I have forgotten the password for my Microsoft account. I tried several times to sign in, but my account got locked

Reset the forgotten password through Microsoft’s verification process, then use the sign-in helper or reinstatement link only if the account remains locked.

Reset the password

Since repeated password attempts have already locked the account, stop trying the old password and wait about 30 minutes before continuing; repeated attempts can maintain a temporary lock.^1^

1. Open the Microsoft account sign-in page and select Forgotten your password?
2. Enter the email address, phone number, or Skype name associated with the account.
3. Choose the recovery email address or phone number where Microsoft should send a security code.
4. Enter the requested part of that address or phone number, then select Get code.
5. Enter the code and create a new, unique password.^2^
6. Sign in once with the new password from a familiar device and network.

If no verification method appears, you cannot access the listed methods, or you do not recognize them, use Microsoft’s sign-in helper. It checks the account details and directs you to the appropriate recovery action.^3^

If the account still says “locked”

The required action depends on what appears on the lock screen:

• A security-code or “Let’s prove you’re human” prompt appears: complete that verification and follow the displayed unlock instructions.
• The screen provides a link beginning with aka.ms/: this is a reinstatement case rather than an ordinary forgotten-password reset. Open that exact link and submit the requested account information. A Microsoft Online Safety agent will review it and respond by email. Submit only one request because additional submissions can delay review.^4^
• No applicable recovery or reinstatement option appears: run the sign-in helper rather than continuing password attempts.^3^

Microsoft support personnel cannot manually disclose or change account details without completing the official identity-verification process.^4^ Do not post passwords, verification codes, billing details, or other identifying information in this public forum.

If this is actually a work or school Microsoft 365 account, these consumer-account steps do not apply; contact the organization’s IT administrator for a password reset.^3^

References

1. I have done account recovery and im signing in again but won't log in - Microsoft Q&A
2. Reset a forgotten Microsoft account password | Microsoft Support
3. I can't sign in to my Microsoft account | Microsoft Support
4. Microsoft account has been locked | Microsoft Support