Managing personal Outlook.com account settings, security, and privacy
If the account has not been signed in to for more than 2 years, it may have been deleted and can no longer be reopened or recovered.
If it was used within that period, the supported recovery path is:
- Start with the Sign-in Helper tool, which checks the account details and guides the next steps.
- If the password is forgotten, use Recover your account and enter the email address, phone number, or Skype name tied to the account.
- If the recovery form was rejected, submit it again with more exact details. Microsoft reviews the answers and responds within 24 hours.
- Improve the recovery form by providing as much account history as possible, such as:
- exact email subject lines
- contacts that were emailed
- older passwords that may have been used
- country-specific domain details such as
@outlook.co.ukif applicable
- Use a working email account for recovery updates.
Important limits:
- If two-step verification was turned on and none of the alternate verification methods are accessible, the account cannot be recovered through support.
- Support agents are not allowed to send password reset links or change account details.
- If the username is no longer recognized and the message says "We couldn't find an account with that username", use the Sign-in Helper tool. If it still is not recognized, contact support and state that the username has stopped working.
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