Managing personal Outlook.com account settings, security, and privacy
For an Outlook.com or Microsoft account that may be hacked:
- Use the sign-in helper tool in the recovery guidance. It asks for the email address or phone number and then shows self-help steps or offers the chance to talk to an agent.
- Before changing the password, run a full antivirus or malware scan on the PC. In Windows Security, open Virus and threat protection > Scan options > Full scan > Scan now.
- After the scan, sign in and change the password. If sign-in is no longer possible, use the password reset option.
- Review account settings that may have been changed, especially connected accounts, forwarding, and automatic replies.
- Check recent account activity to see when and where the account was accessed, including successful sign-ins and security challenges, on the recent activity page at https://account.live.com/activity.
- Add as much security info as possible, such as an alternate email address and mobile phone number, to improve recovery options.
- If the account is temporarily blocked because of unusual sign-in activity, reset the password to unblock it.
- If this is a work or school account, report it to the organization’s IT department immediately.
If recovery steps do not restore access, use the support options listed under Need more help, including the account recovery form guidance and the option to talk to a customer support agent.