Microsoft has taken over my computer and I cannot get into my accounts

Dani Lue 0 Reputation points
2026-10-16T15:12:54.5166667+00:00

I purchased Microsoft Pro about 6 years ago. I do all the updates when they are available. Well now I cannot used any programs, all of a sudden I am signed into the cloud, which I did not authorize at all, which they are saying is full and I need to buy storage. I cannot find my access key number, so it will not let me use Microsoft products that I paid for 6 years ago. Feels like a virus from Microsoft, as I keep getting popups constantly. Just spent 2 hours trying to stop this hack. Does anyone else have this problem? Please help.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | For home | Windows
Answer accepted by question author
Stefan Blom 354.6K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
2026-10-16T17:19:04.1733333+00:00

Could you give some specific examples of messages that you see? Are your Office apps reporting that they are unlicensed? Or what do you see, exactly?

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  1. AI answer

    2026-10-16T15:13:09.4133333+00:00

    The constant pop-ups are not a normal Microsoft takeover. That pattern can match a tech support scam or a compromised account/device state.

    Recommended path:

    1. If there is any sign that the account or PC may be compromised, run a full malware scan before changing anything important.
      • Open Virus and threat protection
      • Select Scan options > Full scan > Scan now
      • Keep antivirus updated
    2. After the scan, change or reset the Microsoft account password.
      • If sign-in still works, use Change password.
      • If sign-in does not work, use Reset your password or the Sign-in Helper tool.
    3. If the account may have been hacked, review account settings that attackers often change:
      • connected accounts
      • forwarding
      • automatic replies
    4. If sign-in is blocked or the username is no longer recognized:
      • Use the Sign-in Helper tool
      • If verification codes are failing, use the verification code troubleshooting steps
      • If the username is not recognized anymore, follow My username has stopped working
    5. If this is a work or school account, password recovery is handled through the organization’s IT admin or the Work or school password reset process.
    6. If self-help does not resolve it, use I need to talk to a customer support agent.

    The provided information does not include a supported fix for the missing Office product key or the storage/activation behavior for a 6-year-old Office purchase, so the safest supported next step is to secure the PC and Microsoft account first, then use the sign-in and support paths above.

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

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  2. Stefan Blom 354.6K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-10-16T19:56:05.2533333+00:00

    Yes, I am blocked from using any of my files, Word, Excell, etc. A pop-up states I have to pay for MS 365

    Is your Microsoft product listed in your account at https://account.microsoft.com/services ?

    Are you able to reactivate using your account? If you have a one-time payment (perpetual) license such as Office 2024 or Office 2021, see https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/activation/activate-microsoft-perpetual-products-using-the-product-activation-portal .

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