Managing personal Outlook.com account settings, security, and privacy
Use the official recovery path first.
- Start the hacked-account recovery flow: Start. 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 malware scan on the PC. In Windows Security, open Virus and threat protection > Scan options > Full scan > Scan now.
- After the scan, try to change your password. If sign-in is no longer possible, use reset your password.
- If the attacker changed the sign-in details and normal reset does not work, use the Sign-in Helper first, then complete the Microsoft account recovery form. Microsoft reviews recovery-form answers and responds within 24 hours.
- For the recovery form, use a working email address that can receive messages about the request, and provide as much account history as possible. Helpful details can include old passwords, Outlook contacts or exact subject lines, Skype details, Xbox console hardware ID, and other Microsoft services used with the account.
About purchases and a new account:
- The supported path in the provided guidance is account recovery, not transferring purchases from a compromised account to a new one.
- If recovery attempts fail, community guidance in the provided material says creating a new Microsoft account may be the only practical option.
- The provided material also says support can be contacted through the support flow if more help is needed.
If the account is temporarily blocked because of unusual sign-in activity, use the Outlook.com unblock flow: Sign-in Helper.
For finding the original Microsoft account username, check places where the account may still be signed in:
- Windows 10/11: Start > Settings > Accounts. Under Email & app accounts, review usernames associated with the device.
- Office apps: Open Word or Excel > File > Account. Under Product Information, check Belongs to.
- Email accounts: Look for Microsoft receipts or purchase emails.
- Xbox: Use the Xbox email-address walkthrough if needed.
The provided material does not contain guidance about reporting the incident to postal police.
- How to recover a hacked or compromised Microsoft account
- Help with the Microsoft account recovery form
- Help with the Microsoft account recovery form
- Unblock my Outlook.com account
- Check products or services where you used your Microsoft account
- I can't sign in to my Microsoft account
- MY ACCOUNT STOLEN - Microsoft Q&A
- How do I transfer my data from my compromised/stolen Microsoft Account to a fresh one? - Microsoft Q&A