shows more and more often the '....too many attempts.....'

Please help, it appears as if it is close to the time that I won't be able to open my hotmail.co.uk emails from either devices :((
karl wood 0 Reputation points

2026-04-29T12:38:02.0033333+00:00

I would highly recommend moving away form using microsoft as an email provider. They locked my account in the same way. probably something to do with VPN as their was no incorrect attempts. Because I had two factor enabled it could not be reset and and recovery request directly submitted to customer support resulted in them ignoring information provided and just suggesting i fill in the the recovery form that does not work with 2fa. Live customer support is was also not a thing as it just resulted in a 504 server error.

I am in the process of migrating all my accounts away from microsoft. This also results in anything purchased through the account being lost with no support. effectively this company is taking money for products and then stealing them away. Which is something i would define as a scam!

Answer accepted by question author

GsN5034 - IA 79,820 Independent Advisor

Hello, thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.

Did someone try to access your account by typing an incorrect password multiple times, causing your account to be locked?

To check this, you can sign in with your account on the Recent Activity page here: https://account.live.com/Activity

(I understand you may not be able to sign in right now. However, you can keep this link handy and use it once your account is recovered to check for any unusual activity..)

========================================================================

In this situation, I recommend that you avoid signing in repeatedly to your account. Please wait 24 hours before trying to sign in again.

Sometimes waiting a day is enough to remove a temporary block. Avoid making many repeated attempts, as this may reset the time lock. If there’s no change after 24 hours, try signing in using your recovery phone number or email address. That is, instead of typing your password, select Other ways to sign in and see if you can enter your account.

User's image

==========================================================================

If you are still having issues, we recommend trying the account recovery options such as the Recovery form to regain access to your account. Link to the account recovery form:

Link to account recovery form - https://account.live.com/acsr

Remember to use a familiar device from which you've frequently accessed your Microsoft account, as well as a familiar location. Microsoft will review your responses and respond within 24 hours. If you are verified, instructions on how to log back into your account will be sent to you, and if you are not verified, you will need to submit the Account Recovery form again. You can do this up to 2 times every 24 hours.

Important: The account recovery form can only be used if two-step verification isn't turned on.

Let me know if you still need more help.

Marisa G 20 Reputation points

2026-04-15T04:40:52.42+00:00

I tried to access my history and it doesn't show more than the last entry, when I last managed to log in. It hasn't happened before. I used to be able to have access to a list. I couldn't see my successful log ins, other than the last one. Does that indicate a compromised account?

I tried my 2 steps verif, but even that was in a loop-was entering the code and still asking for 3 step verif in reality.....Admittedly, I tried too many things one after the other. Bombarded it......

I have the impression that it is the NordVPN. Could it be the Nord VPN which has messed up my account? Well, I have deleted all history from both devices and fingers crossed I will manage to log in with no VPN in 24 hours, as you suggested.

Ups, I have 2 step verification. If I can't open my account in 24 hours, and I can't request account recovery, what are my options then.....:((

Thank you so much for your help. I am in panic. my co.uk is my main account......for years....
GsN5034 - IA 79,820 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-04-15T05:57:33.7666667+00:00

Hello,

NordVPN is very likely the cause of this issue. Because Microsoft’s servers detected a sign-in attempt from a different location/region, your account has been temporarily suspended for security reasons.

Avoid repeated sign-in attempts for the next 24 hours (cool-down period). In addition, turn off your VPN and then try accessing your account using an incognito/private browsing window. Check if you’re able to sign in after that.
Marisa G 20 Reputation points

2026-04-15T14:18:40.5366667+00:00

Again, the same today. 'too many attempts' it says. :(( VPN is off though. I tried to use my recovery code and says 'there is temporary problem with the service'....

1 additional answer

Your answer

Marisa G 20 Reputation points

2026-04-15T03:29:49.6666667+00:00

To clarify:

I always have been signing in via google web hotmail login browser from my windows laptop. Or equally Safari from my ipad. For many years now.

the problems started a few weeks ago and I can't log in any longer from my ipad. I can't use my ipad to sign in at all any longer. It always shows this messages '....too many attempts...' even when the password is correct

in the past few days, I have started having probs with the laptop, too. It shows more and more often the '....too many attempts.....'

Please help, it appears as if it is close to the time that I won't be able to open my hotmail.co.uk emails from either devices :((
karl wood 0 Reputation points

2026-04-29T12:38:02.0033333+00:00

I would highly recommend moving away form using microsoft as an email provider. They locked my account in the same way. probably something to do with VPN as their was no incorrect attempts. Because I had two factor enabled it could not be reset and and recovery request directly submitted to customer support resulted in them ignoring information provided and just suggesting i fill in the the recovery form that does not work with 2fa. Live customer support is was also not a thing as it just resulted in a 504 server error.

I am in the process of migrating all my accounts away from microsoft. This also results in anything purchased through the account being lost with no support. effectively this company is taking money for products and then stealing them away. Which is something i would define as a scam!
Marisa G 20 Reputation points

2026-04-15T04:40:52.42+00:00

I tried to access my history and it doesn't show more than the last entry, when I last managed to log in. It hasn't happened before. I used to be able to have access to a list. I couldn't see my successful log ins, other than the last one. Does that indicate a compromised account?

I tried my 2 steps verif, but even that was in a loop-was entering the code and still asking for 3 step verif in reality.....Admittedly, I tried too many things one after the other. Bombarded it......

I have the impression that it is the NordVPN. Could it be the Nord VPN which has messed up my account? Well, I have deleted all history from both devices and fingers crossed I will manage to log in with no VPN in 24 hours, as you suggested.

Ups, I have 2 step verification. If I can't open my account in 24 hours, and I can't request account recovery, what are my options then.....:((

Thank you so much for your help. I am in panic. my co.uk is my main account......for years....
GsN5034 - IA 79,820 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-04-15T05:57:33.7666667+00:00

Hello,

NordVPN is very likely the cause of this issue. Because Microsoft’s servers detected a sign-in attempt from a different location/region, your account has been temporarily suspended for security reasons.

Avoid repeated sign-in attempts for the next 24 hours (cool-down period). In addition, turn off your VPN and then try accessing your account using an incognito/private browsing window. Check if you’re able to sign in after that.
Marisa G 20 Reputation points

2026-04-15T14:18:40.5366667+00:00

Again, the same today. 'too many attempts' it says. :(( VPN is off though. I tried to use my recovery code and says 'there is temporary problem with the service'....

Answer 1

Marisa G 20

It must have been the VPN and something with hotmail.co.uk, too, since I can see all my history again. I managed to log in again, but took a few hours.

Thank you very much for your help! You are my star for today and the days to come!

GsN5034 - IA 79,820 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-04-15T07:41:36.4266667+00:00

Hello,

Glad to help you!

If all is resolved, feel free to rate this thread. Otherwise, please let me know if there's anything else I can help you with.