Managing personal Outlook.com account settings, security, and privacy
- Start with the Microsoft Sign-in Helper for a hacked account. It can guide the recovery path and may offer the option to talk to an agent: Start
- Before changing or resetting anything, run a full malware scan on the PC:
- Open Windows Security
- Go to Virus and threat protection
- Select Scan options > Full scan > Scan now
- If access is still blocked, use Forgot my password and choose I think someone else is using my Microsoft account during sign-in recovery.
- If standard recovery does not work, use the Microsoft account recovery form. Use a working email address that can receive updates about the request. Microsoft reviews recovery form answers and responds within 24 hours.
- If unusual sign-in alerts were received and account access is still possible anywhere, go to Security basics and select Review activity. For activity that is not recognized, choose This wasn't me or Secure your account.
- If the account is recovered, immediately:
- Change the password
- Review connected accounts
- Review forwarding
- Review automatic replies
- Microsoft support can help route the case through Contact Support, but support agents cannot send password reset links or access and change account details.
- If the account cannot be recovered, subscription cancellation is not available without account access. In that case, the accepted guidance is to contact the bank and request that Microsoft charges be blocked to stop renewal charges.
Do not post passwords, phone numbers, recovery details, or other personal account data in public threads.
- How to recover a hacked or compromised Microsoft account
- Help with the Microsoft account recovery form
- What happens if there's an unusual sign-in to your account
- How to help keep your Microsoft account secure
- My other account was hacked, they changed my email, and I am still being charged for gamepass without being able to cancel. - Microsoft Q&A