How to recover account with 2fa

Hi tom sauve,

Thanks for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A Forum!

From your description, I see that you’re trying to recover your Microsoft account that has two-factor authentication enabled, but you don't have access to the phone with the authenticator app. I understand how frustrating it is to be locked out of your account. Please try the following steps:

1. Submit the Microsoft Account Recovery Form (ACSR)

• Go to the Microsoft Account Recovery Form
• Enter your locked email and an alternate email for Microsoft’s reply   
• Provide as much accurate detail as possible, such as:    
  • Previous passwords you remember   
  • Folder names you created   
  • Subjects line and frequent contacts
  • Previous billing/card info if any
• Submit from a device/ location you've used with this account.
• Wait for Microsoft’s email response (usually within 24–72 hours). You can refine and resubmit up to twice per day.   
• Refer to this official guide to help you fill out the form more accurately: Help with the Microsoft account recovery form - Microsoft Support
• If your Microsoft account recovery request was not granted or was unsuccessful, please check Account recovery unsuccessful - Microsoft Support for more information.

2. Start a Security Info reset

If you can’t pass verification:

• Go to https://account.live.com/proofs/manage
• When prompted for verification, choose “I don’t have any of these” or "Try another way" (if shown).
• Follow prompts to replace your security info and enter a reachable contact (phone or email).

Note: Microsoft will hold changes for ~30 days and this cannot be expedited or bypassed by support agents. After 30 days, you can add new security methods and reset the password.

You can check these helpful Microsoft Support links:

• Account has been locked - Microsoft Support
• Troubleshooting verification code issues - Microsoft Support
• Microsoft account security info & verification codes - Microsoft Support

Thanks for your patience and understanding. Please feel free to reach back if you need further assistance. I’m here to help as much as I can. Take care!

PS: If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".    

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