Security replacement

For a personal Outlook.com or Microsoft account, security info replacement is the process used when the current verification method is no longer available.

Use these steps:

1. Go to the Microsoft account security page: https://account.microsoft.com/security
2. Sign in with the account email address and password.
3. When prompted for the Authenticator code or other verification method, select I don't have any of these or a similar option such as Show more verification methods.
4. Follow the prompts to add new security information, such as a different email address, Microsoft Authenticator, or a passkey.
5. After the new security info is submitted, the security info replacement process starts automatically.

Important details:

• This process has a mandatory 30-day waiting period.
• The waiting period cannot be expedited.
• During that time, access to sensitive account areas can remain blocked.
• If the old verification method is unavailable, the pending security change cannot be canceled using that old method.
• For personal accounts, sign-in methods can include an authenticator app, a passkey, or another verification option available on the account.

If adding a new phone number is not offered, that can be expected for some personal Microsoft accounts because SMS is being phased out for authentication and account recovery.

If the sign-in page loops or fails, trying the process in a private or incognito browser window is a supported troubleshooting step.

After access is restored, add more than one sign-in or verification method so recovery is easier in the future.

• Microsoft account security info & verification codes | Microsoft Support
• Lost my phone with Microsoft Authenticator – Unable to access Hotmail account with 2FA enabled - Microsoft Q&A
• Locked out of Outlook account due to lost Authenticator—password reset works but MFA blocks login - Microsoft Q&A
• Problem when attempting to log into Microsoft account - please help. - Microsoft Q&A