Use Microsoft’s Sign-in Helper immediately, entering the original email address or phone number that belonged to the account before it was changed.^1^
Recover the account
- Open How to recover a hacked or compromised Microsoft account and start the Sign-in Helper.
- Enter your original Microsoft account email address or phone number.
- If another email alias or phone number was previously attached to the account, try that when the original address is not recognized.^2^
- If directed to the Microsoft account recovery form, provide a separate working email address where Microsoft can contact you.
- Complete the form from a device and location previously used with the account, if possible. Include as much of the following as available:
- Old passwords
- Xbox gamertag
- Hardware ID from an Xbox console used frequently
- Previous account information
- Minecraft/Xbox purchase date, order number, billing information, and confirmation email
- Outlook contacts and exact email subject lines, if applicable
Microsoft reviews the recovery information and normally sends the result to the contact email within 24 hours. If verification fails, the form can be submitted again up to twice per day with additional or more accurate information.^3^
If the original address says the account does not exist
Check the complete address and domain—for example, .com versus .co.uk. If it is correct but still is not recognized, use the Contact Support option on the username/password support page and tell the agent that the account was compromised and its username stopped working.^2^
Microsoft support agents cannot manually send password-reset links or directly change account details. Account ownership must be established through the supported verification process.^4^
Secure your devices and account
Before changing the password, on Windows open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Scan options → Full scan → Scan now. After recovery:
- Set a new, unique password.
- Remove unfamiliar recovery addresses, phone numbers, aliases, or forwarding rules.
- Add updated security information and Microsoft Authenticator.^1^
- Change any other accounts where the same password was used.
Do not post passwords, verification codes, order numbers, email addresses, or other account details in this public forum.
References
- How to recover a hacked or compromised Microsoft account | Microsoft Support
- My username and password have stopped working | Microsoft Support
- Help with the Microsoft account recovery form | Microsoft Support
- How to help keep your Microsoft account secure | Microsoft Support