How to use the Microsoft Account Recovery Code?

Question

How to use the Microsoft Account Recovery Code?

Anonymous

When you log in to your Microsoft account to generate the Recovery code using these steps:

Log in to your Microsoft account (https://account.microsoft.com/).
Click Security > Manager how I sign in
Scroll to the bottom of the web page.
In the 'Recovery Code' section, click 'Generate a new code'.
This will generate a one-time 25-character code.

what are the actual steps to use the Recovery Code?

I have watched many videos and read web sites instructions on generating this Recovery Code, but I have yet to see any videos on the actual steps you would need to take to use it for an account recovery.

Any real-life actual videos out there showing how to use these steps?

Does the Recovery Code get accepted in the Password field?

What if the account is passwordless, how does this Recovery Code get used and accepted?

Ron Barker 2,375 Reputation points

2026-11-11T20:18:29.61+00:00

Hi, what you do with a 'Recovery Code' that you Generate at security, is copy it and keep it safe. If you are ever locked out you will be given the option to use the 'Recovery Code'. Therefore the point is do not save it on the computer!

3 answers

Your answer

Ron Barker 2,375 Reputation points

2026-11-11T20:18:29.61+00:00

Hi, what you do with a 'Recovery Code' that you Generate at security, is copy it and keep it safe. If you are ever locked out you will be given the option to use the 'Recovery Code'. Therefore the point is do not save it on the computer!

Answer 1

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Answer 2

Ian-T 16,460 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi mark k,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A forum

Based on your description, I understand that you have successfully generated a Microsoft account recovery code and are now seeking clear, step-by-step guidance on how to use this 25-character code to regain access to your account, particularly in scenarios where you’ve lost access to your password or verification methods.

I’ve reviewed the method you found, and so far, it seems to align quite well with Microsoft’s official guidance. However, to ensure a safer and more reliable approach, I’ll provide you with Microsoft’s official instructions for this issue so you can refer to and follow them accordingly.

or generate a Microsoft account recovery code, follow these official steps:

Sign in to your Microsoft account at https://account.microsoft.com.
Navigate to the Security section.
Select Advanced security options.
Scroll to the bottom of the page until you locate the Recovery code section.
Click Generate a new code.
A unique 25-character recovery code will be displayed. You should copy, print, or securely save this code immediately. It is a one-time-use code and will replace any previously generated recovery codes.

Important Notes:

The recovery code is intended to help you regain access to your account if you lose access to your password or authentication methods.
Once a new recovery code is generated, any previously issued code becomes invalid.
Store the code in a secure location that is not accessible from the device you use to sign in.

For additional reference, you may consult the official Microsoft Support documentation: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/microsoft-account-recovery-code-2acc2f88-e37b-4b44-99d4-b4419f610013

Additionally, if you need any further support, kindly let me know in the comment section

Best regards

Ian-T 16,460 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-10-17T14:40:44.66+00:00

Hi mark k,

It has been a while and I am writing to see how things are going with this issue.

Have you had a chance to check the replies provided?

Any update would be appreciated.
Anonymous

2025-10-17T17:38:04.61+00:00

If I use the Recovery Code to reset the password, does the Recovery Code expire where I need to generate a new Recovery Code?
Anonymous

2025-10-17T19:25:24.1+00:00
Question: once you use a recovery code on a microsoft account is it still valid

No, a Microsoft account recovery code is not valid after it is used. Once you use a recovery code to sign in, it becomes invalid and cannot be used again. Generating a new code will also automatically invalidate any previous codes.

Single-use:

Recovery codes are intended to be used only once to help you regain access to your account.

Generates a new code:

When you generate a new recovery code, the old one becomes invalid. This ensures a one-to-one correlation between a specific code and a specific use.

Security measure: This is a security feature to ensure that once a code has served its purpose, it can no longer be used to access the account.
Ian-T 16,460 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-10-20T14:44:40.5466667+00:00
Hi mark k,

Regarding your question: If I use the Recovery Code to reset the password, does the Recovery Code expire where I need to generate a new Recovery Code?

Yes, the Microsoft account recovery code is a one-time-use code. Once you've used it to regain access to your account and reset your password, it becomes invalid and can no longer be used for future recoveries. To maintain account security, you'll need to generate a new recovery code afterward by following the same steps you used initially:

Sign in to your Microsoft account at https://account.microsoft.com.

Go to the Security section.

Select Advanced security options.

Scroll down to the Recovery code section.

Click Generate a new code.

Notably, kindly remember to store the new code securely (e.g., print it or save it offline in a safe place, not on your sign-in device). Generating a new code will also invalidate any old ones, so it's best to do this right after successfully recovering your account.

For more details, check the official Microsoft support page: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/microsoft-account-recovery-code-2acc2f88-e37b-…

If you test this on your account and run into any issues, feel free to share more details!

Best regards

Answer 3

I found the instructions on how to use the Recovery Code for a Microsoft Account:

Microsoft account recovery code

After finding these instructions now, I may test these on my test Microsoft account. Now I see why I did never see the Recovery Code option, probably did not go that far to see the option become available.

How to sign in with a Microsoft account recovery code

Start signing in to your Microsoft account by entering your username at account.microsoft.com/account. Sign in
If you don't have access to any sign-in verification method or have forgotten your password, select __Other ways to sign in__. Note: Some of the following steps may vary, depending on the level of security on your account and the range of numbers or email addresses you have added.
Select Use my password then Forgot password?
Select Use a different verification option then I don't have any of these.
At the Do you have an account recovery code? prompt, enter your recovery code. Tip: Recovery codes are not case-sensitive and don't require spaces or dashes.
Once you enter a valid recovery code, you will be given the option to update your password. Note: If your account has two-step verification turned on, you must wait 30 days for changes to take effect. Learn more.