Wife's msn acct locked

Have your wife use Microsoft’s Sign-in Helper first, because “locked out” may mean either an explicitly locked account or simply a failed password/verification-code sign-in, and each requires a different recovery path.^1^

1. Stop requesting more text codes temporarily

Since repeated attempts have already gone in circles, do not request additional codes for now. Repetitive requests can trigger a temporary block that prevents Microsoft from sending codes. Microsoft advises waiting at least 24 hours and, if necessary, as long as one week without repeated attempts because another attempt can reset the time lock.^2^

Receiving ordinary texts does not prove Microsoft’s codes can be delivered. Microsoft lists account security blocks, blocked unknown senders, regional SMS availability, a full message inbox, messaging-app problems, and use of a VoIP number among the possible reasons.

After the waiting period:

1. Start one sign-in attempt.
2. If offered Use a different verification method, choose a recovery email or Microsoft Authenticator rather than SMS.
3. If no usable method is offered, proceed according to the exact message shown below.

2. If the screen explicitly says the account is locked

1. Go to https://account.microsoft.com and attempt to sign in.
2. Complete Let’s prove you’re human, if shown.
3. If that option is absent and the screen provides a link beginning with aka.ms/, select that exact link and submit the account-reinstatement request.
4. Wait for Microsoft Online Safety to respond by email. Do not file duplicate requests, because that can slow the review.^3^

Only the account holder should provide the requested information.

3. If it rejects the password but does not explicitly say “locked”

Run the Sign-in Helper linked from Microsoft’s sign-in support page. Enter the affected @msn.com address and follow the route it identifies.^1^

If directed to the account recovery form:

1. Provide a different working email address where Microsoft can send the result.
2. Complete the form from a device your wife previously used for this account and from her usual location.
3. Include as much exact information as possible:
   • Previous passwords
   • Names of contacts
   • Exact recent email subject lines
   • Relevant Skype, Xbox, or purchase details
4. Microsoft normally sends the result to the contact email within 24 hours.
5. If verification fails, improve the information and retry no more than twice per day.^4^

Important limitation: If two-step verification was enabled and your wife cannot access any configured verification method, the recovery form cannot bypass it. Microsoft support personnel are not permitted to manually access the account, change its details, or issue a password-reset link.^4^

Do not post the complete email address, phone number, password, or verification codes in this public forum.

References

1. I can't sign in to my Microsoft account | Microsoft Support
2. Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues | Microsoft Support
3. Microsoft account has been locked | Microsoft Support
4. Help with the Microsoft account recovery form | Microsoft Support