i forgot my password

Stop requesting new codes for at least 24 hours—longer if necessary, up to one week—because repeated requests can temporarily block further verification emails and restart the waiting period.^1^

After the waiting period

1. Check Junk/Spam, then search all folders for messages from @accountprotection.microsoft.com. Add that domain as a trusted sender.
2. Request one new code.
3. Confirm that the partially displayed recovery address matches the mailbox you are checking. Codes can only go to the primary alias or another address previously added for verification.
4. If the recovery address is another Outlook/Hotmail/Live/MSN account, keep the password-reset page open and access the recovery mailbox in a separate InPrivate/private window. This prevents signing into the second account from signing you out of the first.^1^

If no email arrives

Because the recovery option has already been tried, use the Microsoft Account Sign-in Helper at https://aka.ms/sign-in-helper. Enter the affected email address or phone number; the tool checks for account-specific problems and presents the available recovery route.^2^

If the helper directs you back to the recovery form, submit it only after the waiting period:

• Use a working contact email that you can currently access.
• Submit from a familiar device and location previously used with the account.
• Include old passwords, exact email subject lines and contacts, and relevant Skype, Xbox, or billing information.
• Microsoft normally sends the result to the contact address within 24 hours. An unsuccessful request can be retried up to two times per day.^3^

If two-step verification was enabled and none of the registered verification methods remain accessible, Microsoft states that the recovery form cannot bypass that protection. Support agents also cannot send codes or reset links or manually change account details.^3^

Work or school account

If this is an employer or school account rather than a personal Outlook/Hotmail/Microsoft account, contact the organization’s IT administrator. Work or school verification has a separate recovery process; repeated requests can likewise cause a temporary block.^4^

Do not post your email address, password, recovery codes, or other account details in this public forum.

References

1. Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues | Microsoft Support
2. Microsoft account sign-in helper | Microsoft Support
3. Help with the Microsoft account recovery form | Microsoft Support
4. Troubleshoot verification code issues for work or school accounts | Microsoft Support