Use the Microsoft sign-in helper tool first. It asks for the email address or phone number for the account and either provides self-help steps or offers the chance to talk to an agent.
Recommended recovery path:
- If the PC used with that account may be compromised, run a full antivirus scan before changing anything.
- Open Virus and threat protection
- Select Scan options > Full scan > Scan now
- Try to reset the password.
- If the password no longer works, use Forgot my password on the sign-in page.
- If prompted, select I think someone else is using my Microsoft account and follow the recovery steps.
- Use the sign-in helper tool if the email or password was changed.
- It can identify account problems and guide the next steps.
- If access is restored, immediately review and fix account settings that may have been changed:
- connected accounts
- forwarding
- automatic replies
- Then change the password again to a strong one and review recent sign-in activity on Security basics.
- If the account is temporarily blocked because of unusual sign-in activity, unblock it by resetting the password.
Important limits:
- Microsoft support agents cannot send password reset links or access and change account details.
- If standard recovery steps do not work, use the support contact flow for technical support.
Helpful entry points from Microsoft Support:
References:
- How to recover a hacked or compromised Microsoft account | Microsoft Support
- I can't sign in to my Microsoft account | Microsoft Support
- What happens if there's an unusual sign-in to your account | Microsoft Support
- Unblock my Outlook.com account | Microsoft Support
- Change or reset your Microsoft account password in Windows | Microsoft Support
- How to help keep your Microsoft account secure | Microsoft Support