Account locked and suspended

If this is a work or school account, the fastest supported actions are:

1. On the sign-in screen, select Try another verification method if it appears.
   • Use any other verification method already connected to the account.
2. If no listed method is accessible, select I don't have any of these and follow the prompts.
   • This is the supported path to replace security info for a work or school account.
3. If Microsoft is blocking verification attempts:
   • Stop making repeated requests.
   • Try a different network, such as switching between Wi‑Fi and cellular.
   • Wait at least 24 hours before trying again. In some cases, waiting longer, up to 1 week, is required.
4. If the account is asking to verify security info before sign-in:
   • Verify or add new security info when prompted.
   • This prompt can be skipped for 24 hours at a time, but after 7 days from the first notice, sign-in requires verification or new security info.
5. If the account was restricted after security info changes:
   • Do not change all security info at the same time.
   • An account may be restricted for 30 days after security info changes.
6. If access is still blocked, contact the organization’s IT helpdesk or admin.
   • For work or school accounts, technical support is handled by the organization’s IT helpdesk, service desk, or admin.

If this is instead a personal Microsoft account, use the online unlock flow first. A security code can be sent to any phone number that can receive text messages; it does not need to already be associated with the account. The code expires after 10 minutes. If a usage limit exceeded message appears, the phone number may have been used too many times in a short period or flagged as suspicious.

Microsoft support agents cannot send password reset links or change account details.

• Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account
• Microsoft account has been locked
• Reactivate an account that has been blocked
• Microsoft account has been locked