Managing personal Outlook.com account settings, security, and privacy
Use this recovery path:
- Start with the Sign-in Helper and enter any email address, phone number, or sign-in detail that might have been used with the account. This is the first recommended step for Microsoft account sign-in problems: Sign-in Helper.
- If the account email was forgotten, try the username lookup using a security phone number or alternate email address: Search. If successful, Microsoft shows a hint such as
j*******@outlook.com. - If no security info was set up or the username lookup does not work, check devices or services where the account was previously signed in:
- Windows 10/11: Start > Settings > Accounts > Email & app accounts
- Office apps: File > Account and look for Belongs to
- Check email inboxes for Microsoft receipts or messages
- For Xbox, review the Xbox account email walkthrough if the gamertag is known.
- Once the username/email is found, reset the password from Reset password: Recover your account or Reset password.
- Choose where to receive the security code
- Select Next
- Enter the code
- Set a new password
- If the password reset options are not recognized or there is no access to the verification methods, use the account recovery form: Account recovery form.
- Complete it from a device and location previously used for that account if possible
- A working email address is required so Microsoft can reply
- Microsoft reviews the answers and responds within 24 hours
Important limits:
- If two-step verification was turned on and there is no access to any alternate verification method, the account cannot be recovered through support.
- Microsoft support agents cannot send password reset links or change account details.
- If the username still cannot be found or sign-in continues to fail, use Contact support: Contact support or Contact Microsoft Support.
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