How do i change my alternate email for account verification?

Mark Strickler 0 Reputation points
2026-10-09T12:52:03.0133333+00:00

I am unable to sign in to MS Live because my alternate email no longer exists. I want to enter a NEW email but cannot find how to do so.

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For home
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  1. TaoLi 115K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-09T13:28:56.8166667+00:00

    Hi, if you still know your Microsoft account password, you can request a replacement verification email.

    Open https://account.microsoft.com/security and sign in with your existing account. When asked to verify your identity, select “I don’t have any of these” >> follow the prompts to enter a new email address you can access and verify it.

    If none of your existing verification methods are available, replacing your security information requires a 30-day waiting period before the new details take effect.

    If you can still verify using another listed method, use that instead >> add and verify the new email first >> then remove the old email.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-10-09T12:52:41.5566667+00:00

    At the Microsoft account verification screen, select I don’t have any of these, enter a new reachable email address, and follow the prompts to replace the inaccessible verification information.^1^

    Replace the old verification email

    1. Start signing in with your existing @live.com Microsoft account address and password.
    2. At Verify your identity, look for I don’t have any of these. You may need to select Show more verification methods first.
    3. Enter a new email address that you can currently access.
    4. Retrieve the code sent to that new address and enter it when prompted.
    5. Complete the security-information replacement process.

    If the old email is your only verification method, replacing it starts a 30-day security restriction. During that period, Microsoft does not accept further security-setting changes. This delay cannot be bypassed by support.^2^

    If another verification method is available

    If the screen offers a working phone number, Microsoft Authenticator, recovery code, or another email:

    1. Verify with that method.
    2. Open the Microsoft account’s Advanced security options.
    3. Select Add a new way to sign in or verify.
    4. Add and verify the new email address.
    5. Expand the obsolete email and select Remove, then confirm.

    Add the new method before removing the old one. Replacing all security information at once triggers the 30-day restriction.^1^

    If the replacement option does not appear

    Use Microsoft’s Sign-in Helper from the account sign-in support page. It checks the affected address and presents the recovery options available for that account.^3^

    This change is made through the Microsoft account security pages, not through Classic Outlook. Microsoft support agents cannot send a verification code or manually change protected account details.^2^

    References

    1. Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues | Microsoft Support
    2. Removing a sign-in verification method | Microsoft Support
    3. I can't sign in to my Microsoft account | Microsoft Support
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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