Managing personal Outlook.com account settings, security, and privacy
Use the hacked-account recovery path first, then the support contact path.
- Start with the Microsoft account Sign-in Helper for hacked accounts. It asks for the email address or phone number and either shows self-help or offers the chance to talk to an agent.
- Before changing anything, run a full malware scan on the PC that was used to sign in to the account. Microsoft recommends doing this before changing the password.
- If sign-in is still blocked and the original address now says the account does not exist, use the Microsoft account recovery form guidance.
- If the message says “The Microsoft account you've entered does not exist”, check the spelling carefully.
- If recovery is submitted, the result is sent to the working email address provided in the form within 24 hours.
- If Microsoft cannot verify the account, the form can be retried up to two times per day.
- If two-step verification was turned on and there is no access to any alternate verification methods, Microsoft states support agents cannot send password reset links or access and change account details.
- If two-step verification was not turned on and the verification options shown are unfamiliar, use the Sign-in Helper tool.
- If the account can be recovered, immediately:
- change the password,
- review connected accounts,
- review forwarding,
- review automatic replies,
- add another way to sign in or verify,
- consider going passwordless with Microsoft Authenticator.
About payment history: support guidance does not state that purchase or payment records can be used by agents to manually restore access. Microsoft states support agents and advocates are not allowed to send password reset links or change account details.
For speaking with support, Microsoft provides a support contact path here: I need to talk to a customer support agent.
- How to recover a hacked or compromised Microsoft account | Microsoft Support
- How to recover a hacked or compromised Microsoft account | Microsoft Support
- Help with the Microsoft account recovery form | Microsoft Support
- Help with the Microsoft account recovery form | Microsoft Support
- How to help keep your Microsoft account secure | Microsoft Support