Managing personal Outlook.com account settings, security, and privacy
Use the official account recovery flow immediately.
- Start with the Microsoft account hacked-account recovery tool: 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
- After the scan, try to change the password. If sign-in no longer works, use the password reset flow: reset your password.
- If the account is blocked or sign-in fails, use the Sign-in Helper: Sign-in Helper.
- If the sign-in email or recovery details were changed and normal sign-in no longer works, submit the account recovery form: Recover your account.
- If recovery still fails, use Microsoft support entry points that can route to the correct help option:
Important facts:
- Support agents are not allowed to send password reset links or directly change account details.
- If the account was compromised, Microsoft recommends checking account settings afterward, including connected accounts, forwarding, and automatic replies.
- If the mailbox or OneDrive storage is full, Outlook.com mail can stop sending or receiving.
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