Microsoft accounts

Microsoft does not provide one page listing every account you may own, so use the username lookup and then check devices and Microsoft 365 apps for other account names.

1. Look up accounts linked to your recovery details

Open Microsoft’s Forgotten username page and:

1. Enter a phone number or alternate email address previously added as security information.
2. Request and enter the security code.
3. Microsoft will display a partially masked username, such as j*******@outlook.com.
4. Repeat this with every phone number and alternate email address you may have used.

One phone number or recovery email can be associated with more than one Microsoft account, so note every username hint displayed. ^1^

2. Check accounts already connected to your devices

Look in these locations and record each distinct email address:

• Windows 10/11: Start → Settings → Accounts → Email & accounts
• Word or Excel: File → Account → Product Information → Belongs to
• Email inboxes: Search for Microsoft purchase receipts, subscription confirmations, Xbox purchases, or renewal notices.
• Xbox: Check the Microsoft email address connected to your gamertag.

Microsoft documents these as the places to find usernames when security-information lookup does not identify them. ^2^

For Microsoft 365 billing, sign in to the Microsoft account dashboard with each discovered personal account and check which one holds the subscription. [^3^](https://support.microsoft.com/accounts-billing/subscriptions/[Subscription ID] "Microsoft 365 for home")

3. Separate personal and organizational accounts

The same-looking email address can be associated with different account types:

• A personal Microsoft account is used for services such as Microsoft 365 Personal or Family, Outlook.com, OneDrive, Microsoft Store, and Xbox.
• A work or school account is created and managed by an organization.

These identities are separate and their account information is not synchronized. If a sign-in screen asks which account type to use, check both where applicable. ^4^

If an account is found but cannot be accessed

Use the Microsoft account sign-in helper with that email address or phone number. It checks the supplied account details and provides the applicable recovery action. ^5^

Do not post email addresses, phone numbers, or account-recovery details in a public forum.

References

1. Forgotten your Microsoft account username | Microsoft Support
2. Check products or services where you used your Microsoft account | Microsoft Support
3. [Microsoft 365 for home](https://support.microsoft.com/accounts-billing/subscriptions/[Subscription ID])
4. What's the difference between a Microsoft account and a work or school account? | Microsoft Support
5. Microsoft account sign-in helper | Microsoft Support