How to fix my MS account sign in

Use Microsoft’s Sign-in Helper to identify whether the problem is the username, password, or account status, then follow the matching recovery path.^1^

1. Start with the Sign-in Helper

Open the Microsoft Sign-in Helper, enter the email address or mobile number you believe belongs to the account, and follow its result. It checks the supplied account details and provides the appropriate recovery action.^1^

2. If you are unsure of the username

If security information was previously added to the account:

1. Choose the username lookup option.
2. Enter the recovery phone number or alternate email address.
3. Request and enter the security code.
4. Microsoft will display a masked username, such as j*******@outlook.com.^2^

Check the exact spelling and domain. For example, @outlook.com, @hotmail.com, and country-specific domains such as .co.uk are not interchangeable. If the address is not recognized, try another alias or phone number already connected to the account.^3^

3. If the username is correct but the password is unknown

1. On the Microsoft sign-in page, select Forgotten your password?
2. Enter the Microsoft account username and select Next.
3. Choose where Microsoft should send the verification code.
4. Enter the requested part of the recovery email address or phone number and select Get code.
5. Enter the received code.
6. Create and confirm a new password.^4^

If none of the displayed verification methods are available or recognizable, return to the Sign-in Helper rather than repeatedly trying passwords.^4^

After recovery, sign in to Outlook.com at outlook.live.com using the recovered Microsoft account username and new password.^5^

Work or school address

If this is an employer or school account rather than a personal Outlook.com/Hotmail account, use the work or school password reset or contact the organization’s IT administrator. Personal Microsoft account recovery does not manage work, school, or Microsoft Entra ID passwords.^1^

References

1. I can't sign in to my Microsoft account | Microsoft Support
2. Forgotten your Microsoft account username | Microsoft Support
3. My username and password have stopped working | Microsoft Support
4. Reset a forgotten Microsoft account password | Microsoft Support
5. How to sign in to Hotmail | Microsoft Support