My computer security defers to my wife's account and has for years

Jim Beucler 0 Reputation points
2026-09-30T18:02:01.76+00:00

Any time I go into a program, Ebay, Amazon etc., for years I have to completely go through a complete security questionnaire, (what items need to be in a refrigerator, etc.), after answering, it then says somebody unauthorized is signed into my computer. It's me every time! and has been for years.

A number of years ago we had a computer problem and the tech said he needed to transfer the my account info from me to my wife's computer. Now, for years anytime I need to really verify who I am, it wants to send an email to her email address or text her phone. I want my authorization back instead of being told 20 times a day someone unauthorized is using my account, again, it's me, it's always me. I need to get "me" back.

Jim

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-30T18:02:19.88+00:00

    This usually means the Microsoft account security information on the PC still points to the wrong recovery email or phone, or the device is still tied to old account verification details.

    Use this path to move verification back to the correct account owner:

    1. Sign in to the Microsoft account from a browser.
    2. Open the Advanced security options page.
    3. Select Add a new way to sign in or verify.
    4. Add the correct email address or phone number for security codes.
    5. Enter the code sent to that new method, then select Next.
    6. Expand the old security info that belongs to the wife’s email or phone and select Remove.
    7. Confirm the removal.

    Important:

    • Do not change all security info at the same time unless necessary. Microsoft warns that the account may be restricted for 30 days.
    • If access still exists to some current security info, use that to add the new method first, then remove the old one.

    If access has been lost to all current security info:

    1. Start sign-in to the Microsoft account.
    2. At Verify your identity, select I don't have any of these.
    3. Follow the prompts to replace the security info.
    4. After replacement, there is a 30-day wait before sign-in is available.

    If the password is also unknown and there is no access to any security info:

    1. Review Help with the Microsoft account recovery form.
    2. Submit the account recovery form.

    If suspicious or unauthorized sign-in prompts continue:

    1. Check the Recent activity page and mark activity that was not recognized.
    2. If the account may have been compromised, first run a full malware scan from Windows Security: Virus and threat protection > Scan options > Full scan > Scan now.
    3. After the scan, change or reset the password.
    4. Review account settings such as connected accounts, forwarding, and automatic replies.

    If sign-in or verification still fails, use the Microsoft Sign-in helper. Support can also be contacted through Contact Microsoft Support, but support agents cannot send password reset links or change account details.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Clary-N 16,580 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-10-01T03:15:59.6+00:00

    Hi Jim Beucler,

    I can understand how inconvenient this must be, especially when you’ve been dealing with the same verification prompts for years and you know it’s you signing in.

    One thing I’d like to narrow down is whether these security checks are actually coming from Windows, your browser or the individual websites. The questionnaire you described sounds like it could be a website verification check, so I don’t recommend removing accounts or credentials until we know what’s triggering it.

    When it happens again, could you let me know the exact wording of the “unauthorized” message and whether it appears on the website itself, inside your browser or as a Windows notification?

    Also, please check Settings > Accounts > Your info and let me know whether it shows your account or your wife’s. Then check the profile icon in your browser and see which account is currently signed in there.

    For now, I’d leave the accounts and saved credentials as they are. Once we know where your wife’s account is still being used, we can focus on the right place rather than making changes that might cause additional sign-in problems.

    If possible, you can also share a screenshot of the message. Just make sure to cover any email addresses, phone numbers, security codes or other personal information first.

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