A Microsoft app for iOS and Android devices that enables authentication with two-factor verification, phone sign-in, and code generation
- On a trusted PC, run a full malware scan before changing the password: open Virus and threat protection → Scan options → Full scan → Scan now.
- Go to the Security basics page and select Review activity. Check the Recent activity page for unusual sign-ins. If an entry is clearly not recognized:
- In Unusual activity, expand it and select This wasn't me.
- In Recent activity, expand it and select Secure your account.
- If access is still possible, return to Security basics and select Change password immediately. Use a strong new password.
- If sign-in fails because the password, authenticator, or passkey was changed, use Forgot my password on the sign-in page and select I think someone else is using my Microsoft account. Follow the recovery steps.
- After regaining access, review account settings that attackers commonly change:
- connected accounts
- forwarding
- automatic replies
- Update security info on Security basics so recovery options are current.
- If self-help does not recover the account, use the Microsoft account sign-in helper or contact support through the public support flow. Support can route to the best available option, but account recovery itself is handled through Microsoft’s recovery process.
For a work or school account instead of a personal Microsoft account, sign in to My Account → Recent Activity and review sign-ins there. If a successful sign-in is not recognized, change the password immediately and update Security info.
References:
- How to recover a hacked or compromised Microsoft account | Microsoft Support
- What happens if there's an unusual sign-in to your account | Microsoft Support
- Check the recent sign-in activity for your Microsoft account
- How to help keep your Microsoft account secure | Microsoft Support
- View your work or school account sign-in activity from My Sign-ins | Microsoft Support