Managing personal Outlook.com account settings, security, and privacy
If the Outlook.com or Hotmail account is blocked, start with the Sign-in Helper to unblock it:
- Open Sign-in Helper.
- Follow the prompts to receive a security code and complete verification.
If the block was triggered by unusual sign-in activity, the sign-in screen may ask for a security code. Complete the verification steps shown there to unlock the account.
If access is still blocked after entering the code or changing the password:
- Use the Microsoft account sign-in troubleshooter.
- If the account is locked, sign in at
https://account.microsoft.comto request a security code. Any phone number that can receive text messages can be used. - If the account says a username has been turned off for sign-in, use a different alias that is allowed to sign in.
- If the mailbox or OneDrive storage is full, free up storage because full storage can prevent sending or receiving email.
If the account cannot be unblocked through self-service, use the support path in the sign-in help articles. Support agents cannot send password reset links or directly change account details.